Social Work, Comprehensive Major
Liberal Arts (Code 460-051)
University Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE | ||
Credit Requirements | ||
Minimum total for graduation 1 | 120 | |
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher) | 39 | |
Liberal Education Core | 36 | |
Academic Concentrations | ||
Grade Point Requirements 2 | ||
Total | 2.00 average | |
Resident | 2.00 average | |
Major | 2.00 average | |
Minor | 2.00 average | |
Certificate | 2.00 average | |
University Residency Requirements | ||
Minimum total | 30 | |
Senior year | 23 | |
Major, Standard, upper division in residence | 12 | |
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence | 21 | |
Certificate | 25 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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION | Credit Restrictions | |
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory | ||
Total degree credit | maximum 12 | |
Major, Standard | maximum 1 course | |
Major, Comprehensive | maximum 2 courses | |
Minor | maximum 1 course | |
Credit by Examination | ||
Total degree credit | maximum ¼ of total | |
Major or minor | maximum ½ of total | |
Two-Year College Credits | ||
Total degree credit | maximum 72 credits | |
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184) | ||
Total KINS 100-184 | maximum 1 credit | |
Total Band, chorus, drama | maximum 12 credits | |
Single course band, chorus, drama | maximum 4 credits | |
Extension credits | ||
UW-System | no maximum | |
Other extension/correspondence | maximum ¼ of total | |
USAFI | ||
USAFI | maximum 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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS | a minimum of 36 credits | |
Knowledge Goal | ||
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural Sciences | Two (2) learning experiences | |
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2. | ||
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social Sciences | Two (2) learning experiences | |
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2. | ||
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): Humanities | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine Arts | One (1) learning experience | |
Skills Goal | ||
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral Communication | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): Mathematics | One (1) learning experience | |
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): Creativity | One (1) learning experience | |
Responsibility Goal | ||
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global Perspectives | One (1) learning experience | |
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental Issues | One (1) learning experience | |
Integration Goal | ||
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): Integration | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Service-Learning Goal | ||
Service-Learning | 30 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
- 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:
- Students must have accumulated 30 credits.
- The university service learning requirement must have been completed. SW 290 has Service-Learning embedded for all students.
- 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.
- A minimum total GPA of 2.5 is required, which includes courses transferred from other colleges and universities.
- 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.
- Students must be in good academic standing in the semester in which they apply.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- completed SW 100; SW 220, SW 290, SW 320, SW 323, SW 335, SW 383, SW 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;
- earned a minimum GPA of 2.50 in SW 100 and all courses with an SW prefix;
- earned a total GPA of 2.50;
- completed a criminal background application within one year of the planned internship;
- participated in the Internship Orientation Sessions prior to registration;
- 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
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Sixty semester credits, including: | ||
SW 100 | Introduction to Social Welfare (Meets LE - I1 and R2) | 3 |
SW 220 | Interpersonal Skills | 3 |
SW 290 | Human Rights and Global Justice (Meets LE - R2 and R3 and SL) | 3 |
SW 320 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals | 3 |
SW 323 | Methods of Social Work Research (Meets LE - S3) | 3 |
SW 335 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
SW 383 | Social Welfare Policies and Programs | 3 |
SW 405 | Culturally Competent SW Practice | 3 |
SW 471 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Families/Groups | 3 |
SW 472 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities/Organizations | 3 |
SW 481 | Social 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 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Any Sociology course | 3 | |
Any Political Science course | 3 | |
Any Economics course | 3 | |
One course with K3 designation 1 | 3 | |
Total Credits | 54-60 |
- 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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Recommended learning experiences to fulfill LE requirements: | ||
K1 (Natural Sciences) | ||
BIOL 105 | General Biology | 3 |
BIOL 130 | Human Sexual Biology | 3 |
BIOL 151 | Biology of Humans | 4 |
K3 (Humanities) | ||
AIS 101 | Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures | 3 |
AIS 240 | American Indian History | 3 |
AIS 243 | Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities | 3 |
ENGL/WGSS 296 | Perspectives on Women's Literature | 3 |
HIST 205 | American Women's History | 3 |
LANG 160 | Ojibwe Culture and History | 3 |
WGSS 100 | Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
WGSS 210 | Contemporary Feminisms | 3 |
WGSS 215 | African-American Feminism in the Humanities | 3 |
WGSS 260 | Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theories | 3 |
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 201 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
CJ 203 | Fundamentals of Human Communication | 3 |
R1 (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity) | ||
AIS 101 | Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures | 3 |
AIS 240 | American Indian History | 3 |
AIS 243 | Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities | 3 |
ENGL 268 | Survey of American Ethnic Literature | 3 |
ENGL 296 | Perspectives on Women's Literature | 3 |
HUMS 210 | Voices of Color in America | 3 |
PSYC 230 | Human Development | 3 |
PSYC 332 | Psychology of Adolescence | 3 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
SOC 312 | Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. | 3 |
WGSS 100 | Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
WGSS 111 | Gender, Race, Class, and Communication: The Social Construction of Identity | 3 |
WGSS 205 | American Women's History | 3 |
WGSS 206 | Perspectives in LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
WGSS 215 | African-American Feminism in the Humanities | 3 |
WGSS 260 | Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theories | 3 |
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.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
SW 100 | Introduction to Social Welfare (Required prior to admission - LE-I1 & LE-R2) a | 3 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
SW 290 | Human Rights and Global Justice (Required prior to admission - LE-R2, LE-R3, LE-SL) a | 3 |
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR | ||
PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology (Required prior to admission) a | 3 |
One WRIT course from below is required prior to admission | 2-5 | |
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 YEAR | 30 | |
SECOND YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER - Apply for Admission to Major | ||
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
SW 220 | Interpersonal Skills | 3 |
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR | ||
LE Core Elective: Skills 2 (LE-S2) Mathematics - MATH 246 suggested | 4 | |
SOC - Any Sociology course | 3 | |
ECON - Any Economics course | 3 | |
POLS - Any Political Science course | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication - Foreign Language or Communications - 101 level or higher b | 3-4 | |
LE Core Elective: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities | 3 | |
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab | 4 | |
LE Core Elective: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences | 3 | |
TOTAL SECOND YEAR | 30 | |
THIRD YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
SW 335 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
SW 320 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals | 3 |
SW 323 | Methods of Social Work Research (LE-S3) | 3 |
SW 383 | Social Welfare Policies and Programs | 3 |
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR | ||
SW Elective - Any Social Work elective c | 3 | |
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities - additional required LE-K3 course for major) | 3 | |
TOTAL THIRD YEAR | 30 | |
FOURTH YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
SW 471 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Families/Groups | 3 |
SW 405 | Culturally Competent SW Practice | 3 |
SW 472 | Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities/Organizations | 3 |
Electives | 6 | |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
Internship: | 12 | |
Social Work Internship (LE-I1) | ||
or | ||
Social Work Internship - International (LE-I1) | ||
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR | 30 |
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 Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, 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.