Department of Sociology and Social Work

The focus of the major is on understanding how people function in relation to their environment and on developing problem-solving skills. The course of study is based on the generalist approach to social work and seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values consistent with generalist practice in a variety of settings. Specific courses in social work are offered as well as supportive courses in sociology and psychology. Courses in criminal justice, religious studies, women's studies, and African-American studies are highly recommended by the Social Work Program to broaden the student's knowledge and understanding. Practicum courses combine theory with experiential learning. Two field practicum placements provide a minimum of 400 hours of experience in Peoria area agencies, with concurrent seminars to integrate classroom learning with field experience.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM AT BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

The Social Work Program has a well-established history at Bradley University. The Department of Sociology, one of the first established in the nation, has offered courses in social services since 1922. These courses have been taught by professional social workers in the Peoria community. In 1994, the social services concentration became a major under the Sociology Department and a full-time faculty position was established to direct the Social Work Program. A second full-time faculty position was added in 1997. In addition to offering an accredited academic degree in social work, the Program is also actively pursuing professional accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

MISSION OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

The purpose of the Social Work Program is to prepare students for beginning practice in social work and to provide an educational foundation for students planning to pursue graduate study in social work or other helping professions. The program provides a well-rounded academic and practice background in the Generalist Social Work Practice Model.

The goals of the program are:

To provide a liberal arts perspective and a professional foundation base to prepare students for direct services with diverse client systems of various types and sizes.
To prepare students for generalist social work practice.
To enable students to integrate into competent practice the knowledge, values, and skills that is critical to the social work profession.

The educational objectives of the program are to produce graduates who will be able to:

Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity.
Demonstrate the professional use of self.
Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.
Understand the history of the social work profession and its current structures and issues.
Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes.
Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development and behavior, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e. families, groups, organizations, and communities).
Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies.
Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.
Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community.
Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice.
Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change.

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY

Bradley University is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity to employment, programs, activities, and treatment for all job applicants and members of its student body, faculty, and staff. The Social Work Program maintains a non-discrimination policy regarding race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, age, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, or political orientation. Further, Bradley University is committed to provide and promote equal opportunity to all persons through positive, on-going affirmative action efforts.

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

Students may declare a social work major at any time. Majors should possess good relationship skills, emotional stability, and a genuine interest in helping people while respecting their unique characteristics of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, age, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, or political orientation.

Students may apply for formal admission to the Social Work Program and continuation into the professional practice curriculum during the semester they anticipate completing the admission requirements. Acceptance will be based upon fulfillment of the following requirements:

Completion of 56 credit hours (junior standing)
Completion of SW 250 and SW 350 with a grade of "C" or above
Minimum overall GPA of 2.0
Completion of an application including a personal statement and acceptance of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.
Personal interview by faculty to review personal attributes and career goals.

TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM

A student may be placed on program probation or terminated from the program at any time they are found to not meet the admission requirements. Determinations will be made by the Program Admissions Committee who will meet with the student and review the situation. The level of action and future reinstatement will be based on the severity of the requirement violation. The student will be notified in writing of the determination and the student's available options.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Any student, who is dissatisfied with a denied admission, program probation or termination, or other faculty action, may use the University Student Grievance Policy process as described in the Bradley University Student Handbook.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR - PRE 1997-1998 (For students declaring major prior to Fall 1997)

A. Social Work Policy and Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 hours

^{SW 240 Research Methods}
^{SW 250 Introduction to Social Welfare}
^{SW 350 Social Work and Social Services}
^{SW 351 Social Work Practice I}
^{SW 352 Social Work Practice II}
^{SW 393 Social Work Practicum and Seminar I (4 hrs)}
^{SW 393 Social Work Practicum and Seminar II (4
hrs)}

B. Human Behavior and the Social Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 hours

^{SW 354 Social Context of Social Work Practice}
^{SOC 310 Marriage and the Family}
^{SOC 313 Race, Ethnicity, and Minority Relations}
^{PSY 304 Developmental Psychology}
^{PSY 445 Abnormal Psychology}

