Bachelor of Social Work

The Social Work profession focuses on issues of equality, social and economic justice while working to strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Here at Concord University, you will develop the knowledge and learn the skills to work in a variety of settings. 

Our professional social work education includes courses on social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations-at-risk, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, and field practicum. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and upon graduation, students are qualified to become licensed social work practitioners.

Concord's Social Work program offers a specialized degree that prepares its graduates for immediate entry into professional social work positions or graduate school. Graduates of our program are well prepared to enter the field. In fact:

• Graduates are either employed in the social work field (most either during or after completion of their internship) or accepted to graduate school.
• Public Service Scholarships are available, and upon graduation provide direct access to jobs with the state-wide Department of Health and Human Resources.
• Students may be eligible for assistantships to work with faculty on research projects.
• Continuous and ongoing contact with community agencies and organizations.
• BSW’s are given special consideration for civil service ranking.
• Graduates are allowed to take the Social Work Licensure Exam.
• Fully Accredited since 1974 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

Graduates of the social work program are trained as generalist practitioners through a wide range of courses enabling them to work effectively with a variety of issues and people.

Core Courses Include:

• Introduction to Social Work
• Group Dynamics and Interviewing Skills
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Social Policy and Services
• Human Diversity
• Social Work Research Methods
• Field Instruction Internship

Elective Courses Include:

• Health and Human Resources Administration
• Working with Children and Adolescents
• Gerontology and the Field of Aging
• Health Care
• Corrections
• International Social Work Addictions
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Social workers are highly sought after in a wide variety of occupations. Generalist social work practitioners can work in a variety of fields and settings dealing with human behavior. Below are just a few of the many career choices that are possible with a degree in social work.

• Abuse Centers
• Adoption and Foster Care
• Adult and Child Protective Services
• Advocacy Organizations
• Civil Rights and Social Justice Services
• City and County Departments of Social Services
• Community Action Agencies
• Community Planning and Development
• Corporate & Industrial Settings
• Correctional Institutions
• Counseling
• Department of Health and Human Resources
• Developmental Disabilities (Children & Adults)
• Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Programs
• Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employment Counseling
• Family Social Services
• Hospice Programs
• Hospitals (Medical & Psychiatric)
• Human Relations Work
• Juvenile and Adult Probation
• Juvenile Services
• Nursing Homes
• Public Assistance Programs
• Public Housing Authority
• Public Schools
• Rehabilitation and Vocational Services
• Substance Abuse
• Veteran's Affairs

Students are eligible to apply for admission after they have completed the required 18 credit hours of designated courses at Concord (see list below). Application into the Social Work program must be submitted prior to enrolling in Social Work Research Methods, SOWK 370.

Admissions and Retention Committee meetings are held several times throughout each semester. The Admissions Application is to be completed and submitted to the Social Work Department office, room 107 Marsh Hall or you may email your completed application to Ms. Vanessa Howell at vhowell@concord.edu. Students will be notified of a time and date for their interview with the Admissions and Retention Committee, which consists of all full-time social work faculty. It is necessary that students attend their scheduled interview session once registered to do so. Failure to comply may result in the delay of admission to the Social Work program.

Prerequisite Required Courses

• English 101
• English 102
• Psychology 101
• Sociology 101
• Social Work 161
• Social Work 229

Students who plan to pursue their graduate degree in social work, Master of Social Work (MSW), may complete both their BSW and MSW program in five (5) years by applying to the 5 year plan. Under the 5 year plan, students apply for admission to the MSW program when they apply for admission to the BSW program. Thus, positioning the student for completion of both the BSW and MSW in five years. Letters of reference submitted for admission to the BSW program will also be used for admission to the MSW program. Hence, letters of reference are submitted only once for students under the 5 Year plan. Similarly, the graduate application fee is waived for students under the 5 year plan. GPA and ethical standards must be maintained throughout the first four years of the program for admission to the MSW program under the 5 year plan.

