The MSW Program at LBC | Capital exists to equip graduate social work students to serve society and the Church through advanced social work practice within the purpose and values of the social work profession and the context of a biblical worldview.
This program prepares students to be leaders in the field of social work in a wide range of settings. By developing a biblical framework, leadership skills, evidence-based practice, experiential learning, and ethic of self-care, students will be equipped to provide leadership in professional social service contexts.
Competency 3 – Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 4 – Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Competency 6 – Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 7 – Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8 – Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9 – Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 10 – Synthesize Social Work Values and One’s Biblical Worldview When Working with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
Curricular Structure
Competency 1
Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. Social workers:
• make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
• use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;
• demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;
• use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
• use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 510 | Human Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 2
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Social workers:
• apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
• present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
• apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 510 | Human Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 3
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected. Social workers:
• apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels; and
• engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 510 | Human Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| SWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy: Foundations | |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 4
Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. Social workers:
• use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
• apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and
• use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 510 | Human Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| SWK 515 | Theories and Life Stage Development | 3 |
| SWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy: Foundations | |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 530 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 5
Engage in Policy Practice
Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers:
• Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
• assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;
• apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy: Foundations | |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 6
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. Social workers:
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
• use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 7
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Social workers:
• collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
• develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
• select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 8
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the importance of interprofessional teamwork and communication in interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and inter-organizational collaboration. Social workers:
• critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies;
• use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes;
• negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies; and
• facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 9
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:
• select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
• critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
• apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Competency 10
Synthesize Social Work Values and One's Biblical Worldview when Working with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
The LBC social worker will practice biblical values as well as social work values. These harmonious values are the foundation of our work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. We recognize the delineation between our personal values and professional values. We understand the rules related to value conflicts and resolve to manage these conflicts in a professional and ethical manner.
The Social Work Program describes a biblical worldview as being in harmony with the 6 core values of social work: commitment to service & social justice, recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of all people, recognition of the value of human relationships, and commitment to integrity & competence in our practice. We strive to exemplify the fruits of the spirit, which are defined biblically as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Christians we strive to exemplify Christ-like behavior by serving others, and following the examples set by Jesus who commanded us in Matthew 25 to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner. The LBC intern will strive to act in a Christ-like manner showing love to others.
• Identify personal values and behaviors that emerge from a biblical worldview
• Demonstrate behaviors that are aligned with a biblical worldview; and
• Articulate how the spiritual dimension is an integral part of the whole person.
| SWK 500 | Foundations of Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 510 | Human Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| SWK 515 | Theories and Life Stage Development | 3 |
| SWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy: Foundations | |
| SWK 525 | Micro & Mezzo Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 526 | Macro Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 530 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SWK 550 | Foundational Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 551 | Foundational Internship II | 3 |
Bible & Theology Foundation
| BTC 503 | Foundations for Integration | 3 |
| BTC 504 | Perspectives on Integration | 3 |
Specialization 1- Clinical Social Work
Clinical Social Work
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Clinical Social Work builds upon the core generalist practice competencies and supports the development of student understanding of the social work purpose and values inherent in the profession. This specialization will support student learning at all three levels of practice: micro, mezzo, and macro. Coursework design is shaped by the social work core values with an emphasis on service, social justice, dignity and worth of all people, valuing human relationships, supporting integrity and competence, and utilizing a scientific approach to knowledge and skill demonstration. Knowledge, values, skills and cognitive/affective processes are integrated into the curriculum which advances the student’s clinical skills through course assignments and field experiences.
For the Regular Standing student, thirteen courses comprise the MSW degree in addition to four internship placements addressing all three levels of practice with a total of 900 hours of internship. Each student will be required to complete three 2-credit electives to complete the degree. For the Advanced Standing student there are six core courses, two advanced internship courses (500 hours of field work) and three 2-credit electives to complete the degree. Given the context of the Program within the institution, all graduate students are required to complete four credits of Bible/Theology class and are afforded opportunities through coursework to synthesize a biblical worldview through their assignments.
