Program Applications
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Field Work Manual |
Social work uniquely prepares graduates to work effectively with
individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations.
Social work is a challenging and fulfilling profession that attracts
those with a spark of idealism, a belief in social justice and a love
of working with people.
The roots of the social work profession lie in turn of the century
efforts to meet the needs of people in poverty, neglected children, and
exploited workers. If you've read about Jane Addams, founder of Hull
House; Frances Perkins, first Secretary of Labor; Harry Hopkins, force
behind the Social Security Act; or Whitney Young, civil rights
activist, you've read about social workers. Today social work is a
dynamic, growing profession grounded in the social sciences and liberal
arts as well as its own knowledge and research base.
Social workers are intricately involved in the community, knowing the
people, the services and how things get done. Yet, at the same time,
social workers are keenly aware of the pain of those not in the
mainstream, and are sensitive to the discrepancy between the reality
they see and the dream of an ideal society. Social workers have a
commitment to service. While there are many considerations that enter
into any career decision, the decision to go into social work is
usually based upon the desire to contribute to the greater good of all
humankind.
The social work program at Pacific Lutheran University allowed me the freedom to explore the community I live in. I learned not only how to become a competent social worker, but I learned my individual value within my community. My time at PLU will stand out as one of the best experiences of my academic career as well as a wonderful personal experience.
(Mary Balmer, '93)
| Mental Health Agencies |
Hospitals |
| Nursing Care Centers |
Adoptions |
| Child Protection |
Domestic Violence Shelters |
| Temporary Assistance |
Corrections |
| Community Action |
Juvenile Justice |
| Faith-based Agencies |
Head Start |
| Volunteer Health Agencies |
Accreditation
The BSW program at PLU has been accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education since 1976. This offers students a curriculum that is
up-to-date, passes national review, and allows students with excellent
grades to apply for advanced-standing, one-year MSW programs nationwide.
Reputation and Community Support
PLU's Social Work program is held in high regard by graduate programs
and the local community. A BSW graduate said he was attracted to PLU
because of "the school's strong reputation for providing a
well-grounded education with a focus on ethics. The Social Work program
seemed to keep a good balance between academics and workplace skills."
An advisory council comprised of local social workers guides and
strengthens PLU's social work program. Human services professionals are
invited to participate in senior case presentations, offering their
feedback to students.
Strong Field Program
During your senior year you will complete a minimum of 400 hours of
field practicum. You'll choose a local social service agency that
offers the supervision of an experienced and approved social worker.
This provides you with the opportunity to integrate your classroom
learning with hands on work with clients who benefit from the help you
provide.
Global Emphasis
The social work curriculum is infused with content on other cultures
both in this country and abroad. Students have opportunities for study
abroad as well as field learning in other countries. PLU's Pacific Rim
location and Tacoma's diverse community afford students an opportunity
to experience cultures different from their own on a daily basis.
Faculty-Student Ratio
Small class sizes mean students and faculty have many opportunities for
interaction. Faculty work to create a learning environment where
students learn from one another as well as from professors and social
workers from the community.
The B. A. in Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University is designed to
prepare individuals for entry-level generalist social work practice.
The social work curriculum is based on an integrated, developmental
approach to learning and reflects a national consensus on social work
education.
190 Introduction to Social Work
175 January Term on the Hilltop
250 Social Policy I
245 Human Behavior in the Social Environment
320 Child Welfare: A Global Perspective
325 Social, Health, and Educational Services in Tobago
350 Social Policy II
360 Social Work Practice I
375 Social Services in the Community (minors)
387 Special Topics
475 Field Experience I
485 Field Seminar I
460 Social Work Practice II
476 Field Experience II
486 Field Seminar II
465 Social Work Practice III
499 Senior Capstone
491 Independent Study
Students preparing to apply to the social work program are advised to
include these courses in their program of study: BIOL 111, ANTH 102,
PSYC 101/190, and SOCI 101/190. Students interested in a survey of
social work and its opportunities are encouraged to take SOCW 101/190,
Introduction to Social Work.
Students may also choose an 18 credit minor in social work which
complements many majors including Psychology, Sociology,
Communications, Nursing, Religion, Global Studies and others.
For more information on the Social Work program at PLU please contact us in one of the following ways:
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003