Bachelor of Social Work

Program Description

The Associate of Arts, AA at JCCC is a general transfer degree and partners well with the first two years of most bachelor degree programs. Students pursuing the AA may select courses that satisfy both the AA degree requirements and lower division requirements for a bachelor’s degree at four-year institutions. The elective hours within the AA allow students to complete additional general education and lower division courses required for specific majors. The AA degree requires completion of 60 credit hours. Meeting with a JCCC counselor is strongly recommended for selection of appropriate courses.   

The BSW Program is designed to prepare social work students for professional generalist practice. This involves the application of a diverse knowledge base, professional values, and a wide range of skills. Social workers utilize their knowledge and skills to assist individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations to improve social functioning and obtain the resources needed to accomplish identified goals. Social workers strive to create social change and eliminate social and economic injustice. Careers in social work occur in a variety of settings, such as public/state social services, hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, courts, nursing homes, crisis centers, and children and family service agencies. Career options include direct practice with clients, administration, social planning, and legislative advocacy. Effective social work is centered in assessments of the person-in-the-environment, and the subsequent skillful selection of multilevel interventions, in keeping with social work values and ethical practice.  

In addition to core social work courses, BSW students at Washburn University have the opportunity to take four social work electives and complete two semesters of practicum (internship) in social service environments under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Graduates of our program are well-prepared to enter the field and make a difference in the lives of others. 

Admission Requirements 

• Apply for admission, complete the application.
• Send official transcripts of all previous college work to: Washburn University, Office of Admissions, 1700 SW College, Topeka, KS 66621 or submit them electronically to Office of Admission.

Requirements for Admissions into the Bachelor of Social Work Program 

1. Current enrollment as a student in good standing at Washburn University as defined in the current Washburn University Undergraduate Catalog.
2. Approved Declaration of Major (Pre-BSW) in Social Work (verified using the university’s SCT Banner System).
3. An overall (cumulative) grade point average of at least 2.5.
4. Completion of a minimum of 34-35 hours of General Education course credits.
5. Submission of a completed BSW Application for Formal Admission.
6. Please note that the following social work courses must be successfully completed (grade of “C” or better) prior to beginning the BSW Practicum: SW100, SW250, SW325, SW326, SW352, and SW353.
7. Field Practicum marks the start of a student’s professional social work career in the community. Two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) of field experience in the same practicum placement are required. A practicum seminar class must be taken concurrently both semesters. A student must pass both practicum and seminar the first semester to proceed to the second semester.
8. Practicum begins during the first week of each semester, although some placements have an orientation before the start of Fall semester. Time in placement averages approximately 16 hours per week. The following is required: 200 hours per semester and 400 hours overall. Hours cannot be carried over into the next semester, nor can a student complete the practicum early.

Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum of 120 semester hours of credit
• Minimum of 60 semester hours from Washburn or a four-year college or university; at least 30 hours must be completed through Washburn
• Minimum of 45 semester hours of credit from courses at the upper division level
• Complete 34-35 hours of General Education
• Minimum of 84 graded hours
• Grade of “C” or better in courses counting towards the university requirements, major, and minor 

General Education 

• Students transferring to Washburn, that complete the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from JCCC will be considered to have satisfied Washburn’s general education curriculum.   
• Students who transfer to Washburn, without completing the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will have courses evaluated on a course-by-course basis toward meeting Washburn requirements. To learn more about courses that satisfy Washburn Core Requirements and Washburn Transfer Equivalency Tool.
• Visit the Washburn General Education Guide for JCCC equivalents.