Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Social Work

Major

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Why This Program?

Personalize your education to meet your learning and career goals.

As a social worker, you will make change possible by working with individuals, families, groups, and communities to improve their well-being in a variety of ways. Social workers are on the front lines advocating for people and facilitating positive social change.

Prepare for career success: A major in social work at BCU prepares you at the undergraduate level for careers in social work and for graduate social work education. Students are provided opportunities throughout the curriculum to connect with and learn from other degreed social workers. You can also collaborate with other social work students and professional social workers by joining the Social Work Club.
Make a difference: By the time you graduate, you'll have a network of social work colleagues and will go on to advance human rights and social and economic justice; engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research; engage, assess, intervene and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and so much more!
Experience a historically accredited program: The social work program is designed to provide the skills needed to become a professional social worker. BCU's social work program is nationally recognized, because we care about helping social work students foster their skills for changing lives. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974, Briar Cliff University's social work program has been continuously accredited, with the most recent reaffirmation of accreditation in 2018.
Explore: Get hands on experience. Embark on mission trips across the country or internationally to Honduras and Tanzania. You and your peers will spearhead relief efforts and gain insight through culture and adventure. Students looking for experience in practicing social work in an urban setting have the opportunity to complete their practicum in Chicago with Chicago Semester

More About the Program

The major in social work prepares generalist social workers at the undergraduate level for entry-level positions in social work and for graduate social work education. The Briar Cliff University social work program has infused gerontology throughout the curriculum. The BSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974 and has 9 expected educational competencies.

As a result of developing these expected competencies, the social work major will be able to:

demonstrate ethical and professional behavior;
engage diversity and difference in practice;
advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice;
engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice;
engage in policy practice;
engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

The field of social work is growing. With a degree in social work form Briar Cliff, you will join hundreds of BCU grads who are making an impact in all types of industries: schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, private practices, military and more.

Courses

SWRK 130 Introduction to Social Work | 3 semester hours | Spring

Survey of the field of professional social work with particular emphasis on the role of the social worker in addressing racial and ethnic relations and contemporary social problems. Overview of areas of practice employed in social work. The course will include an on-going exploration of the student's values and interest in working with people.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 230 Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 semester hours | Fall

History of social work and introduction to the general method of social work with emphasis on diversity and populations-at-risk. Directed volunteer experience for a total of 24 hours. This is the first required course in the social work sequence.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 275 Study Abroad in Guatemala | 3 semester hours

(MC) This three-week course, offered in January, includes intensive one-on-one Spanish language instruction and service-learning experience with the Asociaciòn Nuestros Ahijados. Students explore cultural, educational, health and social justice issues.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 300 Bereavement | 3 semester hours

This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide students the opportunity to develop a personal and professional framework of grief and bereavement practices as it relates to their own values, professional context, and areas of bereavement practices. This course also explores grief and bereavement issues as it relates to developmental life stages of individuals as well as incorporating interventions to allow a person to grieve in a healthy manner.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK310 Trauma Informed Practice | 3 semester hours

This course will introduce the basic key concepts of trauma informed care in generalist social work practice. Students will gain an understanding of and identify different types of trauma, basic effects of trauma and trauma responses. Students will be given an overview of the fundamental tenets of Trauma Informed Care, the service relationship, secondary trauma affects, and learn to apply a trauma conceptual framework to interventions.

SWRK 320 Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 semester hours | Fall

The course provides content about theories and knowledge of human biological, psychological and social development, and about the range of social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organizations, institutions and communities). Content includes examining the impact of social and economic forces on individuals and social systems as well as values and ethical issues related to biopsychosocial-spiritual theories. Human diversity issues are infused throughout the course.

Prerequisite: SOCY 124, BIOL 102/BIOL 111, SWRK 230, PSYC 110 and 280

SWRK 325 Mental Health and Mental Illness | 3 semester hours

This course will familiarize students with the most common mental health disorders and explore the prevalence of mental health realities in the social work field. This course will acquaint students with mental health resources and issues including legislative advocacy.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 330 Human Sexuality | 3 semester hours

This course is an introduction to human secularity and understanding of sexual orientation, gender, and identity. A biological, psychological and developmental overview of developmental aspects pertaining to sexual behaviors, health and theories related to sexuality will also be discussed. An ethical component will be introduced through different cultural lenses.

SWRK-335 Substance Abuse and Addiction | 3 semester hours

This course will introduce students to one of the country’s most prevalent mental health and healthrelated problems, substance use and addiction. Every population served by helping professionals is affected by substance abuse and addiction in some way. Therefore, helping professionals are likely to directly or indirectly encounter individuals and families affected addiction-related issues. This course will cover the social, legal, political, psychological, biological, spiritual, and ethical factors related to the use, abuse, and treatment of substances and other addictions. Students will be introduced to various intervention models such as stages of change, harm reduction, and the strengths perspective. This course will emphasis the role of a professional helper in the field of addictions treatment through understanding the process of enhancing human well-being and empowering individuals.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 340 Social Science Research Methods | 3 semester hours

(WI) Principles of problem formulation, design, measurement, sampling, data collection and analysis; ethical considerations for research on human subjects. Both qualitative and quantitative research strategies will be covered. Students will design and carry out a research project. Three lectures, one lab per week.