C. Social Problems and Issues (Select 3 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hours

^{SW 356 Topics in Social Work}
^{SW 490 Individual Study in Social Work (1-3 hrs)}
^{SW 499 Honors Colloquium}
^{SOC 312 Social Inequality}
^{SOC 333 Victims of Violence & Sexual Assault}
^{SOC 342 Social Policy}
^{SOC 343 Sociology of Mental Health}

D. Psychology (Select 3 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hours

^{PSY 302 Psychology of Learning}
^{PSY 314 Adult Development and Aging}
^{PSY 402 Human Sexuality}

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR 1997-1998 (For students declaring major beginning Fall 1997)

LIBERAL ARTS - 21 hrs

^{MTH 111 Elementary Statistics (Basic Skills) or
PSY 205 Quantitative Methods}
^{ECO 100 Introduction to Economics (SF) or ECO 221
Microeconomics and ECO 222 Macroeconomics}
^{PLS 105 Introduction to American Government (SF)}
^{SOC 313 Race, Ethnicity, and Minority Relations
(SF) or ETE 219 Multicultural Education}
^{SOC 100 The Sociological Perspective (SF)}
^{BIO 121 Life Science I (FS)}
^{PSY 103 Principles of Psychology}

SOCIAL WORK CORE REQUIREMENTS - 45 hrs

Social Welfare Policy and Services (6 hrs)

^{SW 250 Introduction to Social Welfare}
^{SOC 342 Social Policy (Prereq SOC 100)}

Human Behavior and the Social Environment (15 hrs)

^{SOC 310 Marriage and the Family}
^{PSY 304 Developmental Psychology (Prereq PSY 103)}
^{PSY 314 Adult Development and Aging (Prereq PSY
103 or 104)}
^{PSY 445 Abnormal Psychology (Prereq 6 hrs. PSY)}
^{SW 354 Human Behavior in the Social Environment}

Research (3 hrs)

^{SW 240 Research Methods}

Practice (9 hrs)

^{SW 350 Foundation for Social Work Practice}
^{SW 351 Social Work Practice I (Prereq SW 350)}
^{SW 352 Social Work Practice II (Prereq SW 351)}

Field (12 hrs)

^{SW 393 Social Work Practicum I (Prereq SW 351,
Coreq SW 493)}
^{SW 394 Social Work Practicum II (Prereq SW 393,
Coreq SW 494)}
^{SW 395 Social Work Seminar I (Prereq SW 351, Coreq
SW 393)}
^{SW 396 Social Work Seminar II (Prereq SW 493,
Coreq SW 394)}

Electives (At least 6 hrs)

^{SW 356 Topics in Social Work}
^{SW 490 Individual Study in Social Work}
^{SW 499 Honors Colloquium}
^{SOC 211 Contemporary Social Problems (Prereq SOC
100)}
^{SOC 311 Comparative Family Systems (Prereq SOC
100) (NW)}
^{SOC 312 Social Inequality (SF)}
^{SOC 314 Native Americans (NW)}
^{SOC 315 Gender and Society}
^{SOC 321 Individuality in the Modern World (HP)}
^{SOC 332 Juvenile Delinquency (Prereq SOC 100)}
^{SOC 333 Victims of Violence and Sexual Assault
(Prereq SOC 100)}
^{SOC 341 Applied Medical Sociology (Prereq SOC 100)}
^{SOC 343 Sociology of Mental Health}
^{PSY 402 Human Sexuality (Prereq 6 hrs PSY)}

SAMPLE COURSE PLANS FOR SOCIAL WORK MAJOR

These plans are sample schedules. Please note the following circumstances which may alter any tentative schedule:

Equivalent courses may have been taken at other schools which might substitute for a Bradley course.
Any given course may not be offered during a specific semester. The department and/or the semester handbook must be consulted to confirm scheduling.
Some classes or sections may be filled early during registration and not be open to the student during a given semester.
Some courses have prerequisites or must be taken in a sequential order. Students should consult the catalog for course descriptions and requirements.
Additional sessions during the January Interim, May interim, and two summer sessions are also available for selected courses; handbooks will indicate which courses are to be offered during these sessions.