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Competency 1
Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Clinical social work practitioners use reflective practice (skills) to guide their approach to working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Utilizing a person-in-environment perspective and strengths-based approach in their work (knowledge), clinical social work practitioners adhere to the highest standard of ethical behavior (values) recognizing their role as change agents through direct practice and leadership within organizations. Clinical social work practitioners develop sound practice strategies utilizing a myriad of tools and technology in their professional judgment and behaviors (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work practice:
- Identify as ethical social work practitioners by adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics and core values.
- Engage in personal reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values.
- Engage in supervision to guide professional growth and behavior.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in oral, written, and electronic communication.
- Engage in interprofessional collaboration in practice.
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 2
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Clinical social work practitioners know the various forms and mechanisms of discrimination and oppression that impact client systems (knowledge). Utilizing this knowledge, they practice from a cultural humility perspective, valuing all individuals as diverse human beings, responding to issues of inclusion and equity in practice (skills and values). Applying a critical thinking lens, they are cognizant of the various dimensions of diversity, managing their own biases and values when working with diverse client systems (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Demonstrate an attitude of cultural humility and respect cultural differences.
- Identify factors of intersectionality and diversity and their impact on clients and constituencies.
- Research and apply knowledge related to diversity to educate others in valuing diversity and promoting inclusion and equity.
- Analyze policies and practices on the potential impact on diverse clients.
Utilize self-reflection to manage personal beliefs and biases
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 3
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Clinical social work practitioners actively engage in their communities to address violations of human rights and social, economic, and environmental injustices (skills). They know the various barriers that prevent justice for individual client systems and enact a plan of action to address the barriers (knowledge and skills). These practitioners view social, economic and environmental justice as a basic human right, advocating at individual and system levels (values). They critically evaluate multiple ways of advocacy to advance human rights while continuously assessing risk for the client system (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Engage community leaders in discussions about injustice impacting client systems.
- Prepare written position statements to address social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Campaign to eradicate injustice at the micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels.
- Identify policies that create or perpetuate systemic barriers to justice and develop a plan to address the barriers.
- Educate others about issues of client system injustice.
| SWK 620 | Advanced Policy: Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 4
Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Clinical social work practitioners value research in the social work field and the application of research to inform practice (value). They know the various components of sound, ethical research and how research is gathered, interpreted, evaluated, and applied in social work contexts to have a direct, positive impact on client systems (knowledge). Practitioners engage in research methodology from point of hypothesis creation, participant inclusion, informed consent, data gathering, data analysis, and final written reporting (skills). Practitioners critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative data drawing conclusions to inform and improve social work practice (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Implement evidence-based research and program evaluation in clinical practice.
- Apply research to practice by utilizing the logic model within the agency.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and apply research findings to improve service delivery.
- Read professional journal articles and critically evaluate existing research to develop innovative intervention strategies.
- Assist other social work practitioners to develop evidence-based assessment tools to inform practice.
| SWK 620 | Advanced Policy: Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 640 | Advanced Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 5
Engage in Policy Practice
Clinical social work practitioners are well versed in policies that shape social work practice from a local, state-wide, and national level (knowledge). Practitioners understand the importance of policies that impact client well-being and the delivery of services, valuing the complexity of economic policies that impact service to client systems (values). Practitioners adjust to the changing dynamics of environments influenced by policies and advocate for policies that address various forms of injustice or discrimination (skills). Practitioners broadly evaluate strategies to engage with constituents relating to the impact of policy on well-being and access to services (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Critically analyze past and present public policies that shape social services.
- Research policies which pertain to well-being, service delivery, and access to social services.
- Assess the effectiveness of a policy on the well-being and service delivery of a client population.
- Interact with funding sources and state welfare organizations through direct contact with government agencies that provide welfare services.
