Social Work Student Opportunities

To major in social work at Asbury University, all students must be confirmed to the social work program. This requirement exists because social workers must possess the intellectual, emotional, and social abilities to succeed in social work. These abilities are necessary to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities solve difficult issues. Although all social workers may not eventually attend graduate school, most will. These skills and abilities are necessary for success in graduate school. For these reasons, admission to the social work program requires the following:

• A record of proven academic achievement with a GPA of at least 2.50
• Demonstrated moral, ethical, and social behavior that meets Asbury University standards. We will ask for a recommendation from the Office of Student Life
• Three persons familiar with the applicant are needed as references to substantiate social and emotional maturity
• A recommendation from a non-social work faculty member serves as a reference to verify the applicant’s study habits, contributions to classes, and fit within the Asbury University community
• An interview allows the social work faculty to evaluate students according to these criteria and approve students for admission to the social work program.
• View the application for confirmation to the social work program.

• Field Education Practicum I and Practicum II provide an opportunity for students to apply knowledge of social work generalist practice from course work to practice experience in social service agencies. Students practice social work skills under the supervision of experienced social workers. In this experiential learning opportunity, students integrate social work knowledge, values and skills in working toward positive change with individuals, families, groups and communities.Field Education Preparation (no credits) takes place the semester prior to entering Practicum I. During this semester, students work on multiple aspects preparing them for Field Placement, including finding an agency in their local area with a supervisor who holds a degree in social work. The Director of Field Education must vet and approve the agency site, according to the rigors of Asbury University and CSWE policy.Practicum I (5 credit hours) is typically completed during Fall or Spring semester of junior year (online students usually complete in their second-to-final semester) and requires a minimum of 175 hours spent in the agency along with weekly seminar class sessions.Practicum II (8 credit hours) is typically completed during Fall or Spring semester of senior year (online students usually complete in their final semester) and requires a minimum of 280 agency hours along with weekly seminar class sessions.Asbury University Department of Social Work has relationships with various Kentucky agencies that provide social work services in areas such as: child and family services; health care; schools; court and legal services; community development; elderly care; poverty and homelessness; mental health; public policy and advocacy.

  Additionally, there are international Field Education opportunities in Uganda, France, and Romania.

  Our Director of Field Education is eager to meet with each student to assist in planning the best opportunity for their individual professional development and areas of interest in Field Practicum planning.

  Sarah Ahern Bellew, MSW, Director of Field Education