Prerequisite: SOCY 124, MATH 150 or 200, or SOCY 341

SWRK 345 Child Welfare | 3 semester hours

General philosophies, goals and functions of the field of child welfare practice; in-depth analysis of specific child welfare service programs in the context of the overall social service delivery system.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 355 Law: Child Abuse and Neglect | 3 semester hours

This course focuses on the study of the Indian Child Welfare Act and other federal legislation, as well as the impact of federal and state policies on social work with children who have been abused and neglected. The course culminates in a mock trial.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 360 Social Issues and Policy | 3 semester hours | Spring

Analysis of current social policy at all levels within the context of historical and contemporary factors and principles of social and economic justice. Includes the study of political and organizational processes used to influence and formulate policy and the delivery of social services.

Prerequisite: SWRK 230, SWRK 320

SWRK 365 Documentation and Record Keeping in Social Work | 1 semester hour

In social work contexts, clear and comprehensive documentation of all case-related facts and circumstances is essential. Careful and thoughtful information collection ensures that social workers have an adequate foundation for their clinical reasoning and intervention plans. In addition, the data provided in case records may lead to inadequate planning and intervention, critical judgment errors, and poor outcomes for clients. In this one-credit course, students will learn about the history of documentation in social work, the importance of documentation and record keeping, factors that impact documentation and record keeping (managed care, changes in service funding, legal lawsuits, court request for client records, HIPAA, etc.), how to create outcome based treatment plans, types of documentation, documentation of progress notes, and how to use electronic medical records.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK 370 Social Work Practice with Individuals | 3 semester hours | Spring

The course will direct the student in the use of the general method of social work practice as a framework for practice with client systems of varied sizes. Emphasis will be placed on individuals interacting with other systems in their environment. The course and lab include practice of interviewing skills.

Prerequisite: SWRK 230 and 320

SWRK 370L Social Work Practice Skills Lab | 1 semester hour | Spring

This required lab is offered concurrently with Practice I. Students practice interviewing skills with supervision and feedback essential for integration of the knowledge foundation developed in SWRK 370.. Concurrent with SWRK 370

SWRK 375 Social Work Practice with Families and Groups | 3 semester hours | Fall

Within the framework of the general method of social work and interacting with other systems, particular attention is focused on mezzo practice and theory. The class itself is a group lab experience.

Prerequisite: SWRK 230, 320, 370, and 370L

SWRK 380 Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations | 3 semester hours | Fall

The general method of social work practice is applied to working with community and organizations as these interact with smaller systems. Content includes the knowledge, values and skills needed for developing intervention strategies that can be applied to all client systems with special focus on macro practice.

Prerequisite: SWRK 230, 320, 370 and 270L

SWRK 455 Field Experience | 12 semester hours

Field placement in a local agency (450 hrs.) with professional supervision supplemented by conferences, collateral readings, written evaluation and an on-campus weekly seminar. Permission of Director of Field Education required for agency field placement. Prerequisite: all required social work courses except SWRK 380

Prerequisite: All required social work courses

SWRK 465 Gerontology | 3 semester hours

Focuses on the multiple social aspects of aging: gender, sexuality, isolation and loneliness, roles, employment and retirement, dying, death and bereavement, living environments, political aspects, legal aspects, community resources and supports, critical issues in aging, social service delivery systems, social inequalities, cultural aspects and ethical considerations.

Prerequisite: None

SWRK175 Independent Study | 1-4 semester hours each

Student-designed project in a special area. Open to advanced social work students with the permission of the chairperson.

SWRK 01IS Introduction to Field Work | 2 semester hours | Fall

Orientation to field work including a beginning understanding of the community social service network, visiting selected agencies, becoming familiar with agency expectations, interviewing and finalizing field placement.

Prerequisite: SWRK 230, 320, 370, and 370L

Academic Catalog

Online or In-person

In addition to in-person and online undergraduate program, Briar Cliff University Social Work is also offered as an easy transfer degree completion program. An Associate Degree in Human Services, Social Work, General Studies, or a minimum of 62 transferable credits is required for enrollment. To see how your credits stack up, please send us your transcripts for a credit evaluation!

Transfer to Briar Cliff

Concentrations

Our program allows you to create a curriculum based on the practice areas that interest you most. With our BSW concentration options, you can design the focus of your study by choosing from a minor in Interdisciplinary Gerontology or a list of concentrations. The concentrations are a structured plan of specialty study within a major. The minimum number of credit hours for an internal concentration is 12 credit hours in addition to the core courses of the major. Students will also be required to complete their Field Experience Practicum within the area of the concentration. An internal concentration will appear on student’s official transcript.

