Undergraduate students who are admitted as degree-seeking students will be required to complete the campus-wide General Education program prior to graduation with a baccalaureate degree. 

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree requires a minimum of 120 hours. This includes 42-45 hours of general/supportive liberal arts courses and 52 credit hours in social work courses. The remainder of credits are completed through selection of electives and meeting general education requirements. The School of Social Work requirements sometimes overlap with the GenEd requirements for the IUSB campus.

Degree Map

All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise specified.

General Education Curriculum

Visit the General Education website for a detailed description of the IU South Bend general-education curriculum, including lists of approved courses. All courses certified as meeting the campuswide general-education requirements are designated in the Schedule of Classes.

Campuswide Curriculum (33-37 cr.)

Fundamental Literacies (13-19 cr.)

• Writing :: ENG-W 131 Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I
• Critical Thinking
• Oral Communication :: SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking
• Visual Literacy :: select one of the following:
  • CJUS-P 424 Crime Mapping and Geographic Information Systems
  • CMLT-C 190 An Introduction to Film
  • CMLT-C 293 History of the Motion Picture I
  • ENG-W 315 Writing for the Web
  • ENG-W 367 Writing for Multiple Media
  • FINA-A 109 Ways of Seeing: Visual Literacy
  • INFO-I 310 Multimedia Arts and Technology
  • JOUR-J 210 Visual Communication
  • NURS-S 485 Professional Growth and Empowerment
  • THTR-T 228 Design for the Theatre
• Quantitative Reasoning :: Select one of the following:
  • CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
  • MATH-M 111 Mathematics in the World
  • MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics
• Information Literacy :: COAS-Q 110 Introduction to Information Literacy (1 cr.)
• Computer Literacy :: select one of the following:
  • BUS-K 201 The Computer in Business
  • CSCI-A 106 Introduction to Computing
  • CSCI-A 107 Advanced Microcomputing (4 cr.)
  • CSCI-A 201 Introduction to Programming (4 cr.)
  • CSCI-C 101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)
  • CSCI-C 201 Computer Programming II (4 cr.)
  • EDUC-W 200 Using Computers in Education
  • FINA-P 273 Computer Art and Design I
  • INFO-I 101 Introduction to Informatics (4 cr.)
  • INFO-I 210 Information Infrastructure I (4 cr.)
  • INFO-I 211 Information Infrastructure II (4 cr.)
  • MUS-T 120 Computer Skills for Musicians

Common Core Courses (12 cr.)

Complete one course from each of the following four areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes. At least one of the areas must be completed at the 300-level.

• The Natural World

  This core course introduces students to the methods and logic of science and helps students understand the importance of science to the development of civilization and to the contemporary world. It serves to provide a context within which to evaluate the important scientific and technological issues we face in modern society. Although all sections of The Natural World bear the same title, the content and specific focus of the course varies; each section has a specific subtitle that indicates its particular content and focus. Courses at the 100-level bear the designation N 190 (for instance, BIOL-N 190 The Natural World), and the 300-level Natural World courses appear in the Schedule of Classes as N 390 offerings in the specific disciplines.

  Select N 190 or N 390 from ANTH, AST, BIOL, CHEM, CSCI, GEOL, MATH, PHYS, or in any other field in which a course in this category may appear, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.

• Human Behavior and Social Institutions

  This course introduces students to the distinctive perspectives the social sciences employ in building an understanding of our world. The course also focuses on the individual in relation to and as a product of that social world. It requires students to develop an appreciation of the processes of social interaction and emphasizes the analytic frameworks and techniques social scientists use to explain the causes and patterns of individual and institutional behavior. Although all sections of Human Behavior and Social Institutions bear the same title, the content and specific focus of the course varies; each section has a specific subtitle that indicates its particular content and focus. Courses at the 100-level bear the designation B 190 (for instance, SOC-B 190 Human Behavior and Social Institutions), and the 300-level Human Behavior and Social Institutions courses appear in the Schedule of Classes as B 399 offerings in the specific disciplines.

  Select B 190 or B 399 from ANTH, BUS, COGS, GEOG, POLS, PSY, SOC, SPCH, SUST, WGS, or any other field in which a course in this category may appear, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.

