Introduction to a Fulfilling Career in Social Work at Aurora University
Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives and communities? A career in social work offers a powerful path to do just that. At Aurora University, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program provides a robust and fully accredited foundation for students eager to enter this rewarding profession. This comprehensive four-year program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, values, and skills needed for effective social work practice, while also paving the way for advanced studies, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Aurora University’s BSW program is strategically structured to prepare graduates for diverse roles in social services and is recognized for its commitment to developing competent, ethical, and compassionate social work professionals. Whether you envision yourself working directly with individuals, families, groups, or communities, this program will provide you with a versatile skill set applicable across various fields. For students considering advanced education, the BSW degree from Aurora University also offers a significant advantage, with graduates being eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs, including Aurora University’s own esteemed MSW program. This pathway can significantly shorten the time to achieve a master’s level degree, enhancing career prospects and specialization opportunities. While this article details the BSW program, understanding its structure is the first step for anyone considering a learning plan that could eventually lead to an MSW. Think of the BSW curriculum as the foundational “sample learning plan” for a future MSW, especially at Aurora University, where advanced standing options are readily available for high-achieving BSW graduates transitioning into the MSW program.
Program Overview: Your BSW Journey at Aurora University
Aurora University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the recognized standard for social work education. This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards, providing graduates with a degree that is respected and recognized nationwide.
The BSW program is a four-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice. It is offered at both the main Aurora campus and the University Center location, providing flexible access for students in different areas. Recognizing the diverse needs of today’s students, the program is also available in both traditional on-campus and AU Online formats, catering to various learning preferences and schedules.
The curriculum is meticulously crafted to build upon a strong liberal arts foundation during the first two years, followed by a focused professional social work orientation in the junior and senior years. This structure allows for flexibility, enabling students to transfer into or out of the program during the initial years without academic setback. The BSW degree curriculum encompasses general liberal arts and sciences, supportive liberal arts requirements specifically tailored for social work, and the core social work curriculum, which crucially includes a field work component.
A key objective of the program is to foster a deep understanding of how individuals interact within their environments and to cultivate professional relationships that promote growth and positive change. Students are challenged to develop a profound appreciation for human diversity and learn to practice effective social work with vulnerable populations, especially those facing social and economic injustices. Throughout the program, there’s a strong emphasis on developing interpersonal effectiveness and self-awareness, crucial attributes for competent social work professionals.
Graduates with a BSW degree from Aurora University find themselves well-prepared for a broad spectrum of career opportunities within social services. These roles span across private and public agencies, operating at micro (individual), mezzo (group/family), and macro (community/organizational) levels of social work practice. Career paths include general social services, specialized areas like addictions and rehabilitation, child and family welfare, youth and geriatric services, juvenile justice, shelter services, and refugee resettlement programs.
BSW Generalist Curriculum: Building a Versatile Skill Set
The BSW program at Aurora University centers on a generalist practice model. This approach equips students with a broad understanding of social work principles and interventions applicable across various settings and populations. Students learn to analyze problems from an ecological perspective, considering the complex interactions between individuals and their environments. The program emphasizes developing intervention strategies that are preventive, strength-based, and aimed at promoting healing and empowerment.
The social work curriculum is thoughtfully integrated, combining knowledge, values, and skills essential for foundational social work practice. Key components include:
- Values and Ethics: Understanding and applying social work ethical principles and values in practice.
- Diversity: Recognizing and respecting diversity in its various forms and practicing culturally competent social work.
- Social and Economic Justice: Advocating for social and economic justice and understanding the impact of oppression and discrimination.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Studying human development across the lifespan and the influence of social environments on behavior and well-being.
- Social Welfare: Examining social welfare policies, programs, and services and their role in addressing social needs.
- Social Work Practice: Developing core social work practice skills applicable to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Research: Understanding research methods and utilizing evidence-based practices in social work.
- Field Education: Gaining practical experience through supervised field placements in social service agencies.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates are well-rounded and prepared to address a wide range of social issues and client needs.
Field Instruction: Experiential Learning in Social Work
Field instruction is a cornerstone of the BSW curriculum at Aurora University. It provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in real-world social work settings. Each BSW student is placed in a field work agency under the supervision of a qualified and approved field instructor who holds an advanced degree in social work.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 450 clock hours of field work over two academic semesters, typically amounting to 15 hours per week. This immersive experience is structured around two sequential courses: SWK-4210 Field Instruction I and SWK-4220 Field Instruction II, which are taken concurrently with related coursework. To enhance the learning experience, all BSW field students participate in weekly field seminars. These seminars provide a platform for students to discuss their field experiences, share insights, and learn from peers and their Field Liaison/Course Instructor.
