Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
Admission Requirements
All undergraduate students entering Barry University must apply through university enrollment services and meet university standards for admission.
B.S.W. Major-Specific Admission Criteria
As a program that prepares students for beginning professional social work practice, the undergraduate program admits only those students who have the academic and personal qualifications for the profession. An interview with the BSW Program Director is required.
Freshman Admission
- Total score of 930 on the SAT (850 on the old SAT) or 18 on the ACT
- High school grade point average of 2.7
- Interview with the BSW Program Director
Transfer Admission
- College grade point average of 2.7 with no more than five Ws, Ds, or Fs
- Interview with the BSW Program Director
Change of Major Admission
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.7 with no more than five Ws, Ds, or Fs
- Interview with the BSW Program Director
Applicants are notified in writing of the admission decision after all application materials have been received and evaluated. Normally the review and notification process takes four to six weeks after the complete application materials are received. Completion of the admission file is the responsibility of the applicant. Exceptions to the admission policy may be granted for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director.
Readmission Policy
When a student applies for readmission to the School of Social Work, the applicant must meet admission requirements in effect at the time of re-application and must have left the School in good standing and in full compliance with the School’s Core Performance Standards. Additional requirements can be found in the University Undergraduate Catalog in the University Admissions section entitled “Readmission and change of Status.”
Life Experience Credits
In keeping with CSWE standards, the School of Social Work cannot grant academic credit for life experience or previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field internship or any courses in the curriculum.
Change of Major Credits
Students who change their major to social work while attending Barry University must have their transcript evaluated by the School of Social Work in order for credits to be accepted as part of the social work program. Acceptance of credits from another major at Barry University does not guarantee acceptance by the School of Social Work.
Progression to Major Courses
Admission to the University does not guarantee progression to the fieldwork and practice courses.
The following are the criteria for progression to the 300 level courses:
- Completion of Social Work 205 (Introduction to the Social Work Profession) with a minimum grade of B;
- Attainment of a 2.50 (C) cumulative grade point average in all coursework completed at Barry or 2.70 for transfer credit
*Please refer to the admission requirements regarding matriculation to the Advanced-Standing MSW
Repeat Course Policy
If a student fails or earns a second grade of "C" in a social work course and/or wishes to repeat any course in order to improve a grade (and cumulative GPA), he/she is eligible to do so at his/her own expense. However, no single course may be attempted more than twice. On a repeated course, withdrawal after the third week of class is considered an attempt. It is this final grade that will be used by the University’s Registrar for the purpose of calculating a student’s cumulative GPA. Receipt of a failing grade in a repeat course is cause for dismissal from the Program. However, no more than two Social Work courses may be repeated.
Field Education
Field Education in the B.S.W. program is designed to ensure the integration between the classroom learning experience and direct social work practice. It is intended to help students develop appropriate knowledge, value, skills, and professional identification as a generalist practitioner. Field Education consists of two (2) required courses: SW 495 (Field Education I) and SW 497 (Field Education II). These courses are taken over two (2) consecutive semesters during the senior year of study. Students obtain supervised educational experience with specified educational objectives in an agency setting.
Students enrolled in Field Education must be enrolled in concurrent practice courses SW 393 (Direct Practice Skills in Social Work I: A Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Framework) , SW 433 (Introduction to Trauma and Resilience), PSY 325 (Theories of Personality) with SW 495 (Field Education I); and SW 417 (Models of Intervention in Clinical Social Work Practice), and PSY 314 (Abnormal Psychology) with SW 497 (Field Education II). Field Education I and II requires students to complete a combined total of 420 hours. Students must earn a grade of “CR” in each course.
The following are the criteria for progression into Field Education I (SW 495), Introduction to Clinical Assessment in Social Work Practice (SW 393) Direct Practice Skills in Social Work I: A Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Framework ), Introduction to Trauma and Resilience (SW 433), and Theories of Personality (PSY 325) taken concurrently in the senior year:
1. Attainment of a 2.50 (C) cumulative grade point average in all coursework completed at Barry;
2. Attainment of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all social work coursework completed at Barry; Note: students are able to earn one "C" in a social work course and move forward in the program
3. Completion of forty-five service learning hours while enrolled in the Service Learning course;
4. Submission of the all required Field Education application forms;
5. Completion of pre-placement interview;
6. Final confirmation of Field agency placement;
7. Final approval from Field Education;
8. Required attendance to the B.S.W. Field Student Orientation; and
9. Successful completion of the following courses:
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SW
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205
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Social Work: An Introduction to the Profession
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SW
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206
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The Personal, Cultural, and Social Influences on Helping;
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SW
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323
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Service Learning and Social Work Practice;
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SW
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327
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Ways of Knowing for Social Work Practice;
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SW
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355
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Human Development;
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SW
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395
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Social Work Macro Policy and Practice: Poverty, Oppression, and Trauma
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SW
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393
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Direct Practice Skills In Social Work I: A Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Framework
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Criminal Background Checks and Screenings Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish a uniform manner in which Field Education students in clinical training will be required to obtain criminal background screening, which is required by Chapters 397 and 491, Florida Statutes, and by some social service agencies. A history of criminal convictions may negatively impact the School’s ability to place a student in an agency to complete the clinical training requirement of the Field Education program, which could result in delayed graduation or in the inability to graduate from the program. A history of criminal felonies may cause a student to be ineligible to become a licensed social worker within the State of Florida. Students may also be required by the social service agency to undergo drug testing and/or medical screening to determine eligibility to participate in clinical training.