- Create written material to educate others about the impact of public policy on clients.
| SWK 620 | Advanced Policy: Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 640 | Advanced Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 6
Engage with Individuals, Families, and Groups
Clinical social work practitioners are well versed in the theoretical frameworks of engaging with diverse populations (knowledge). They demonstrate a compassion and empathy toward client systems and empower clients to grow from traumatic experiences (skills). Practitioners interact with individuals, families and groups valuing the unique and diverse perspective which is brought to the helping relationship (values). Practitioners recognize the importance of reflective practice and being mindful of personal strengths and limitations during service delivery (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Apply knowledge of a myriad of theoretical constructs with an emphasis on the use of the strengths-based perspective and the person-in-environment approach.
- Use empathy when meeting with individuals, families, and groups applying a cultural humility perspective.
- Seek feedback from supervisors and peers and identify areas of strength and weakness in engaging with clients.
- Model effective communication strategies (both in-person and through the use of technology) when engaging with others.
- Educate others, through reflective practice, on strategies to engage the challenging client.
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 7
Assess Individuals, Families, and Groups
Clinical social work practitioners conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments with individuals, families, and groups (skills). Practitioners value a client-driven, strengths and resiliency-based approach in the assessment process to support the development of thorough intervention goals, objectives, and tasks (values). Practitioners employ evidence-based assessment strategies from multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks which support strong assessment strategies (knowledge). Practitioners utilize critical thinking and reflective practice to synthesize data collected from the assessment of individuals, families and groups and develop the most appropriate intervention strategies (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Conduct biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments with client input.
- Develop comprehensive intervention plans to include client-focused goals, objectives, and tasks.
- Demonstrate an ability to use assessment information to communicate treatment recommendations for clients.
- Uses strong collaborative skills to empower client systems as part of the assessment and planning process.
- Educate others in effective assessment and planning techniques.
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 8
Intervene with Individuals, Families, and Groups
Clinical social work practitioners navigate through the complexities of practice at all levels of practice, positioning themselves for interventions to achieve practice outcomes. Practitioners use evidence-based interventions with client systems and know the various structures that comprise organizational life and community operations to inform the development of effective interventions (knowledge). Practitioners engage in interprofessional collaborative partnerships by using the skills of negotiation, mediation, and advocacy to address injustices and/or inconsistencies on behalf of client systems (skills). Practitioners value a broad perspective to interventions that impact client systems, organizational staff and leadership, and those that impact community life (values). Practitioners participate in self-reflection as they engage in critical conversations and inquiry at a micro, mezzo and macro level with clients, constituents, community leaders and organizational administration to enhance service delivery and the achievement of positive outcomes (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Implement strategic interventions on behalf of client systems at all practice levels.
- Demonstrate effective interprofessional collaboration through interventions.
- Design intervention strategies to achieve client-driven, organizational, and community outcomes.
- Evaluate the various assessment tools’ strengths and limitations.
- Propose trauma-informed interventions that align with evidence-based research to improve client and staff functioning.
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 9
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and/or Communities
Clinical social work practitioners recognize the value and importance of evaluation in the planned change process by committing to develop strong evaluative processes (values). Practitioners are well-versed in a myriad of evaluation techniques at the micro, mezzo and macro levels and know the steps of the evaluative process (knowledge). Practitioners use effective methods of evaluation relevant to the data that is needed to support strong outcomes for individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities (skills). Practitioners are able to critically analyze client outcomes, withholding personal judgments, and produce objective evaluation reports for all constituents (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in clinical social work:
- Apply sound evaluation strategies that gather relevant outcome data to inform future practice.
- Utilize social work theories and frameworks in the evaluation process.
- Collaborate with others within the organization to conduct evidence-based evaluations to improve services.
- Develop a systematic strategy to report client outcomes to promote ethical and effective practice.
- Propose practical recommendations to improve service delivery based on evaluation outcomes.
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 10
Synthesize Social Work Values and One’s Biblical Worldview when Working with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Clinical social work practitioners value the spiritual dimension of the helping relationship, acknowledging their own worldview and the worldview reflective of the client system (values). Practitioners know the ethical considerations relating to the use of self and accessing the spiritual dimension when interacting with client systems (knowledge). Practitioners demonstrate behaviors that align with a biblical worldview, articulating the spiritual dimension through engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation (skills). Practitioners critically apply self-reflection in the application of a biblical worldview and the harmony with the core values of social work (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced generalist practice social work:
- Articulate the integration of a biblical worldview and social work core values.