Students should consult with their advisor each semester to review their course plan for their major.

Sample Four Year Plan - Pre 1997-1998 Curriculum

Freshman

First Semester (15 hrs)

^{Gen Ed Requirements}

Second Semester (15 hrs)

^{Gen Ed Requirements}
^{SW 250 Introduction to Social Welfare}

Sophomore

First Semester (16 hrs)

^{Gen Ed Requirements}
^{SW 240 Research Methods}
^{SW 350 Foundations for Social Work Practice}

Second Semester (16 hrs)

^{Gen Ed Requirements}
^{SOC 310 Marriage and the Family}

Junior

First Semester (15 hrs)

^{PSY 304 Developmental Psychology}
^{SOC 313 Race, Ethnicity and Minority Relations}
^Elective
^Elective
^Elective

Second Semester (15 hrs)

^{SW 351 Social Work Practice I}
^Elective
^Elective
^Elective
^Elective

Senior

First Semester (16 hrs)

^{SW 393 Social Work Practicum and Seminar I}
^{SW 352 Social Work Practice II}
^Elective
^Elective
^Elective

Second Semester (16 hrs)

^{SW 394 Social Work Practicum and Seminar II}
^{SW 354 Human Behavior in the Social Environment}
^{PSY 445 Abnormal Psychology}
^Elective
^Elective

One elective must be from Group C and one from group D of major requirements. All majors should consider the Social Work Program recommendations when choosing general education and elective classes.

RESERVE CARDS

Registration for some classes is restricted to ensure class space for majors. Reserve cards are held by the department. Students wishing a reserve card for a restricted or full class should contact their advisor and/or the course instructor. Reserve cards are always required for practicum, individual study, and honors colloquium.

FACULTY AND ADVISING RESPONSIBILITIES

A social work faculty advisor is assigned to each student in the major to advise about university and program requirements and to assist in planning course schedules for each semester. The advisor also follows the student's progress and is available to discuss course work, career options, graduate schools, practical, or any other concerns about university life.

Faculty are responsible for providing course syllabi including course number, title, credits, instructor's name, office hours and location, requirements for texts and supplementary material, objectives, outline, and grading policy within the first week of classes. It is also the responsibility of faculty to be available for student appointments. Appointment times and location need to be accessible for the student body.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The student is responsible for knowing which catalog s/he has been admitted under and following those guidelines in regard to university requirements for graduation. Every student is personally responsible for meeting all graduation requirements and applying for graduation. It is the student's responsibility to pick up semester course schedules when available in the Sociology office. The student is also responsible for meeting with the advisor each semester to review their course plan and progress toward the major.

Attendance in classes is the responsibility of the student. If a student cannot attend a specific class session, the student is still responsible for any material covered in class and should speak with the instructor or get notes from a classmate. Handling of absences on exam dates varies by instructor and should be understood thoroughly by the student. The student is responsible for following the syllabus in regard to assignments and class requirements.

GRADEPOINT SYSTEM

Grade

Honor points/Semester hour

High competence

Competent

Minimum competency

Limited/incomplete competence

Inadequate competence for credit

Grade point average is determined by dividing honor points by semester hours. Only Bradley earned grades are used in calculating the grade point average. Transfer courses, audit classes and P, IN, IP, and W's are not used in calculating the GPA.

Example:

Class

Hours

Grade

Honor Pts/Hr

Total Honor Pts

SW 250

SOC 100

ETE 100

BIO 121

ENG 101

GPA formula: Total honor points (9+6+4+8+12=39) divided by total hours (3+3+1+4+3=14) equals’ semester grade point average (2.7857). Cumulative grade point average is found using the same formula.

