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 BSW 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

Goal 6: Biblical Worldview and Psychology

• Apply the five themes of a Biblical perspective on human nature to psychology content
• Interpret Lutheran vocation in the context of using psychology knowledge for Christian service

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

Plan

Please see your advisor for more information.

Admission to Senior Status in Psychology:

The following criteria have been established for students to be admitted to Senior Status in the Psychology program. (Application is generally made in the second semester of the junior year.)

1. Successful completion of 90 semester hours of credit
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 
3. GPA of 2.75 for Psychology coursework     
4. Completion of professional portfolio 
5. Completion of application interview 

Placement into clinical or professional practicum settings requires a student be knowledgeable, confident, and demonstrate the highest potential for success. Enrollment in the Psychology Practicum, Research Proposal, and Senior Seminar requires a student to be well-grounded in psychological theory/practice and capable of conducting research in the field.

Students must meet the requirements above and have no conduct or ethical violations to be granted Senior Status in the Psychology major before they may enroll in Practicum, Research Proposal and Senior Seminar.

Admission to Social Work Upper Division:

Students interested in a BSW degree should have completed SW 1110 Social Work and Social Welfare and SW 1200 Intro to Child Welfare (and received a B- or better). These are introductory social work courses. Additionally, students must have completed MATH 2050 (Statistics I) (and received a C or better). The core curriculum should generally be completed prior to junior year.

Students cannot enroll in upper-division Social Work courses (SW 3000 or SW 4000 level) or begin a field placement until they have completed the application (below) and have been accepted into the upper-division program. Upper-division classes will begin in the fall semester of junior year and will take four semesters to complete.

The following materials will need to be a part of your complete application:

• Application (link below)
• Personal Narrative (link below)
• Submission of Current Academic Transcript and spring class schedule (A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all social work classes) Unofficial transcripts are just fine.  If you are unable to pull those yourself (i.e., due to a hold on your account), you can connect with the social work administrative assistant for assistance.
• Submission of your Current Resume

You can find the application materials using the following links:

Upper Division Application 

Personal Narrative