Exploring the UCF Social Work Program: A Comprehensive Overview
Social work is a profession dedicated to enhancing the well-being of others and advocating for social change. Social workers strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society by providing essential services. The UCF School of Social Work offers comprehensive programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for a successful career in this dynamic field.
A Foundation in Social Work: The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program
The UCF Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and prepares students to become generalist helping professionals. The BSW program emphasizes the promotion of optimal well-being, human rights, and social, environmental, economic, and racial justice.
Curriculum and Key Components
The curriculum consists of studies in:
- Human behavior and the social environment.
- Social welfare policy and services.
- Research methods.
- Social work practice.
Students can also choose electives in specialized areas such as:
- Child welfare.
- Addictions.
- Aging studies.
- Health services.
- Immigration.
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations.
Field Education: Integrating Theory and Practice
Field education is a central component of the BSW curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. The internship experience allows students to integrate theory and practice over 420 hours, averaging 28 hours per week. The internship can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
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Academic and Professional Advising
Academic and professional advising are integral to the BSW program. Students are required to meet with the BSW program coordinator or program advisor to develop an academic degree plan and review it each semester to ensure accuracy and timely graduation. Students are also encouraged to seek guidance from faculty members on research and professional options.
Admission to the BSW Program
The BSW is a limited access major, requiring a separate application. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethics of social work.
Professional Standards and Ethics
The UCF Bachelor of Social Work program maintains high standards of professionalism guided by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the NASW Code of Ethics and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, academic integrity, and ethical conduct.
Advancing Your Career: The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at UCF prepares students for clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. The MSW program strives to educate students to become successful practitioners in the field of clinical social work. The program meets the educational eligibility criteria for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Florida.
Program Tracks and Flexibility
UCF offers several tracks within the MSW program to accommodate different schedules and needs. These include:
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- Traditional Track: For students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.
- Advanced Standing Track: For students with a BSW degree from an accredited program awarded within the last six years.
- Campus-Based Track: Offers students the opportunity to learn with their peers through interprofessional education program events.
- Online Track: A convenient solution for those looking to earn their degrees through distance education.
The Master of Social Work Program offers several options to students including full-time study, advanced standing admission, as well as the mixed mode and online classes to support the part-time study.
Curriculum and Key Components
The MSW program covers a range of topics, including:
- Conceptual frameworks for building relationships.
- Interviewing skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Generalist model of practice.
- Family-focused models of intervention.
Field Education: Hands-On Experience
Internships are the pedagogy of social work education. The field education office connects students with internships to provide critical hands-on experience and professional practice hours through supervised generalist and clinical social work. This includes a 400-hour internship during the last two semesters prior to graduation.
The MSW Student Association (MSWSA)
The MSW Student Association (MSWSA) is comprised of all admitted MSW students. Officers are selected by students and the MSWSA meetings are held once a month.
Nu Pi Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society
The Nu Pi Chapter of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society was established at UCF.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply online and choose a track in the program. This includes uploading your Professional Statement and Letter of Recommendation. For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
Certificates and Minors
Students have opportunities to enhance their study by earning certificates and minors within this program of study. These include:
- A Social Work and the Law Certificate.
- The Military Social Work Certificate.
Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training
Students have the opportunity to work alongside faculty as Research Assistants or Graduate Research Assistants through our Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training. The Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training was established to promote interdisciplinary research and training for health and behavioral health topics.
Invincible Knights Scholarship
The College established the Invincible Knights Scholarship after learning how a social work student overcame adversity.
Interprofessional Education
The School partnered with other departments within the UCF Academic Health Sciences Center to enhance interprofessional education through the “pop-up” Apopka Clinic.
The Importance of Social Work
Social workers intervene with and on behalf of diverse populations, including:
- Adult men and women.
- Persons of African, Asian, Hispanic, or multicultural descent.
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender individuals.
- Children.
- Older adults.
- Persons with HIV/AIDS.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Economically disadvantaged individuals.
These clients may present with a variety of concerns, including:
- Domestic violence.
- Sexual assault.
- End-of-life care.
- Confusion over sexual identity.
- Fear of “coming out” to family and friends.
- Uncertainty about pregnancy.
- Helping clients deal with illness and the grief that may follow is part of a social worker’s professional career.
Social workers are found in various settings, including:
- Public agencies.
- Private businesses.
- Hospitals.
- Clinics.
- Schools.
- Nursing homes.
- Police departments.
- Courts.
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