Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

1. Current enrollment as a student in good standing at Washburn University as defined in the current Washburn University Undergraduate Catalog.
2. Approved Declaration of Major (Pre -BSW) in Social Work .
3. Completion of a minimum of 36 hours of General Education course credits.
4. An overall (cumulative) grade point average of at least 2.5.
   Successful completion (or current enrollment in) S W 100, SW 250, SW 325, and SW 352 at the time of application.
5. Submission of the BSW formal admission survey and the BSW formal admission online application.
6. If requested by the department , completion of an admissions interview with the BSW Program Director, the Social Work Department chair, or a social work faculty designee.
7. If the Admissions Committee has any concerns about an application, references may be required upon written request of the BSW Program Director.

For more information, see the BSW Student Handbook.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The following chart outlines the entire BSW Program, and is for informational purposes only. Please make an appointment with your advisor to create a personal schedule.

Requirements for Major

51 credit hours in the department, including:

Correlated Courses

Four courses, selected from:

General Education Requirements:

Specific requirements to maintain good standing in the BSW program

Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and pass the following classes with a C or better:

• WU 101
• EN 101
• EN 300
• MA 112 or MA 116
• AN 112
• SO 101
• Approved Biology Course
• All Social Work Courses

Social Work Minor

This minor requires completion of 15 credit hours, 9 hours of which are core courses and 6 hours of which are electives. Coursework for the minor is taken for a letter grade and students must earn a minimum grade of C. The Social Work Minor exposes students to core social work competencies. It emphasizes synthesis and application of social work theories, policies, and research in the development of comprehensive solutions to major social problems.

For more information, please refer to the BSW Handbook.

Child Welfare Concentration

As part of the BSW program, students may focus their education in the area of child welfare. This path consists of 9 hours (3 undergraduate electives) along with field placement in a child welfare setting. For more information, visit the Washburn University Catalog - Social Work or refer to the BSW handbook.

Have questions or ready to pursue child welfare, contact Dr. Heather Lassmann.

Healthcare Concentration

Within the BSW program, students may choose to receive specialty training in healthcare social work. The concentration consists of three undergraduate electives (9 hours) plus a field education placement in an approved healthcare setting.

For more information, visit the Healthcare Concentration page, or refer to the BSW Handbook.

Well-suited Minors

Students often minor in several academic areas including:

• Criminal Justice
• Gerontology
• Leadership Studies
• Poverty Studies
• Psychology

The Department of Social Work recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in their academic work with a designation of BSW honors. An honors designation is included in the commencement program and on the student’s academic transcript. BSW students who are eligible for honors must meet all of the following minimum requirements: 

1. Overall cumulative GPA of 3.2 
2. Social work GPA of 3.5 
3. Grade of “A" on a designated SW 354 BSW Seminar assignment, as determined by the Social Work Department and specified on the BSW Honors Application 
4. Favorable recommendation of department

Students should apply for honors during the calendar year in which they intend to graduate. Students must meet the posted minimum GPA requirements both at the time of application and upon completion of all undergraduate coursework.

Washburn University is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Our diversion, equity and inclusion statement is:

Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The profession of social work is rooted in the core value of social justice.  Social workers strive to meet individual and collective human needs within social contexts and to promote social change and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty.  Approaches of cultural humility and reflective practice inform our efforts to learn new ways to be inclusive, embrace diversity, and work toward equity in the world and in our profession.  We believe that anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) are vital to the success of our faculty, students, community partners, and stakeholders, and strive to create learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and honor the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our students.  Specific objectives related to ADEI can be found in the Student Learning Goals and Outcomes listed above and reflect the efforts of CSWE (Council and Social Work Education) and NASW (National Association of Social Workers) to promote equity and inclusion within the profession.

Heather Lassmann, Ph.D., MSW

heather.lassmann@washburn.edu

785-670-2139