School of Social Work

The School of Social Work Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.  The program advances the ideals of economic and social justice, through an enriched curriculum, innovative research and transformative learning. The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Social Work specializes in environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.

Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. Clients is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice.

Activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation. 

Social Work Core Values

The mission of the social work profession is rooted in the National Association of Social Workers core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective:

• service
• social justice
• dignity and worth of the person
• importance of human relationships
• integrity
• competence

Careers in Social Work

Social workers play an important role in helping people manage and overcome social and economic challenges, in addition to advocating for change in their communities. Individuals who have a strong desire to improve the lives of people they encounter on the job often find social work to be a rewarding career. Careers in Social Work include: School Counselor, Case Manager, Child Welfare Social Worker, Therapist, Behavioral Analyst, Hospital Social Worker, Professor, Politician, etc.

Bachelor in Social Work - Admission Requirements

Students may declare Social Work as a pre-major and are eligible for formal admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program sophomore year.

• Completion SOW 201 Career Choice Human Serv Professional
• Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.0 or higher
• Submit a personal statement or video answering the following:
  • Describe your motivation(s) for becoming a social worker.
  • Describe any employment, volunteer, or life experiences that prepared you to pursue social work.
  • What strengths do you bring to professional social work practice?
  • Describe your long-term career goals?

Minor in Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of human development and the intricacies of aging across the lifespan. The program is approved by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education.

• Intro to Gerontology (GNT 101)
• Problems Aging (GNT 102)
• Social Gerontology (GNT 201)
• Aging & Social Policy (GNT 301)
• Transitioning to End of Life (GNT 400)
• Black Aged (GNT 402)

CW PREP

CW PREP is an innovative workforce development program. The goal of CW PREP is profoundly simple - foster an unparalleled pathway for recruiting, supporting and retaining a vibrant, dynamic child welfare workforce.  Are you eligible: Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate social work program. No less than three and no more than four regular semesters before graduation. Minimum 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in social work courses at the time of application.  Valid drivers license.

Benefits:

• $1,300 stipend per semester,
• fully paid in-state tuition for up to four semesters 
• Career placement
• Child Welfare Training

Ada Doss Campbell Memorial Scholarship 

Ada Doss Campbell Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship for Social Work majors. KSU School of Social Work and Dr. Campbell share a common mission to provide financial and mentoring support to KSU students who experienced academic hardship and demonstrates resilience. The parties recognize the desirability and feasibility of establishing a collaborative relationship designed to increase underrepresented populations from diverse backgrounds receiving social work graduate degrees.

Dr. Renee Campbell and her parents made KSU their forever home. While her parents worked and lived on KSU’s campus, Dr. Campbell pursued a degree in Social Work and graduated in 1979.  Her grandmother, Mrs. Ada Doss Campbell died of professional neglect while in the care of Lakeland Asylum, presently known as Central State Hospital in Louisville, KY, in 1930s. Ada deserved better. She was voiceless and mistreated. The black community from Henrietta Lacks to the Tuskegee Experiment is all too familiar with stories of professional neglect like Ada Doss Campbell. 

The Ada Doss Campbell Memorial Scholarship is intended to provide financial and mentoring support to a Social Work student and mother who experienced academic hardship and demonstrates resilience.  The recipient should demonstrate knowledge of Ada Doss Campbell’s legacy.

Phi Alpha Honor Society Scholarships

Student Leadership Award – recognizes outstanding student leadership consistent with the ideals and mission of Phi Alpha. The focus of the application is the student’s leadership, service, impact, and commitment.  The awards are: (1st) $1,000, (2nd) $750, and (3rd) $500. The first place selection will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to receive their award at the Phi Alpha Honor Society International Business Meeting held during the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Students are nominated by their Phi Alpha Chapter Advisor. Students must be active leaders of a Phi Alpha to be nominated.

Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship – recognizes student scholarship, service and leadership. Awards of $3,000. $2,000 and $1,000 are presented each year. The first place winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to present her or his work during the Student Session of the Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors conference held each spring.