PRACTICUM

PURPOSE OF THE PRACTICUM

The purpose of the practicum is to provide students the opportunity to work in a professional setting to develop and demonstrate skills in social work, to integrate the theories and practices learned in and out of the classroom, to develop a sense of commitment to the social work profession and Code of Ethics, to develop an understanding of the diversity of a community population and the role of diversity in social work practice, to develop an understanding of how administrative processes and policies impact delivery of services, to develop professional relationships within the community to better understand local resources to benefit future clients and to confirm personal interests and ability in the social service field.

PRACTICUM GUIDELINES

All field placements must be approved by the department prior to beginning work. Placement is generally in direct service, but special circumstances could be considered for placement in program planning and administration. Specific guidelines are at the discretion of the Program Director and discussed with the student prior to starting a position. In some special circumstances, a social service employment position may be used for practicum if there is a new assignment. (See also Social Work Practicum Manual). Paid practica are not typical and are at the discretion of the agency.

PRACTICUM SEMINAR

In addition to field time, students enrolled in practicum are required to attend scheduled seminars pertaining to relevant social work issues. These are designed to enhance the practicum experience, to integrate classroom learning with the field, and to provide support for the student in the workplace.

GRADING OF THE PRACTICUM

Evaluations are made by the student, the site supervisor, and the instructor to determine what the student has gained from the work experience and how well the goals of the practicum have been attained. The final grade is based on both the seminar and the field experience and will be assigned by the faculty instructor. (Beginning Fall 1997, the letter grade will be based on the seminar and the field experience will be considered pass/fail).

RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF AGENCY FOR PRACTICUM

The Program Office maintains a list of agencies that provide social work supervision and have been approved for the practicum experience. Other agencies may be considered if appropriate supervision is available and they are within the geographic area. The initial contact and interviewing is the responsibility of the student, following consultation with the faculty advisor. Approval prior to beginning work is necessary for the hours to count toward practicum credit. The Practicum Assignment Form must be completed and submitted to the Program Director before the student will be registered for the practicum course. (For more information, see Social Work Field Practicum Manual).

UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS

(Information regarding university requirements is included in this handbook for the convenience of Social Work majors; however, students should consult their university catalog and their advisor to confirm requirements).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BA/BS DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK

All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete the 39 hours of University Basic Skills and General Education requirements.
Social Work majors may choose to complete either a BA or BS degree. To receive a Bachelor of Arts, the student must complete two years of college-level foreign language. To receive a Bachelor of Science, the student must successfully complete at least 6 additional hours of mathematics, physical and natural science, computer science, or quantitative methods beyond what is necessary for the basic skills and general education requirements.
A minimum of 90 semester hours (toward the 124 required) must be taken within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
A minimum of 30 semester hours (toward the 40 junior/senior hours required by the University) must be taken in 300 or above level courses offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must take two human value courses - one in philosophical analysis and one in literary analysis.

Students should always keep a copy of the undergraduate catalog in effect at the time of the admission to Bradley University and should consult their undergraduate catalog and advisor with any questions early to avoid a delayed graduation. Transfer students need to read their catalogues carefully to avoid confusion on transfer credits.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSFER CREDIT

A minimum of 30 semester hours must be earned in residence at Bradley to graduate from Bradley. Those hours must be earned during regular sessions, interims, or summer sessions. Proficiency exams, correspondence and extension courses, and credit earned through the College-Level Examination Programs DO NOT count toward in-residence hours. In addition, 24 of the student's last 30 hours must be earned in residence at Bradley.

A student must have written prior approval from the Chair of the Sociology Department and the Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences if they are registered at Bradley but want to take a course at another institution for credit toward graduation. (Forms available in Sociology office). Students should check their handbooks and course catalog books thoroughly and consult their advisor before taking courses elsewhere for graduation credit.

No credit will be given for life experience or previous work experience in lieu of courses in the social work professional foundation areas. Field practicum courses may only be transferred from a program accredited by CSWE. Students wishing to have prior course work from another institution count toward the social work major MUST request faculty approval and submit appropriate course materials to determine comparable content.