For students pursuing specialized tracks within the BSW program, field placement is strategically aligned. Students in the Addictions Track, for example, must complete their field placement in an agency specializing in addictions services. The Addictions Track also requires a minimum of 500 field work hours, an additional 50 hours compared to the general BSW field work requirement. To ensure readiness for an addiction-focused placement, students are advised to complete the first two courses in the Addictions Track and consult with the Addictions Track Coordinator.
Aurora University maintains partnerships with a diverse array of field practice settings, reflecting the broad spectrum of social service agencies and career opportunities available in social work. These settings offer students exposure to various fields of service and client populations, preparing them for their future careers. Complementing the field experience, a series of theory and practice-related courses are integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for and maximize their learning from the field placement.
Specialized Tracks: Tailoring Your BSW Education
Aurora University offers specialized tracks within the BSW program, allowing students to deepen their knowledge and skills in specific areas of social work practice. These tracks provide focused coursework and field placement opportunities to enhance career preparation in chosen specializations. Currently, Aurora University offers two distinct tracks: Addictions and Child Welfare.
Addictions Track
The Addictions Track is designed for students passionate about addressing substance abuse and addiction issues. Students in this track complete three specialized courses in addiction studies, in addition to fulfilling their BSW field placement requirement within an addictions-approved agency. The track requires a total of 500 field work hours, including the standard 450 hours plus an additional 50 hours focused on addictions. A grade of “B” or better is required in each track course to count towards the specialization.
Addictions Track Course List:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK-2050 | Drugs and Human Behavior: Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment | 4 |
| SWK-3750 | Addictions Counseling I | 4 |
| SWK-4700 | Addictions Counseling II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Upon successful completion of the Addictions Track, students become eligible to sit for the Illinois Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) examination for state licensure. The School of Social Work at Aurora University holds advanced accreditation from the Illinois Certification Board (ICB), allowing graduates of this track to sit for the CADC exam at the advanced level.
Furthermore, coursework is available to assist students in obtaining the Board registered Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders (CODP I) certificate. Enrollment in the SWK-5600 Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders (CODP I) course requires consultation with the Addictions Track Coordinator. It is important to note that while this course is valuable, obtaining the CADC certification is a prerequisite for meeting the CODP I registration educational requirements. Completing the course alone without CADC certification does not qualify for CODP I registration.
Child Welfare Track
The Child Welfare Track is tailored for BSW students who aim to specialize in child welfare services, focusing on child safety and family preservation. This track prepares students to work with vulnerable children and families, addressing issues of child abuse and neglect, family crises, and the importance of both family preservation and, when necessary, secure placements for children unable to remain safely at home.
Aurora University has a formal University Partnership Agreement with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), enhancing the program’s focus on child welfare. Through this partnership, students benefit from specialized child welfare-focused classes and internship experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the child welfare profession. Similar to the Addictions Track, a grade of “B” or better is required in each course within the Child Welfare Track to count towards the specialization.
Child Welfare Track Course List:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK-3760 | Effects of Trauma on Children | 4 |
| SWK-4720 | Social Work With Vulnerable Children and Families | 4 |
| SWK-4725 | Child Welfare Services | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
This track provides a holistic understanding of child welfare, encompassing all aspects of a child’s environment and family dynamics. Coursework emphasizes child welfare history, practice, and theory, along with specific intervention skills. It also challenges students to critically examine biases and assumptions related to vulnerable populations within the child welfare system.
Benefits of the Child Welfare Track:
- Enhanced Job Opportunities: Specialized knowledge and training in child welfare increase graduates’ marketability in this field.
- Skill Development: Students develop practical skills in applying social work theories to real-world child welfare issues and the juvenile court system.
- CWEL Eligibility: Upon graduation, students are eligible for the Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in Illinois, further enhancing their employment prospects in child welfare agencies.
Career paths for graduates of the Child Welfare Track are diverse, including positions in private child welfare agencies and potentially with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as Child Welfare Specialists. The track also provides a solid foundation for related fields such as clinical trauma-focused work with children and families, court advocacy, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) roles, and post-adoption services.
Flexible Study Options: Full-Time and Part-Time BSW Program
Aurora University understands that students have diverse needs and commitments. To accommodate these, the BSW program can be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis. This flexibility allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations.
Regardless of enrollment status, all required coursework for the BSW degree must be completed within a five-year timeframe from the date of enrollment. It’s important to note that many advanced courses within the BSW curriculum are sequenced and typically begin in the fall semester each year. However, Aurora University provides flexibility in admission, allowing students to begin the BSW program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Prospective students should consult with an academic advisor to plan their course schedule effectively, especially if opting for part-time study.
