爱荷华大学

Learning Outcomes

The specific mission of the B.A. program in social work is to prepare culturally aware generalist social workers whose practice is consistent with social work values and ethics, including a commitment to social justice and social change. The program's goals are to:

prepare students for culturally competent generalist social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities;
provide students with a base for continuing graduate education in social work and for lifelong learning; and
prepare students for active engagement with issues of social justice, oppression, and social welfare in local, state, regional, national, and global goals.

The program draws on a liberal arts perspective; social and behavioral science theory; social research; social policy development, analysis, and implementation; culturally competent intervention and prevention approaches in working with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities; social integration; multiple systems assessment and evaluation; and knowledge pertaining to diversity.

Knowledge and practice in social work values and ethics is also an integral part of students' education. Knowledge and skill related to the evaluation of practice are integrated throughout the curriculum, beginning in SSW:1022 Social Justice and Social Welfare in the United States, continuing through practice and research courses, and culminating in the field experience and field seminar.

Overview

The undergraduate program in social work has been accredited continuously by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974 and is designed to be consistent with the council's 2015 Educational Policy Statement competencies.

Consistent with CSWE standards, the program views dimensions of diversity as intersections of multiple factors, including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender-identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Students learn that, as a consequence of difference, a person's life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in social work requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 60-64 s.h. of work for the major (a minimum of 35-38 s.h. in social work courses, 13-14 s.h. in cognate areas, 6 s.h. in one other department or in social work courses, and 6 s.h. in social work electives). Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all UI courses and a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 in social work courses for the major.

The social work major prepares students for employment in social service areas such as public welfare, child welfare, human service organizations, mental health, health providers (such as hospitals, hospice, skilled care, substance abuse treatment), senior services, group services, residential treatment for youth and persons with disabilities, and corrections. Many graduates continue with advanced study in social work or related physical and mental health professions.