JUNIOR-SENIOR CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

All students pursuing a bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 40 hours at the junior-senior level (courses 300 and above). Social Work majors must complete 30 of the 40 hours in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A course taken at a two-year community college will not count toward this requirement even if it has been approved as substitute credit for a required junior-senior Bradley course. An example would be abnormal psychology taken at a community college may be accepted as part of the major requirements, but it will not count as junior-senior hour credit.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

An incomplete grade is given when the instructor does not have enough information to properly assign the student a letter grade. An incomplete can be used in circumstances where the student is unable for reasons beyond his or her control to finish course work on time. An incomplete is not to be used simply as an extension of class time for large projects or because the student failed to come to class. At the time the grade of "IN" is given, the instructor must specify what is left to be finished by the student and when it is to be completed. Incompletes must be finished no later than four weeks before the end of the following semester. If a letter grade is not submitted by that time, the incomplete will become permanent on the student's grade records and cannot be removed.

DEAN'S LIST AND GRADUATING WITH HONORS

Full-time students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher are placed on the dean's list for that semester in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Commencement honors are achieved by earning a minimum of 62 hours in residence at Bradley and maintaining a specific GPA. To achieve honors recognition, the following guidelines must be met. For Cum Laude a GPA of 3.40-3.59 is necessary, for Magna Cum Laude a GPA of 3.6-3.79 is needed, and for Summa Cum Laude a GPA of 3.8-4.0 is required. Recognition is made on commencement day and is also entered on the student's permanent record.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD

Each year an outstanding student is selected by the Sociology Department from among the graduating seniors. Qualifications include a 3.4 GPA, completion of 62 semester hours from Bradley at graduation, and significant service activities. The student is recognized at the spring College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Day.

GRADUATION

All seniors who plan to graduate need to make application to the registrar's office. For December commencement the application must be submitted with fall registration. For May commencement the application must be submitted with spring registration. The application form can be found in the semester handbook or in the registrar's office. Completion of requirements is determined by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and by the Director of the Social Work Program. Commencement exercises are held in December and May each year. Diplomas can be awarded in December, May, or August.

STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS AND HONOR SOCIETIES

BRADLEY UNIVERSITY SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION (B.U.S.S.)

B.U.S.S. is the social service club at Bradley for social work majors and others interested in the social service field. The club officially formed January 29, 1995 by a group of social service students with faculty advisement. The club is a student run organization. It organizes various activities throughout the academic year including informational programs such as guest speakers and training sessions, agency fairs, service projects, and social activities. B.U.S.S. was formed for five reasons:

to provide opportunities for social work majors to learn more about the field of social work in a non-classroom setting;
to provide opportunities for majors to increase their professional identity with social work;
to provide opportunities for majors to know each other better and to share ideas and experiences;
to provide social and learning experiences for students who have social work as a common interest and value system; and
to support planning for both employment and graduate education in social work

Social Work majors are encouraged to check it out!

PI GAMMA MU

Pi Gamma Mu is an international honor society in social science. A student may become a member by invitation or petition if they meet certain qualifications. The student must: a) be a junior, senior, or graduate student, b) be in the upper 35% of the class, c) have at least 20 hours in history, political science, sociology, social work, or other related field, and d) have a "B" or better grade average. There are many benefits to this honor including scholarship opportunities, social science publications, advancement in the government service rating, and an impressive item for future resumes. Students may contact the Sociology & Social Work Department for further information.

ALPHA KAPPA DELTA

Alpha Kappa Delta is an international sociology honor society based on superior scholarship and serious interest in the sociology field. To be eligible, students must: 1) be sociology major, 2) is a junior or senior, and 3) have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Benefits include sociology publications and participation in a variety of activities sponsored by the society.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT ORGANIZATION

The Criminal Justice Student Organization is committed to facilitating activities which will familiarize its participants with the various components of the criminal justice system. This is achieved through the participation of guest speakers, and excursions to regional facilities (i.e. correctional institutions) in the criminal justice system. The organization also provides a forum for students to deliberate current issues pertaining to criminal justice on campus and in the community.