Concentration options include:

Children, Youth and Families: A concentration in children, youth, and families prepares students for a social work career working with children and families in child welfare and family service agencies
Behavioral Health & Addictions: A concentration in behavioral health & addictions prepares students for practice with individuals across the life span addressing mental health, addictions and co-occurring disorders.
Faith-Based Ministry: This concentration will develop student skills in the area of social work and faith-based service. It’s focus will help students develop their talents while meeting the world’s needs in relations to God and neighbor.
Latino Cultural Competence in Social Work: The goal of the Concentration in Latino Cultural Competence in Social Work is that students develop the cultural and linguistic skills for engaging in culturally grounded practice with Latino clients, and families.

Scholarships

The Department of Social Work offers several scholarships to social work majors. Scholarship decisions are made each spring for the upcoming academic year.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the online BSW program a good fit for your academic needs and preferences?
A: Although the promise of attending class from anywhere at nearly any time can be appealing, the reality is that distance learning and online coursework are not a good match for every student. Distance learning is most effective for students who are highly independent and self-motivated learners, and who require little or no face-to-face interaction with their professor and peers in order to understand and appreciate course material.

If you are an experienced student and learn best on your own (by reading course material, participating in online discussion boards, and synthesizing material from multiple sources), you might be a good candidate for distance learning. If you are an independent learner with a complicated work or family schedule, online courses could be an excellent way to complete college coursework while meeting your other obligations.

Q: What do I need to know about BCU's online BSW Program?
A: Briar Cliff's online BSW is an independent, intensive study with the same competencies, practice behaviors and learning objectives as the on campus program. Students must either have an Associate of Arts degree or 77 college credits to qualify for the online BSW program. In this program:

You will be required to partner with local resources for course assignments.
You will identify volunteers whom you will interview in video-recorded help sessions in your first practice course.
Group coursework requires forming, conducting and video recording your own group sessions.
You will recruit volunteers and mentors to assist you with the social work practice courses.
BCU faculty will work directly with you in weekly personal mentoring, coaching, and assessment online consultations, which you will schedule with your professors for each of your courses.
You will work with BCU?s Director of Field Education in the planning and completion of 450 hours of required field internship a requirement for graduation from BCU.
You will help identify and work with field instructors and the Director of Field Education, working with them in developing an effective learning contract for your field experience, which they will supervise.

Q: Are you better suited for on-campus learning format?
A: If your learning preferences include the following, visit the on-campus Social Work undergraduate social work major page. The face-to-face program includes:

Individual face-to-face contact with students and faculty.
Faculty-facilitated networking with community and professional leaders.
On campus learning format.
Completing your degree in person on a scenic hilltop campus in Sioux City, Iowa.

Q: What are the technological requirements?
A: You will need a computer with a microphone, web camera, and stable Internet connection.

Field Education

Field education is the signature pedagogy of social work education. Social work field education provides an opportunity for students to integrate into practice the conceptual knowledge gained in the classroom and connect it to real social work practice. This means they participate in generalist social work learning opportunities intended to provide experiences across individuals, groups, families, communities, and organization settings.

At Briar Cliff University, students complete an internship placement in a social service agency under the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional social worker called a Field Instructor. This vital interaction is designed to reinforce our students' academic study with real-life experience. It permits testing theory in practice settings and provides students with field experience that is vital for academic and professional development.

The Social Work Department at Briar Cliff University works closely with community agencies and organizations to ensure there is consistent content that complements classroom theory and research with student practice experiences. Our goal is to facilitate the mastery of competencies and practice behaviors that support a future successful social work practice.

Field Manual

COVID-19 Placement Guide

Field Education Forms

Licensure

Briar Cliff University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program (face-to-face and online) is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Completion of the Baccalaureate Social Work (BSW) Program at Briar Cliff University prepares students for professional licensure in Iowa. A determination has not been made of whether the BSW Program at Briar Cliff University meets the licensing requirements for a bachelor's level social work degree outside the state of Iowa. Students who wish to be licensed at the bachelor's level in states outside of Iowa should seek guidance from the licensing entity in which they plan to practice before beginning the social work program at Briar Cliff University, by reviewing e ach state's licensing board.

Career Options

Hospital Social Work
Behavioral Management Aide
Case Manager
Community Outreach Worker
Eligibility Worker
Human Services Specialist
Juvenile Court Liaison
Probation Officer
Rehabilitation Case Worker
Social Services Employee
Child and Family Social Worker
Child Welfare Worker
Counselor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
School Social Worker
Medical Social Worker
Social Work Supervisor
Adoption Home Study Reporter
Therapist Pathway
Psychologist Pathway

Graduate School Options:

Occupational Therapy
Behavior Analysis
Counseling Psychology
Social Psychology
School Psychology Sports Psychology
Masters in Social Work (MSW)

Social Work

Why This Program?

Personalize your education to meet your learning and career goals.

More About the Program

Career Options

Graduate School Options:

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