Advanced Standing for Graduate Work: Fast-Track Your MSW
For students who excel in their undergraduate studies and aspire to further their education with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Aurora University offers an Advanced Standing option. Graduates of Aurora University’s BSW program, as well as those from other CSWE-accredited BSW programs, are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing in Aurora University’s MSW program. Eligibility requires demonstrating excellent scholarship in both coursework and field education during the BSW program.
If granted Advanced Standing, students can receive credit for up to 30 semester hours of MSW coursework based on their BSW degree. Given that the full MSW program at Aurora University comprises 60 semester hours, Advanced Standing can significantly reduce the time and cost required to earn a master’s degree. This accelerated pathway is a significant advantage for BSW graduates aiming for advanced clinical or macro social work practice roles, often requiring an MSW. While a “Sample Msw Learning Plan Aurora University” might seem to start at the MSW level, it’s crucial to recognize that a strong BSW, especially from Aurora University with its advanced standing option, is the crucial first step in a streamlined and efficient path to achieving your MSW and advancing your social work career.
Admission to the BSW Program: Steps to Apply
Formal admission to the School of Social Work is required before students can begin social work coursework at the junior year level (3000-level and above). However, students interested in social work can declare their intention to major in social work during their freshman and sophomore years. During these initial years, students can begin taking introductory 1000- and 2000-level social work courses prior to formal admission into the BSW program.
The formal admission process typically occurs during the fall or spring semester of the sophomore year. Applicants to the BSW program are expected to have completed approximately 60 semester hours of General Education coursework and maintain an overall grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
To apply, students must submit the required program application materials, which can be obtained from the School of Social Work or online through the school’s website. The formal admission process may also include an interview with a BSW faculty member after the application materials have been submitted. Aurora University offers admission to the BSW program for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
A criminal background check is a mandatory part of the program application process, and the cost for this check is incurred by the student. It is important to note that Aurora University and the School of Social Work maintain the right to set academic and professional conduct standards for admission and retention in the social work program that may exceed the general university regulations.
The School of Social Work also reserves the right to make admission and retention decisions based on standards of personal and professional conduct, as social work education involves significant internship experience and preparation for working with vulnerable populations. Student evaluations will consider not only student rights but also the well-being and rights of clients and others they interact with professionally.
Statement of Criminal Background Notification
Aurora University and the School of Social Work explicitly reserve the right to deny admission to the BSW program based on application materials, past academic records, and records of past conduct, including results from national background checks or registration as a sex offender. Detailed regulations regarding this policy are available in the BSW Handbook.
Transfer Credit Policies for BSW Applicants
Aurora University has specific policies regarding transfer credits for students entering the BSW program:
- Experiential Credit: Academic credit for life experience or prior work experience cannot be substituted for any part of the field practicum requirements or any social work courses.
- Transfer Credits from a Community College: Students transferring with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree may be prepared to directly enter the social work curriculum, provided they have completed sufficient General Education coursework that also fulfills social work prerequisite or co-requisite requirements. Students transferring with an applied degree in human services or a related field may have their coursework evaluated for general elective credit. Specific questions regarding transfer procedures should be directed to the Director of Transfer Admission in the Office of Admission.
- Transfer Credits from a CSWE-accredited BSW Program: Social work courses completed within five years prior to a student’s enrollment in Aurora University’s BSW program, and that meet generalist social work requirements, may be considered for substitution with approval from the BSW Program Chair.
Program Requirements: Curriculum and Academic Standards
Supportive Liberal Arts Requirements
To provide a well-rounded education and support the social work foundation coursework, the BSW program at Aurora University requires specific liberal arts courses. These courses provide essential background knowledge in related disciplines.
Supportive Liberal Arts Course List:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY-1100 | General Psychology (or suitable transfer course) | 4 |
| PSC-1300 | Introduction to U.S. Government (or suitable transfer course) | 4 |
| SOC-1100 | Introduction to Society (or suitable transfer course) | 4 |
BSW Social Work Generalist Curriculum
The core of the BSW program is the Social Work Generalist Curriculum, which comprises required courses designed to impart essential knowledge, values, and skills for social work practice.
BSW Social Work Generalist Curriculum Course List:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Generalist Knowledge, Values and Skills Courses | ||
| SWK-2500 | Survey of Contemporary Social Work | 4 |
| SWK-3140 | Social Work with Groups | 4 |
| SWK-3150 | Social Welfare: Institutions and Policy | 4 |
| SWK-3160 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I: Building Professional Social Work Competence | 4 |
| SWK-3170 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment II: Life Course Development | 4 |
| SWK-4010 | Social Work with Communities and Organizations | 4 |
| SWK-4110 | Social Work Practice With Individuals | 4 |
| SWK-4140 | Social Work Practice With Families | 4 |
| SWK-4200 | Research Methods in Social Work | 4 |
| Required Field Instruction | ||
| SWK-4210 | Field Instruction I | 4 |
| SWK-4220 | Field Instruction II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 44 |
Students in the BSW program are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.80 in all social work coursework, in addition to an overall GPA of 2.5. Detailed regulations regarding academic performance are outlined in the BSW Handbook. Note that SWK-4210 Field Instruction I and SWK-4110 Social Work Practice With Individuals are taken concurrently.