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

The psychology department sponsors a psychology club for all interested students. Many of the members are either psychology majors or minors. The psychology club is also a student run group that elects their own officials and plans activities for the year. They sponsor field trips to various local agencies and have a graduate school night each year. Their goals are to provide students with career and graduate school information and to provide an opportunity for psychology students to meet each other.

PSY CHI

Psy Chi is the psychology honor society. Specific details about this honor are available from the psychology department or the psychology club president.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (N.A.S.W.)

The NASW is a professional organization of social workers. Benefits of belonging to this organization include national journals, regional and local newsletters, access to the NASW National Social Work Library, legal defense services, and a toll-free hot-line to answer questions and concerns in the field. It offers a tremendous networking opportunity as well. Membership is open to students in CSWE approved programs, to persons with social work degrees, and to persons employed in the social service field. Students are welcome at any Peoria District meeting.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

All students interested in financial aid should start at the Bradley Financial Aid Office. In addition to the financial counselors' advice, scholarships are available for social work majors. Students who have a double major should check with those departments as well for opportunities.

The Office of Financial Assistance at Bradley provides advisement on both need-based aid and merit/talent awards. A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is required for all assistance requests. In addition to grants and scholarships, loans and work-study programs are available. Each year, over 80 percent of Bradley's undergraduates receive a total of more than $35 million in educational support. Most students who are awarded needs-based assistance receive at least 50 percent of their need from programs that do not require repayment.

Illinois State Scholarship Commission: This office can direct students to a number of scholarships specifically for Illinois residents. Write to: 106 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, IL 60015 or call (708) 948-8550.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Undergraduate Rehabilitation Scholarships: Scholarships of $750 are available to female students in their junior or senior year pursuing a career in rehabilitation, social work, or special education. Student must have completed two years at an institution with a KKG chapter. February 15 application deadline.

American Bar Foundation Summer Research Fellowships in Law and Social Science for Minority Undergraduate Students: open to Native American, African American, Mexican American, or Puerto Rican students who have completed their sophomore year, have not received any bachelor's degrees, have a 3.0 GPA, and are preparing for a social service career. Stipends of $300 and ten-week fellowships are offered. March 1 deadline.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Scholarship: Renewable scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 for Jewish students from metropolitan Chicago who are majoring in medicine, nursing, social work, dentistry, or other "helping professions". Apply by December 1 to March 1. (A number of other Jewish faith scholarships are available.)

PREPARING FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL

CHOOSING A GRADUATE SCHOOL

Many of Bradley's social work majors choose to go on to graduate school. Many students choose to work toward a Master's in Social Work (MSW). When trying to choose a graduate school, a student should consider the location of the school, the program's emphasis, the school and program's reputation, and the school's ability to provide an opportunity for research. It is also important to look at course selection and availability. Copies of graduate school materials are on file at the B.U.S.S. office in Sission 418. Another very important consideration is financing a master's or doctorate level education. Some universities offer a full package of information to each candidate outlining fellowships and scholarships, tuition waivers, loans, work-study, and employment possibilities.

MSW programs have a variety of concentrations and certificate areas. Some of these areas include direct family practice, community organization, administration, gerontology, children and youth, education, and health/mental health including counseling. These areas prepare students for careers in fields such as psychiatric social work, community organization, crisis intervention, group work, human services administration, research, occupational social work, social planning, gerontological social work, AIDS advocacy, medical social work, community education, substance abuse social work, private practice, martial and family therapy, and school social work.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL

These requirements vary by school, but there are several consistent factors that graduate schools look for. Inquire at the university of choice for details.

