Social Work, Comprehensive Major

Liberal Arts (Code 460-051)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Human Sciences Requirements

Program and Degree Requirements

Specific requirements for some human science degrees are published in conjunction with the Catalog description of the major leading to the degree, with specific courses required in several Liberal Education outcomes.

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Education and Human Sciences

Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science from a human sciences department must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.(see University Graduation Requirements)

General Information

Placement Tests. The mathematics/foreign language placement tests are given during the orientation periods for new freshmen and transfers. Further information about the foreign language or the mathematics tests is available from the chair of the appropriate department.

Degree Requirements

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

Human Sciences Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All degree candidates must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 or higher in both the major and the second program if one is required. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the second program are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements.  Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must present one of the following:

  • Comprehensive major (at least 60 credits)
  • Standard major (at least 36 credits) plus one of the following:
    • Another standard major (at least 36 credits), or
    • A minor (at least 24 credits), or
    • A certificate (12-18 credits)

No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major or with two majors of 36 credits each.

Certain degree programs which include Comprehensive Majors may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Admission Requirement

The Social Work Program operates under a selective admissions policy. The policy is based on the need to maintain a program of excellence in the classroom and to assure availability of quality internship placements. The Department of Social Work reserves the right to admit a limited number of students each semester. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee a student will be admitted to the major.

Social Work is a professional discipline on the baccalaureate level, and, thus, admissions and retention processes are implemented and strictly followed. Students are evaluated on a regular basis. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Social Work Degree must first be admitted to the Social Work major. Enrollment in selected upper division social work courses is restricted to students who have been formally admitted to the major. This formal application to the major is the first step in meeting requirements for graduation with a B.S.W. degree. A second review of continued eligibility occurs with application for admission to internship (SW 481). Students with any concerns regarding eligibility are urged to consult their academic advisor. Students will be asked to sign a statement that they have read and agreed to abide by the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics. Students may appeal a denial of admission to the major or internship by following procedures outlined in the Social Work Student Handbook or the Social Work Internship Manual, as applicable.

Application Process and Procedures

  1. Students seeking admission are required to complete an application E-form (electronic form) available from the student portal of listed forms. At the point of admission:
    1. Students must have accumulated 30 credits.
    2. The university service learning requirement must have been completed. SW 290 has Service-Learning embedded for all students.
    3. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in the following courses:  SW 100,  SW 290, and PSYC 100. Each course must be completed with a grade of C or above.
    4. A minimum total GPA of 2.5 is required, which includes courses transferred from other colleges and universities.
    5. Students will show knowledge of social work and a commitment to social work values as demonstrated by the submission of a single-spaced essay up to two pages that addresses how your values and experiences have formed your decision to select social work as a major.
    6. Students must be in good academic standing in the semester in which they apply.
    7. Any student who withdraws from the social work major at UW-Eau Claire or who does not take classes at UW-Eau Claire for two or more sequential semesters must reapply for admission into the program. Readmission to program is not guaranteed.
    8. Students may repeat a grade below C in SW 100 and/or SW 290 according to University guidelines. Repeat of course(s) must be completed (not current) for any such courses before application for admission will be processed. 
    9. Completion of University Writing Requirement

Admission to Social Work Internship

Criteria for admission into Internship: The Social Work Field Director will determine eligibility for internships on the basis of the following criteria. A student must have

  1. completed SW 100SW 220SW 290SW 320SW 323SW 335SW 383SW 405, and SW 471 with a grade of C or above. This includes courses that are transferred in as equivalent to any of these courses;
  2. earned a minimum GPA of 2.50 in SW 100 and all courses with an SW prefix;
  3. earned a total GPA of 2.50;
  4. completed a criminal background application within one year of the planned internship;
  5. participated in the Internship Orientation Sessions prior to registration;
  6. been accepted by an agency approved for field instruction by the Department of Social Work;

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 460-051)

Core courses in Social Work

Sixty semester credits, including:
SW 100Introduction to Social Welfare (Meets LE - I1 and R2)3
SW 220Interpersonal Skills3
SW 290Human Rights and Global Justice (Meets LE - R2 and R3 and SL)3
SW 320Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals3
SW 323Methods of Social Work Research (Meets LE - S3)3
SW 335Human Behavior and the Social Environment3
SW 383Social Welfare Policies and Programs3
SW 405Culturally Competent SW Practice3
SW 471Generalist Social Work Practice with Families/Groups3
SW 472Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities/Organizations3
SW 481Social Work Internship (Meets LE - I1)6-12
or SW 482 Social Work Internship - International
Select any elective from the following:3
Community-based Corrections
Aging and the Aged
Death and Bereavement
Self-Care in the Helping Professions
Understanding Trauma
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Child Welfare
Special Topics
Advanced Child Welfare
Additional Requirements:
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology3
Any Sociology course3
Any Political Science course3
Any Economics course3
One course with K3 designation 13
Total Credits54-60
1

This is in addition to the university requirement of two K3 learning experiences

 

NOTE 1:  A maximum of nine credits earned in Directed Studies, Independent Studies and Instructional Assistant may count toward the major.

