The Social Work & Psychology double major applies the two disciplines to foster intellectual development and problem solving, and encourages students to serve others within the context of Christian faith. The social work and psychology programs are committed to cultivating multicultural awareness and appreciation for the magnificence of God viewed through human diversity. The program prepares students to pursue graduate study and work in the field of helping professions with a keen understanding of interdisciplinary treatment team approaches.

Social Work Program Core Competencies

• Competency 1:  Demonstrate Ethical & Professional Behavior.
• Competency 2:  Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic & Environmental Justice.
• Competency 3:  Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice.
• Competency 4:  Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice.
• Competency 5:  Engage in Policy Practice.
• Competency 6:  Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
• Competency 7:  Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
• Competency 8:  Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities.
• Competency 9:  Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.

Social Work Program Goals

The goals of the CUW/CUAA Social Work Program are to:

1. Prepare students for professional generalist practice.
2. Prepare students who have developed the behaviors associated with the nine (9) competencies established by CSWE.
3. Encourage students to draw on the foundations of Christianity in faith, service, and social justice, and to provide leadership in the provision of service and solidarity for all persons, especially marginalized or oppressed groups.
4. Develop students with strong practice skills built on the knowledge base of the profession. 
5. Support students in their understanding of and ability to apply the NASW Code of Ethics when practicing, and in their understanding of the relationship between the code of ethics and Christianity.
6. Prepare students who can apply research and/or evidence-based practice in practice settings, and in evaluating the effectiveness of practice and programs.

Psychology Outcomes

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
• Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
• Describe applications of psychology

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
• Demonstrate psychology information literacy
• Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving
• Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
• Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
• Build and enhance interpersonal relationships
• Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels

Goal 4: Communication

• Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
• Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
• Interact effectively with others

Goal 5: Professional Development

• Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
• Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation
• Refine project-management skills
• Enhance teamwork capacity
• Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

Curriculum

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  For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.

• If prerequisites are met, students may take PSY 3100 Theories of Personality, PSY 3150 Social Psychology and/or SW 3230 during their sophomore year. Students must be on track to complete the core by the end of their sophomore year.
• SW 4100 Field Education I & SW 4100 Field Education I replace PSY 4500 Psychology Practicum
• Two PSY 3000/4000 level electives are needed

Please see your advisor for more information.