^Application.
^{Official transcripts (some require two sets).}
^{Liberal arts background, but require 20 to 30 hours
of course work in social, biological, and behavioral sciences.}
^{Some MSW programs require a BSW for admission while
others ask the student to take a few additional classes to make up the
difference.}
^{Minimum GPA's ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 is required.}
^{An autobiographical essay, including experience in
the social services}
^{3 to 4 letters of reference.}
^{A personal interview.}
^{Graduate school testing - many require the MAT or
GRE.}
^{Statistics and/or research methods courses.}
^{Human biology course.}

In addition to good transcripts and test scores, the autobiographical essay is important. It may include a personal statement of interests, goals, and reasons for pursuing a MSW degree, and should demonstrate good writing skills.

APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

Application deadlines vary from a rolling admission policy which accepts new applicants at any time to strict early application deadlines. Students need to start applying early and be aware of deadlines. It is important to stay organized while applying to graduate school. Students should keep copies of everything sent in so that they will know when all the application requirements have been completed. Ample time should be allowed for reference letter writers to complete their task without straining their schedules. Reference letter writers should be given addressed envelopes with postage and the reference form provided by the university being applied to. The student might also include a copy of their resume, transcript, statement of interest, GRE/MAT scores, and a copy of a paper written for that instructor's class (if possible) to aid the writer in composing an effective letter. Neatness is important on all application papers.

RECOMMENDED PREPARATION TIMELINE

Freshman Year

^{Take SW 250.}
^{Take AEP 100.}
^{Take English Composition.}
^{Work on liberal arts requirements.}
^{Adapt the four-year plan to meet specific interests
with an advisors help.}
^{Establish a Bradley e-mail account at Morgan Hall.}
^{Learn the Internet.}
^{Learn to use the library effectively and visit the Smith Career Center.}
^{Consider volunteering in a community agency.}
^{Attend any function sponsored by the Social Work
Program as well as by Sociology, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. Take
advantage of all opportunities offered!}
^Join^B.U.S.S.
^{MEET WITH YOUR FACULTY ADVISOR!}

Sophomore Year

^{Take SW 350 and SOC 310.}
^{Continue working on liberal arts requirements.
Build transcript; watch classes and grades. Avoid pass/fail grades.}
^{Talk with an advisor about a possible minor.}
^{Think about an office in B.U.S.S.}
^{Get to know the faculty - they make great
references!}
^{Explore practicum possibilities.}
^{Continue to attend university functions - be
involved.}
^{Visit the Smith Career
Center.}
^{Do some volunteer hours at a local agency or over
the summer at home.}
^{Apply for admission to the Social Work Program
during second semester.}
^{MEET WITH FACULTY ADVISOR!}

Junior Year

^{Complete any liberal arts requirements.}
^{Take SW 351, PSY 304, SOC 313, SOC 342, PSY 304,
and PSY 314.}
^{Work on minor requirements.}
^{Begin to focus on an area of interest.}
^{Continue to develop faculty relationships.}
^{Join any available and appropriate professional organization
and be an active member.}
^{Look into Pi Gamma Mu.}
^{Make contact with the career center to design a
resume.}
^{Continue practicum and volunteer searches.}
^{Begin researching graduate school programs.}
^{MEET WITH FACULTY ADVISOR!}

Summer between Junior and Senior Years

^{Begin studying for the GRE or MAT.}
^{Request information from graduate schools that are
of serious interest.}
^{Watch for additional requirements!}
^{Update resumes adding to the application packet.}
^{Work on statement of interest and autobiographical essay.}

Senior Year

^{Complete all impressive degree works (research
methods, statistics, ENG 306, etc.) during the first semester so that
it will be on preliminary transcripts sent to graduate schools.}
^{Take SW 240, SW 352, SW 354, SW 393, SW 394, SW
395, SW 396, and PSY 445.}
^{Take the GRE or MAT.}
^{Send for any graduate school applications not
already done.}
^{Ask faculty to write letter of recommendation.}
^{Submit all application materials well ahead of any
deadlines. Ask for transcript early to avoid delay.}
^{MEET WITH FACULTY ADVISOR!}

