The Marilyn Younger Conley School of Social Work at Brescia University presents a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W) degree program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our B.S.W. equips students with the skills, knowledge, and values essential for generalist social work practice and aligned with the 2022 CSWE Competencies. The B.S.W. degree is offered in both in-person and online formats, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students from any location aspiring to make a difference with a career in social work.
Social Work is a profession dedicated to addressing social issues and enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society. Our B.S.W. program supports Brescia University’s mission by placing strong emphasis on student-centered learning, an ethics of care, and an appreciation of all peoples.
Students in Brescia’s B.S.W. program can also explore opportunities to serve in child welfare through the CW Prep program and continue their education in Brescia University’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program. With a B.S.W. from Brescia, students are eligible for a B.S.W. level state licensure exam and can pursue graduate studies in social work with advanced standing.
Graduates of Brescia University with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to receive preferential acceptance. Students who have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in their major (and for BSW graduates, a grade of “A” in SW 406 Field II) may be automatically admitted into the Master of Social Work Program.
Admission Procedures for Social Work: The Social Work Program has an admission procedure designed to attract and screen those students who have the knowledge base, attitudes, and values that will make effective social workers.
Application Procedure: The following courses must be completed prior to making a formal application for admission to the program:
- Bio 100 Introduction to Biology [Transfer students may substitute a Human Biology or Human Anatomy and Physiology 1, 2, or 3 course (with or without a lab) from a regionally-accredited institution.]
- Psy 105 Introduction to Psychology
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After completing the prerequisites, students make a formal application to the program, using application forms available online. As part of the application for admission process, students submit an autobiographical video and essay responses that may include motivations for becoming a social worker; career goals; relevant work, volunteer, and life experiences; and strengths and weaknesses for social work practice. CREDIT FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IS NOT PERMITTED.
SW 280: Introduction to Social Work
Introduces students to the social work profession and its value, skill, and knowledge bases.
SW 301: Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Presents a social systems framework with a focus on individual and family systems. Emphasizes integration of social and behavioral theories.
SW 302: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
A continuation of SW 301. Focus is on human behavior in the social environment, with an emphasis on groups, organizations, and communities from a social systems perspective.
SW 304: Social Work Practice I
Introduction to knowledge, principles, values, and skills for generalist social work practice.
SW 305: Field Practicum I/Seminar
A generalist base for social work practice that involves an on-site field agency practicum and a weekly seminar that focuses on continuing skill building for generalist social work practice. Integrates classroom learning with learning taking place during the field practicum.
SW 306: Social Work Practice II
Practice II continues the development of knowledge, values, and skills for generalist social work practice, with the focus at the group level. .
SW 308: Social Work Practice III
This course continues the development of knowledge, values, and skills for generalist social work practice. The focus, however, is on generalist practice at organizational and community levels using a social systems approach.
SW 401: Social Welfare Policy
Includes current issues and problems of social welfare policy and programs within a historical context.
SW 405: Research Methods
This course is an introduction to the logic and the techniques of research in social science. The emphasis will be on measurement, sampling techniques, research design, and data analysis.
SW 406: Field Practicum II/Seminar
On-site field agency practicum integrating generalist social work knowledge, values and skills. Classroom seminar provides an opportunity for all seminar practicum students to integrate learning with practice experience.
SW 410: Research and Statistics
In this course, the student will learn to analyze, understand, and present data using the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The basics of statistical analysis will be introduced. Students will become informed consumers of published social work research and will develop competence in conducting basic research analysis.
Bio 100: Introduction to Biology
Basic principles of biological science with special emphasis on human biology. Selected topics of current interest and laboratory experiences are included. NOT OPEN TO BIOLOGY MAJORS.
Pls 201: American Government
Introduction to the government and political system of the United States, including a study of the values and principles of the U.S. federal system of government, the role of public opinion, the media, voter participation, political parties and interest groups, the institutions of government, and selected issues of public policy.
Psy 105 Introduction to Psychology
A survey of the main fields of psychology: the history and methods of psychology, the nervous and endocrine systems, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, higher cognitive processes, developmental psychology, motivation, emotion, stress, personality theory, sexuality, intelligence, psychological testing, abnormal psychology, psychotherapy, social psychology, and applied psychology.
Soc 204: Principles of Sociology
An introduction to the major concepts and principles relating to the study of society, social institutions, and social interaction.
Jennifer Alsman
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Susan Howard
Associate Professor of Social Work / Sociology
LeAnn Howell
Professor of Social Work
Rob Moskos
Assistant Professor of Social Work and BSW Program Director
Tim Nugent
Associate Professor Social Work
Lisa Reece
Associate Professor of Social Work and MSW Program Director
Brooke Staples
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Elaine Wright
Professor of Social Work - Chair of the Marilyn Younger Conley School of Social Work
