BSW Frequently Asked Questions
- Can life experiences or work be used as possible substitutions for specific course requirements?
- If I take classes outside of the University, what do I need to do to find out if they can serve as an equivalent or substitution for a program requirement?
- What is the senior program?
- When does the senior program begin?
- What are the prerequisites to qualify for the senior program?
- When do I complete my internship experience?
Can life experiences or work be used as possible substitutions for specific course requirements?
The School of Social Work does not allow substitutions for courses as a result of work or life experiences. Students who have associates degrees may be allowed to substitute specific courses based upon the focus of the area of study. The program does not guarantee any substitutions and the decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
If I take classes outside of the University, what do I need to do to find out if they can serve as an equivalent or substitution for a program requirement?
If you are interested in taking courses outside the University, you are strongly encouraged to speak with your academic advisor to discuss your options.
After completion of the course, you will need to have a transcript sent to the University of Georgia undergraduate admissions office from the institution where you took the class. If the University will accept the course as a transfer, they will determine if it is an equivalent course and place the course on your record accordingly.
If they accept the course and it is not found to be an equivalent to a University course and you feel that it closely matches a specific course requirement for the social work curriculum, you should meet with your advisor. You will need to provide the advisor with a course description, a syllabus, possible assignments or tests, or the textbook. You advisor will be able to make a decision regarding the equivalency of the transfer course. If the two courses are found at least equal, your advisor can suggest that our Degree Specialist allow a substitution for the course on your record.
What is the senior program?
The senior program refers to the 5000 level courses of the BSW curriculum. The senior program is composed of 40 hours of intensive professional social work courses needed to complete your degree. Students enter the senior program upon completion of all core and program prerequisites.
When does the senior program begin?
The senior program is setup in three phases and must be taken in order. Phase one begins either during the spring or summer. Students must complete the two required senior classes. Phase two begins in the fall along with the internship experience. Phase three begins in the spring continuing with the same internship experience. All classes must be taken in order.
What are the prerequisites to qualify for the senior program?
As a social work major, you are working on completion of all the University’s core requirements and the department’s specified requirements to fulfill the prerequisites to enter the senior program. They include:
- Foreign Language, completion through the 2001 level
- Multicultural course requirement
- STAT 2000
- BIOL 1103-1103L
- PSYC 1001 and PSYC 3230
- CHFD 2100
- ECON 2105
- SOWK 2154, 2154L, 2155, 2156
You will discuss further requirements with your Social Work academic advisor.
When do I complete my internship experience?
All social work majors complete a two-semester internship (fall and spring) requirement during the senior year of the program. The internship requirement is completed concurrently while attending classes.You are encouraged to contact the BSW field office for more information regarding internships.
If you have other questions about the BSW program, e-mail us at ugabsw@uga.edu, call 706-542-5420, or stop by Tucker Hall 201.