• Literary and Intellectual Traditions

  The various versions of this course focus on a topic that can be addressed from more than one disciplinary perspective, and explores ways in which the principal disciplinary approach can be augmented and enriched by readings from other disciplines. Although all sections of Literary and Intellectual Traditions bear the same title, the content and specific focus of the course varies; each section has a specific subtitle that indicates its particular content and focus. Courses at the 100-level bear the designation T 190 (for instance, HIST-T 190 Literary and Intellectual Traditions), and the 300-level Literary and Intellectual Traditions courses appear in the Schedule of Classes as T 390 offerings in the specific disciplines.

  Select T 190 or T 390 from ENG, CMLT, FINA, FREN, GER, HIST, HPSC, JOUR, MUS, PHIL, PSY, SPAN, TEL, THTR, WGS or in any other field in which a course in this category may appear, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.

• Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity :: 

  This course explores the human need to experience and comprehend the creative process. It encourages students to experience culture and cultural artifacts as makers, performers, and audiences. Students gain familiarity with the discipline and craft by which artists and performers achieve their characteristic effects, as well as the satisfaction inherent in that process. Versions of this course explore the role of art, music, theatre, and other artistic modes in the formation and expression of a particular culture and encourage respect for diverse cultures and the artifacts they produce. Although all sections of Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity bear the same title, the content and specific focus of the course varies. Each section has a specific subtitle that indicates its particular content and focus. Courses at the 100-level bear the designation A 190 (for instance, FINA-A 190 Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity), and the 300-level

  Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity courses appear in the Schedule of Classes as A 399 offerings in the specific disciplines.

  Select A 190 or A 399 from ANTH, CMLT, ENG, FINA, INMS, MUS, THTR, or in any other field in which a course in this category may appear, as designated in theSchedule of Classes.

Contemporary Social Values (8 cr.)

• Students must complete one course from each of the following three areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.

• Non-Western Cultures (3 cr.) ::
• Diversity in United States Society (3 cr.) :: (sociology or psychology recommended)
• Health and Wellness (2 cr.) :: 

Electives (18 cr.)

Social and Historical Studies (9 cr.)

• HIST-H-106 American History II
• POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics
• SOC-S 161 Principles of Sociology

Supportive Area Requirements (9 cr.)

• PSY-P 103 General Psychology
• Any Biology course
• Any 300-level Psychology course

Required Course

• SWK-S 102 Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr.)

  Pre or Corequisite: Elementary Composition

  This course covers theories and models that enhance understanding of our diverse society. It provides content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to the majority group.

  Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)

  Pre or Corequisite: Elementary Composition

  This course covers theories and models that enhance understanding of our diverse society. It provides content about differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of selected minority groups and their relation to the majority group.

  Introduction to Social Work Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 221 Human Growth and Development in the Social Environment (3 cr.)

  This course assists the undergraduate social work student in building a foundation for understanding human behavior and development in diverse contexts across the life course.

  Human Growth and Development in the Social Environment Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 251 History and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy (3 cr.)

  This course is designed to provide a historical perspective on the evolution of social welfare policies and programs and allow students to develop beginning policy analysis skills so that students will be able to identify gaps in the service delivery system and inequitable or oppressive aspects of current policy delivery.

  History and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 322 Small Group Theory and Practice (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: SWK-S 221

  The course examines the significance of the small group as both the context and means for social development of individuals and as a vehicle for generalist practice. It includes discussion of the individual as a member of a variety of groups, including the family.

  Small Group Theory and Practice Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 331 Generalist Social Work Practice I: Theory and Skills (3 cr.)

  Pre or Corequisite: SWK-S 221 and Elementary Composition

  This course focuses primarily on the application of basic generalist social work skills that demonstrate an understanding and application of the continuum of social work practice in the helping relationship.

  Generalist Social Work Practice I: Theory and Skills Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 332 Generalist Social Work Practice II: Theory and Skills (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: SWK-S 331 and SWK-S 251

  Pre or Corequisite: SWK-S 322 and SWK-S 352

  This practice course examines the middle and ending phases of the helping process and related skills

  Generalist Social Work Practice II: Theory and Skills Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 352 Social Welfare Policy and Practices (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: SWK-S 251

  This second course in social welfare policy builds on S251 by exploring in depth the current social welfare delivery system through policy analysis using a variety of frameworks and developing policy practice skills. The course also develops beginning policy practice skills so that students will know how to work toward social change congruent with social work ethics and the profession’s commitment to social and economic justice.

  Social Welfare Policy and Practices Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 371 Social Work Research (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: Junior standing according to the social work curriculum.