BSW/MSW (5 Year) Application Requirements

• Complete and submit BSW Application
• Completed the following classes and have 2.0 in the courses listed below with a 2.5 GPA required in the two SOWK classes. (no grade less than "C" can be accepted for SOWK 161 and 229)
  • English 101
  • English 102
  • Psychology 101
  • Sociology 101
  • SOWK 161 
  • SOWK 229
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Two Academic (one can be from a social work faculty member)
• One Professional (Exclude letters from Friends, relatives, and class mates)
• Biographical Reflection
  • Describe your basic belief system, career goals, and the things which have contributed to your decision to pursue a study in social work. 
  • What are your perceptions regarding a social issue?
  • What is your perceptions of social and economic justice in rural settings?
  • Why are you pursuing the MSW Degree?
• Complete the Letter of Intent/Acceptance for the MSW Program when you start BSW field.

Students following the 5 year plan can be admitted directly to the MSW program. During the Student's last semester in the BSW program, the student under the 5 year plan, submits the Notice to Continue to the MSW Program. 

BSW Application Requirements

• Complete and submit BSW Application
• Completed the following classes and have 2.0 in the courses listed below with a 2.5 GPA required in the two SOWK classes. (no grade less than "C" can be accepted for SOWK 161 and 229)
  • English 101
  • English 102
  • Psychology 101
  • Sociology 101
  • SOWK 161 
  • SOWK 229
• Three letters of recommendation 
• One Academic (other than social work faculty)
• Two Professional (Exclude letters from Friends, relatives, and class mates)
• Biographical Reflection - Describe your basic belief system, career goals, and the things which have contributed to your decision to pursue a study in social work. 

If you are interested in the Applying to the Bachelor of Social Work program, please apply online or download and complete the PDF application.

CSWO Fall 2020 Officers

President ​Madyson Kennedy Secretary Destiny Clemins SGA Representative Madyson Kennedy

Vice President ​Madison Berg Treasurer ​Shara Morris Historian Sarah Smith

Once you are admitted into the Social Work program, you are invited to become a member of the Concord University Social Work Organization (CSWO). CSWO combines fun and fellowship with service and governance. CSWO is a service based organization that strives to 'be the change' and seeks members who have a passion to help our community, our college, and our nation.

This student organization was formed in 1975 and has been officially recognized as a Campus organization since 1976. The primary purpose of the organization is to give the students an opportunity to organize on their behalf.

There are many opportunities to become involved in the CSWO. Leadership positions and committee memberships are always encouraged. Some ways the students in this organization participate include:

• Serving on the Curriculum Committee, which acts in an advisory capacity in the Social Work Department
• Participating in service projects and fundraisers
• Attending conferences together
• Playing a role in governance of the campus community by working with the Student Government Organization

For meeting dates and times, visit the CSWO Facebook page.

Adviser
Dr. Joan Pendergast
304-384-5289
jpendergast@concord.edu

Concord Social Work Organization By-Laws (PDF)
Concord Social Work Organization Core Competencies (PDF)

BSW Program Brochure (PDF)

BSW Sample Curriculum - Athens (PDF)

BSW Sample Curriculum - Beckley (PDF)

Computer Requirements (PDF)

BSW Progression Sheet (PDF)

BSW Student Handbook (PDF)

Concord Social Work Organization (PDF)

Prerequisite Exception Request Form (PDF)

Research Agenda Inquiry Form (PDF)

Each year the Outstanding Social Work Graduate of the Year is awarded to the graduating Social Work student achieving the highest standard of academic excellence. The Outstanding Social Work Graduate of the Year not only has the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) of all graduates, but also exhibits superiority in the areas of service to others, community involvement and leadership.
 

2018 Maria Harer Social Work & Sociology Major	2019 Hannah Barker Social Work Major
2017 Michelle Shrewsberry Magna Cum Laude • Social Work Major	2016 Katie Ratcliffe Summa Cum Laude • Social Work Major
2015 Savannah Halverson Magna Cum Laude • Social Work Major & Minor in Psychology 2013 Britany Hopkins 2011 Rebecca Gouty 2009 Nola Gum 2007 Jennifer Crowe 2005 Lucretia O'Dell ​2003 Gloria Beverage & Jennifer Justice 2001 Chedella M. Ware 1999 Patricia Lynn Good	2014 Amanda Pendry Summa Cum Laude • Social Work & Psychology Double Major 2012 Ann Reed 2010 Kaitlyn Begg & Chasity Owen 2008 Marsha Edwards 2006 Jessica Kennedy 2004 Carol Jackson 2002 Ruschelle Smiroldo ​2000 Erin R. Luzader