CAREER PLANNING

PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

Many social work students seek employment in community social agencies. Employment opportunities are available in such fields as:

Health Care

Child Welfare

Corrections

Aging

Community Centers

Community Organization

Public Welfare

Mental Health

Rehabilitation

Substance Abuse

Family Services

Domestic Violence

SMITH CAREER CENTER

The career center offers a wide variety of services to help Bradley students, graduates, and alumni find employment. These services include: career advisement, career fairs, a career library, workshops, resume reviews, interest inventories, job lists, career opportunities, interviews, referrals, and a job search planning course. They also have graduate school information available.

POSSIBLE AREA EMPLOYERS

There are numerous opportunities for employment in the area. Various options can be found in the Mental Health Association Resource Directory, the United Way listing, the Yellow Pages under social service organizations, in the newspaper want ads, and through the N.A.S.W. Illinois Chapter Bulletin. Another good resource is to attend the annual B.U.S.S. Agency Fair in March and to talk with area social workers.

FIELD OUTLOOK

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Wall Street Journal, February 27, 1995), careers in human services and social work are going to experience tremendous growth in the next 13 years. Human services positions serving the elderly and handicapped could increase by as much as 135% and social work positions with direct client loads could see a 40% increase. In addition, a few courses in social services would be an asset for many of the other high growth occupations. The additional people skills learned would increase job prospects.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Social Work Program 124 Bradley Hall 677-2392	Campus Police 100 Macmillan Hall 677-2000 (non-emergency)	Liberal Arts & Sciences, College of Claire Etaugh, Dean 115 Bradley Hall 677-2815
Sociology Dept. Professional Support Yolanda Pennock 112 Bradley Hall 677-2388	Center for Educational Development Dr. Ray Zarvell 136 Bradley Hall 677-2420	Multicultural Student Services Rita Ali 210 Garrett Center 677-2646
Academic Ombudsman Dr. John Haverhals 436 Bradley Hall 677-2499	Center for Wellness and Counseling Dr. Ann Jones 133 Bradley Hall 677-2408	Off Campus and Nontraditional Student Services Greg Killoran 115 Sisson Hall 677-2404
Academic Review Board Dr. Herb Kasube 115 Sisson Hall 677-2426	Controller's Office Laurie Stickelmaier 103 Swords Hall 677-3120	Orientation, Testing and Advisement Center Rob Bertram 136 Bradley Hall 677-2420
Admissions 100 Swords Hall 677-1000	Financial Assistance 102 Swords Hall 677-3089	Parent Relations 102 Swords Hall 677-3140
Associate Provost for Student Affairs Dr. Alan Galsky 102 Swords Hall 677-3148	Health Services Heitz Hall 677-2700 677-3200 (emergency number)	Political Science Department 438 Bradley Hall 677-2302
Association of Residence Halls (ARH) Barbara Carraway Sisson Hall 677-3218	Honors Program 140 Bradley Hall 677-3283	Psychology Department 100 Comstock Hall 677-2585
Bradley Campus Bookstore 677-2320 or 677-2322	Housing Office Michael Murphy 133 Sisson Hall 677-3221	Registrar's Office Suzanne Anderson 11 Swords Hall 677-3101
Bradley Center for Student Leadership and Public Service Felicia Curland, Acting Director 109 Sisson Hall 677-3682	Interim and Summer Sessions 205 Swords Hall 677-3154	Residential Life 141 Sisson Hall 677-3218
Bradley Medical & Professional Bookstore Campustown Shopping Center 672-3877	International Programs 127D Bradley Hall 677-2400	Smith Career Center Jane Linnenburger 1st Floor - Burgess Hall 677-2510
Bradley University Arbitration Board Dr. Ray Zarvell 136 Bradley Hall 677-2420	Learning Assistance Program Carolyn Griffith 312 Library 677-2845	Student Activities Student Center 677-3050
		Wellness Program Melissa Bollenbach, Director 100 Heitz Hall 677-3581