  The general goal of this basic social science research methods course is to introduce and develop skills needed to conceptualize a problem, make use of available literature, design a research strategy, evaluate, organize, and integrate relevant data (both existing and new), derive useful solutions based on knowledge, and communicate those solutions to clients and colleagues.

  Social Work Research Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 423 Organizational Theory and Practice (3 cr.)

  Pre or Corequisite: SWK-S 322

  This course provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding organizational functioning and behavior, and introduces the knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice and leadership within an organizational context.

  Organizational Theory and Practice Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 433 Community Behavior and Practice within a Generalist Perspective (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: All 300-level social work courses.

  Corequisite: SWK-S 472 and SWK-S 482.

  This course provides the theoretical foundation for community functioning and behavior and the knowledge and skills of community interventions designed to mitigate social, political and economic injustice and bring social change.

  Community Behavior and Practice within a Generalist Perspective Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice-Policy Seminar in Fields of Practice (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: All 300 level courses

  Corequisite: SWK-S 423 and SWK-S 481.

  Variable course topics include:

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice-Policy Seminar in Field of Practice: Addictions (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Case management exists within the broad area of social welfare and social services, and requires knowledge about the human condition, problems in living, the delivery of human services, and the institutions that comprise today’s social welfare system.

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice/Policy Seminar: Case Management (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Students will be expected to integrate the theoretical content from previous coursework and the content presented in this course with opportunities for practical application. The course emphasizes the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice as students identify and analyze ethical dilemmas found in generalist practice. Students will be expected to explore the recent literature to build knowledge for the demonstration of research-informed practice in a specific area.

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice/Policy Seminar: Children and Families (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Students will be expected to integrate the theoretical content from previous coursework and the content presented in this course with opportunities for practical application. The course emphasizes the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice as students identify and analyze ethical dilemmas found in generalist practice.

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice/Policy Seminar in Field of Practice: Health Care (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Students will be expected to integrate the theoretical content from previous coursework and the content presented in this course with opportunities for practical application. The course emphasizes the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice as students identify and analyze ethical dilemmas in generalist practice.

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice/Policy Seminar: Public Child Welfare (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Students will be expected to integrate the theoretical content from previous coursework and the content presented in this course with opportunities for practical application. The course emphasizes the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice as students identify and analyze ethical dilemmas found in generalist practice. Students will be expected to explore the recent literature to build knowledge for the demonstration of research-informed practice in a specific area.

  • SWK-S 442 Integrated Practice/Policy Seminar in Selected Field of Practice: Aging (3 cr.)

    This course focuses the student upon a specific field of social work practice in increased depth, provides further opportunity for synthesis of student learning from previous courses, and seeks to integrate social welfare policies and policy analysis with social work practice. Students will be expected to integrate the theoretical content from previous coursework and the content presented in this course with opportunities for practical application. The course emphasizes the value base of social work practice and its commitment to social and economic justice as students identify and analyze ethical dilemmas found in generalist practice.

• SWK-S 472 Social Work Practice Evaluation (3 cr.)

  Prerequisite: All 300 level courses

  Corequisite: SWK-S 433 and SWK-S 482.

  This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate their own practice and the effectiveness of social service programs within which they work, as well as to become critical consumers of the professional literature to guide their practice.

  Social Work Practice Evaluation Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 481 Social Work Practicum I (6 cr.)

  Prerequisite: All 300 level courses

  Pre or Corequisite: SWK-S 423 and SWK-S 442.

  Field education provides the opportunity for social work students to demonstrate competency in practice, integrating knowledge, values and skills gained in the professional education curriculum. The first practicum experience in the Bachelor of Social Work program allows the student to develop and demonstrate beginning practice competency, laying the foundation for the final field experience (SWK-S 482). Students spend 15 hours per week for the 16-week semester in the agency and receive weekly supervision from an approved agency-based field instructor.

  Social Work Practicum I Model Syllabus

• SWK-S 482 Social Work Practicum II (7 cr.)

  Prerequisite: SWK-S 481, SWK-S 423, and SWK-S 442

  Pre or Corequisite: SWK-S 433 and SWK-S 472.

  This course is the continuation of SWK-S 481 agency-based field experience which provides opportunities for students to demonstrate the practice behaviors outlined in the competencies defined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in preparation for professional practice at the BSW level. The SWK-S 482 practicum placement continues at the same agency as arranged for SWK-S 481 with the student increasing the practicum time to 20 hours per week for the 16-week semester, with continued weekly supervision from an approved agency-based field instructor.

  Social Work Practicum II Model Syllabus