NOTE 2:  To Graduate with a  Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree, students must have:

     1:  a GPA of 2.5 in SW 100 and in all courses with the SW prefix

     2:  achieve completion of SW 100 and all required SW courses, including transfer courses, with a grade of C or above

NOTE 3:  Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Policy.  No degree credit may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option in SW 100 or any Social Work Department course numbered 200 or higher which is required for the major.

Recommended learning experiences to fulfill LE requirements:
K1 (Natural Sciences)
BIOL 105General Biology3
BIOL 130Human Sexual Biology3
BIOL 151Biology of Humans4
K3 (Humanities)
AIS 101Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures3
AIS 240American Indian History3
AIS 243Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities3
ENGL/WGSS 296Perspectives on Women's Literature3
HIST 205American Women's History3
LANG 160Ojibwe Culture and History3
WGSS 100Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies3
WGSS 210Contemporary Feminisms3
WGSS 215African-American Feminism in the Humanities3
WGSS 260Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theories3
S1 (Written and Oral Communication)
Spanish is recommended and may be used for S1. Non-foreign language S1 courses such as the following may be substituted if desired.
CJ 201Introduction to Interpersonal Communication3
CJ 203Fundamentals of Human Communication3
R1 (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity)
AIS 101Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures3
AIS 240American Indian History3
AIS 243Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities3
ENGL 268Survey of American Ethnic Literature3
ENGL 296Perspectives on Women's Literature3
HUMS 210Voices of Color in America3
PSYC 230Human Development3
PSYC 332Psychology of Adolescence3
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 312Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.3
WGSS 100Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies3
WGSS 111Gender, Race, Class, and Communication: The Social Construction of Identity3
WGSS 205American Women's History3
WGSS 206Perspectives in LGBTQ Studies3
WGSS 215African-American Feminism in the Humanities3
WGSS 260Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theories3
6
Some Social work positions require fluency in a foreign language, and students are encouraged to consider a minor in Spanish

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes: 

  • 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.

Sample Degree Plan

Social Work, Comprehensive Major (B.S.W.)

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
SW 100Introduction to Social Welfare (Required prior to admission - LE-I1 & LE-R2) a3
SECOND SEMESTER
SW 290Human Rights and Global Justice (Required prior to admission - LE-R2, LE-R3, LE-SL) a3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (Required prior to admission) a3
One WRIT course from below is required prior to admission2-5
Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (5 credits, LE-S1)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (5 credits, LE-S1)
or
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (2 credits, LE-S1)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (2 credits, LE-S1)
TOTAL FIRST YEAR30
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER - Apply for Admission to Major
SECOND SEMESTER
SW 220Interpersonal Skills3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
LE Core Elective: Skills 2 (LE-S2) Mathematics - MATH 246 suggested4
SOC - Any Sociology course3
ECON - Any Economics course3
POLS - Any Political Science course3
LE Core Elective: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication - Foreign Language or Communications - 101 level or higher b3-4
LE Core Elective: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
LE Core Elective: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab4
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences3
TOTAL SECOND YEAR30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
SW 335Human Behavior and the Social Environment3
SECOND SEMESTER
SW 320Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals3
SW 323Methods of Social Work Research (LE-S3)3
SW 383Social Welfare Policies and Programs3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
SW Elective - Any Social Work elective c3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities - additional required LE-K3 course for major)3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
SW 471Generalist Social Work Practice with Families/Groups3
SW 405Culturally Competent SW Practice3
SW 472Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities/Organizations3
Electives6
SECOND SEMESTER
Internship:12
Social Work Internship (LE-I1)
or
Social Work Internship - International (LE-I1)
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR30

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

Denotes admission to the major course sequence. Each course must be completed with a grade of C or above. 

b

Spanish is recommended and may be used for LE-S1. Language proficiency is encouraged for career opportunities.

c

Social Work Electives:

SW 309: Community Based Corrections

SW 315: Aging and the Aged

SW 360: Death and Bereavement

SW 377: Self-Care in the Helping Professions

SW 385: Child Welfare

SW 389: Understanding Trauma

SW 490: Mental Health and Substance Abuse

SW 491: Special Topics

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire. 

Required: Students in the Social Work major complete the Service Learning requirement during SW 290 and an internship during their final semester. 


Application to Major 
Application to major is done after 30 credits are earned.  Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following required courses: SW 100, SW 290, and PSYC 100.  Each completed course grade must be a C or higher.  A minimum total GPA of 2.5 is required.  See other criteria in the catalog regarding the admissions process.  Admission is competitive and not guaranteed.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.