Criminal Background Checks Process and Fees
Agency Sponsored
Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check and may have to complete additional health screenings at the agency in which the student is being assigned. All costs related to screening requirements will be the responsibility of the student. Agencies may deny a student’s participation in the field experience at the site because of: a felony or misdemeanor conviction, failure of a required drug test, or inability to produce an appropriate health clearance. Prompt disclosure of a known positive criminal incident is therefore recommended.
It is important to note that Field Education cannot guarantee the placement of students who have prior adult convictions and/or criminal penalties and/or who fail to disclose information regarding prior adult convictions and/or criminal penalties to Field Education or any field agency. Any intentional acts of deception may result in disciplinary action by the Barry University School of Social Work and/or termination from the Social Work program by the Dean.
Field Education Liability Insurance Fees
The School of Social Work purchases liability insurance through the National Association of Social Works (NASW) for students when they are enrolled in a field education course. This liability insurance covers the student for professional liability when they are in a field agency under the supervision of a field educator. The majority of the actual cost for this insurance is absorbed by the School of Social Work with a student co-pay of $25.00 for each semester in which a student enrolls in a new field education course. The fee will be visible on the student’s tuition statement. Additional information on liability insurance fees may be found In the Field Education Manual. Please note that the insurance liability fee is not included as part of any individual membership benefits with NASW.
Council on Social Work Education Accreditation Fees
The School of Social Work pays an accreditation fee through the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) in order to operate and maintain quality in the curriculum and program. The majority of the actual cost for the accreditation is absorbed by the School of Social Work with a student co-pay of $85.00 for each year in which a student enrolls in Social Work Program course work. The fee will be visible on the student’s tuition statement. Additional information on accreditation fees may be found In the Bachelor of Social Work Degree Handbook.
Progression to Advanced Standing (Five Year Seamless Degree Program)
- Barry undergraduate Social Work majors cannot earn more than one "C" (2.0 grade point average of 4.0) in all social work courses from the School before matriculating to Advanced Standing. Otherwise, a minimum of a "B" or a 3.0 is required in social work courses.
- Successfully complete all Field Education Requirements.
Graduation Requirement
- Completion of a minimum of 120 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00
- Satisfactory completion of all social work courses ( earning no more than one "C" in any social work course)
- Satisfactory completion of all Field Internship requirements
- Satisfactory completion of PSY-325 and PSY-314
- Adherence to all School of Social Work Core Performance Standards
- Application for graduation and paid appropriate fees as applicable
Should graduation be forfeited, the student is responsible for the resubmission of a graduate application with accompanying fees.
Distribution Requirements and Co-Requisites
Students majoring in social work will exceed the University’s distribution requirement of 45 credit hours. The Social and Behavioral Science area includes 18 hours, bringing the total distribution/co-requisite credit hours to 54. The courses social work majors should choose from to fulfill the category of distribution and Co-requisites are listed below. Availability of courses will vary by semester. Required courses are indicated with an asterisk. Strongly recommended courses are indicated by double asterisks. Availability of courses will vary by semester.
Bachelor of Social Work (Minimum 120 credits)
Distribution Requirements (45 credits)
Required Courses (39 credits)
Freshman Year (6 credits)
| SW-206 | PERSONAL/SOC/CULTURAL INFLUEN ON HELP | 3 |
| SW-205 | SW: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROFESSION | 3 |
Sophomore Year (9 credits)
| SW-323 | SERVICE LEARNING SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE | 3 |
| SW-327 | WAYS KNOWING FOR SW PRACTICE | 3 |
| SW-355 | HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
Junior Year (12 credits)
| SW-393 | DIRECT PRACTICE SKILLS IN SW I | 3 |
| SW-417 | MODELS INTERVENTION CLINICAL SW PRACT | 3 |
| SW-395 | SOC WORK MACRO & POLICY PRACTICE | 3 |
| SW-493 | DIRECT PRACTICE SKILLS IN SW II | 3 |
Senior Year (12 credits)
Upper Level Courses (42 credits)
Electives (9 credits)
6 credits in the 300-400 level
| SW-496 | CHILD WELFARE SERVICES & POLICIES | 3 |
| SW-496 | CHILD WELFARE SERVICES & POLICIES | 3 |
| SW-330 | GEN SWK PRAC FORENSIC SETTINGS | 3 |
| SW-425 | COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION | 3 |
| SW-475 | SOC WORK PRAC W/REFUG & IMM | 3 |