The Bachelor of Science degree in social work prepares students for the entry level of professional practice in a variety of public and private social service agencies, organizations and programs designed to enrich the quality of life and to improve the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities served. Study includes the social, economic, and political processes involved in the development and change of social service institutions, the dynamics of human behavior and the interventive methods and their applications to a wide variety of situations and clients. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Through the Office of Extension and Distance Education the Department of Sociology and Social Work presents off-campus undergraduate programs in social work which provide the upper-level (junior and senior years) course work for the BSW degree at community college sites in northwestern NC. Upper-level courses leading to the BSW degree will be conducted at the off-campus location.

Graduates with accredited BSW degrees have several advantages in North Carolina: They seek certification under North Carolina's Social Work Certification Law; and they may be admitted with advanced standing to graduate schools of social work. Students will be prepared as generalists to work in nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, health departments, projects on aging, correctional agencies, departments of social services, mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, schools, housing programs, shelters and other public and private social programs.

Freshman and Sophomore Courses to be Completed at a Community College (or other accredited institution)

The courses listed below will not be taught in the Appalachian off-campus BSW program and must be completed through the community college (or other accredited institution) and transferred to Appalachian. Students transferring the NC Comprehensive Articulation Agreement core will automatically meet requirements for the general education core. Appalachianís 4-digit course numbers are listed for some courses; the current NC community collegeís 3-digit course equivalents for meeting requirements are shown in parentheses. Other community college courses may be needed to complete certain lower-level program or elective requirements.

Those wishing to enter the off-campus program should have the majority of the freshman and sophomore courses completed. Concurrent enrollment (i.e., taking courses through Appalachian and the community college during the same term, is allowed, but it is important that students meet any pre-requisites at appropriate times.

Courses taught by Appalachian in the Off-Campus Special Education Program

Applications and supporting documents should be in the Office of Extension and Distance Education at least three months prior to the beginning of the program. Official transcripts must be sent from the high school and all colleges and universities attended. A $45 application fee must accompany the application. (For programs which fill early, applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date the application and all supporting documents are received.)

As a general rule for off-campus programs, two courses per semester (including summers) will be offered until the program's completion. Courses are taught by Appalachian faculty and will ordinarily meet one night per course per week for approximately three hours. Most classes will meet from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

Registration for off-campus courses is handled by the Office of Extension and Distance Education, and students are able to take care of all registration activities off campus.