Social Work

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Chairperson: Virginia David
Professors: Evans, D.S.W., Taylor-Brown, Ph.D.; Associate Professors: David, M.S.W., and House, M.S.W.; Assistant Professors: Nzinga-Johnson, Ph.D., Viggiani, Ph.D. and Watkins, Ph.D.; Lecturer: Sharp, M.S.W.

Mission Statement
Nazareth College serves women and men of all ages who desire educational programs that combine a strong liberal arts experience with sufficient depth in a chosen field in order to prepare them for careers and graduate study. Through the curriculum of the Social Work Department, students gain the knowledge, values, skills, and experience needed to pursue entry-level professional positions and graduate studies. The students develop a perspective on human behavior and social issues in order to promote the well-being of individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities in contemporary society. The Social Work Department is committed to ethics, values, and behaviors that promote social change, social justice, the empowerment of oppressed groups, and a celebration of diversity.

Accreditation
The Social Work Department at Nazareth College is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accrediting body ensures that all baccalaureate and graduate-level Social Work programs are of sound quality and that they graduate competent professionals. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program enables students to apply for both entry-level professional social work positions and for advanced standing in graduate studies of Social Work. The Nazareth College program is also registered with the Division of Professional Education Ð New York State Education Department.

Major Program Requirements

Mth 207; Bio 109 (or equivalent); 18 credits in Social Sciences as follows: Soc 101; Psy 101; Eco 101; Psc 201; Soc 352; Psy 323; 38 credits in Social Work, as follows: Swk 204, 222, 300, 304W, 305, 383, 384, 404, 452, 483, and 484 (6 cr.).

Decisions regarding course equivalencies will be on an individual basis, through consultation with the chairperson of the Social Work Department.

The Social Work program requires extensive supervised field experience. It makes use of Rochester-area health and human service agencies to acquaint students with the diversity of professional activity and opportunities existing in this field.

Senior Experience
The Senior Integrative Seminar, concurrent with the field practicum, strengthens the integration of theory and practice by emphasizing the linkages between the liberal arts and all components of the Social Work curriculum and social work practice. It further sharpens the student’s ability to question and think critically; to explore personal, professional, cultural values and ethical issues, to prepare for productive contributions to society, and engage in lifelong learning.

The senior comprehensive examination assesses the student in the required content areas in social work, allows for further opportunities for linkages with the liberal arts, and provides outcome assessment information for the social work faculty.

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