Optional Coursework: Tracks and Electives
In addition to the core curriculum, students have the option to further specialize their studies through tracks and social work electives.
Track in Addictions (Optional):
(Requires a grade of “B” or better to count towards the track)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK-2050 | Drugs and Human Behavior: Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment | 4 |
| SWK-3750 | Addictions Counseling I | 4 |
| SWK-4700 | Addictions Counseling II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Track in Child Welfare (Optional):
(Requires a grade of “B” or better to count towards the track)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK-3760 | Effects of Trauma on Children | 4 |
| SWK-4720 | Social Work With Vulnerable Children and Families | 4 |
| SWK-4725 | Child Welfare Services | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Social Work Electives (Optional):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK-2050 | Drugs and Human Behavior: Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment | 4 |
| SWK-2150 | Violence in America | 4 |
| SWK-3760 | Effects of Trauma on Children | 4 |
| SWK-3810-9 | Selected Topics in Social Work | 4 |
| SWK-4810-9 | Selected Topics in Social Work | 4 |
| SWK-4710 | Expressive Therapies for Children | 4 |
| SWK-4720 | Social Work With Vulnerable Children and Families | 4 |
| SWK-4725 | Child Welfare Services | 4 |
Undergraduate Degree Requirements (Aurora University General)
To graduate with a baccalaureate degree from Aurora University, students must meet the following general university requirements in addition to the specific BSW program requirements:
- Complete all requirements for an approved major, with no grades lower than “C” in major courses.
- Achieve overall completion of at least 120 semester hours of coursework with a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. This must include:
- At least 52 semester hours completed at a senior college.
- Residency Requirement: At least 30 semester hours completed at Aurora University, including the last 24 semester hours of the degree, and at least 18 semester hours in the major.
- Upper-Division Requirement: A minimum of 30 semester hours numbered 3000 or above, with 15 of these in the major and 15 completed at Aurora University.
- Complete all General Education requirements with no grades lower than “C”.
Criteria for Academic and Personal/Professional Performance
The BSW program at Aurora University has specific criteria for academic and personal/professional performance to ensure students are meeting the rigorous standards of social work education and practice.
Criteria for Academic Performance:
- BSW students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the three prerequisite liberal arts General Education supportive courses.
- Students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.80 in all social work coursework.
- Detailed academic performance regulations are available in the BSW Handbook.
Criteria for Personal/Professional Performance:
- Students in the BSW program are evaluated on standards of personal and professional behavior, adherence to ethical standards, and may be subject to dismissal from the program based on certain civil and criminal records.
- Full regulations regarding personal and professional performance are detailed in the BSW Handbook.
Leave of Absence Policy
Students who need to take a leave of absence from the BSW program for more than one term (excluding Summer Session) must formally request a leave of absence through WebAdvisor. BSW students are required to consult with the BSW Program Director prior to submitting a leave of absence request. The maximum duration for a leave of absence is four terms or two years. Students who do not meet these conditions will be considered to have withdrawn from the program and must reapply for admission to continue.
Learning Outcomes: What You Will Achieve
Upon completion of the BSW program at Aurora University, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior: Apply social work ethics and professional standards in all practice settings.
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice: Understand and engage with diversity and difference in social work practice, promoting inclusivity and cultural competence.
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice: Advocate for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, addressing systemic inequalities.
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice: Utilize research to inform practice and apply practice insights to research, promoting evidence-based social work.
- Engage in Policy Practice: Understand and engage in policy practice to advance social well-being and justice.
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Effectively engage with diverse client systems at all levels of practice.
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Conduct comprehensive assessments of client systems to inform intervention strategies.
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Develop and implement effective interventions tailored to client needs and contexts.
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice interventions to ensure positive outcomes and continuous improvement.
Conclusion: Your Future in Social Work Starts Here
Aurora University’s Bachelor of Social Work program offers a comprehensive and accredited pathway to a fulfilling career in social work. With its strong generalist curriculum, specialized tracks in high-demand areas like addictions and child welfare, and a significant emphasis on field education, the program is designed to prepare graduates to be effective, ethical, and compassionate social work professionals. The option for advanced standing in Aurora’s MSW program further enhances the value of the BSW degree, providing a streamlined route for students seeking advanced practice roles. Choosing Aurora University for your BSW degree is a strategic step towards making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, and building a successful and rewarding career in social work.