- Apply a biblical worldview during interactions in simulated and/or case study scenarios through coursework.
- Utilize the spiritual dimension as part of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
- Resolve to respect clients’ values and not impose personal spiritual values on clients.
- Educate others about the use of a biblical worldview and accessing the spiritual dimension in practice that focuses on a client-directed perspective.
| SWK 610 | Cross Cultural Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 620 | Advanced Policy: Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice | 3 |
| SWK 625 | Clinical Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 626 | Clinical Practice: Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 640 | Advanced Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Specialization 2 - Advanced Child and Family Practice
Advanced Child and Family Practice builds upon the core generalist practice competencies and supports the development of practitioner effectiveness in all aspects of child welfare practice. Practitioners are trained in multiple areas from policy development, advocacy, administrative work, and to individual, family and group work for those client systems touched by the complex child welfare system. This specialization touches all levels of practice, advancing the social work core values and supporting the vital purpose for which social work exists. The curriculum will provide opportunities for students to gain advanced knowledge by building upon their experiences in the field. Both coursework and fieldwork will offer students opportunities for skill refinement. Students will reflect on the importance of child welfare staff at all levels of organizational as each member commits to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children to achieve positive outcomes. The curriculum will encourage the development of critical thinking and challenge the students’ affective responses to the complex issues that children and families face within the child welfare system.
For the Regular Standing student, fourteen courses comprise the MSW degree with four internship placements addressing all three levels of practice. The 900 internship hours and the two required elective courses complete the degree. Students are strongly encouraged to take two of the three following electives: Supervision and Administration; Advanced Child Welfare Policy; or Trauma Informed Practice for the Child Welfare Professional. For the Advanced Standing student, they participate in a bridge course that integrates their practice knowledge and prepares them for advanced learning with six core courses, two advanced internship courses (500 hours of field work) and two electives to complete the degree. Similarly, students are required to enhance their knowledge in the specialization by taking two of the electives mentioned above. To address the program’s tenth competency, students also complete four credits of Bible/Theology and are afforded opportunities through coursework to synthesize a biblical worldview through their assignments.
Competency 1
Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Advanced child welfare practitioners understand the importance of child safety as a primary responsibility for all who engage in the child welfare system. Child welfare practitioners carry out their responsibilities in the support of safety, permanency, and well-being for all children (knowledge). Practitioners use a variety of skills that advance an ethical approach to engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, and managing their own professionalism when encountering stressed systems (skills). Practitioners value the person-in-environment perspective recognizing that sound practice considers the client as the driver of service and a broader understanding of context helps to achieve positive outcomes (values). Practitioners in advanced child welfare utilize critical self-reflection when facing traumatic situations within the field, supporting a strengths-based approach to child welfare work, using supervision, consultation, and collaboration as a regular practice stance (cognitive and affective responses).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Identify as ethical social work practitioners by adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics and core values.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in oral, written, and electronic communication.
- Engage in interprofessional collaboration in practice.
- Use supervision and consultation to refine practice.
- Utilize knowledge and experience in the field to educate others.
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 2
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Advanced child welfare practitioners are knowledgeable about the various forms of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of vulnerable populations that impact service to the child welfare system partners (knowledge). All practitioners skillfully utilize a cultural humility perspective as they practice in the micro, mezzo, and macro levels (skill). Practitioners value difference and diversity and use opportunities to present themselves as learners of others, considering clients as experts of their own lived experiences (values). Practitioners are cognizant of the various dimensions of diversity, managing their own biases and values when working with diverse client systems (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Demonstrate an attitude of cultural humility and respect cultural differences.
- Identify structures of discrimination and oppression and propose solutions to address injustice.
- Research and apply knowledge related to diversity to educate others in valuing diversity and promoting inclusion and equity.
- Develop assessments, interventions, and evaluations that are culturally sensitive.
- Utilize self-reflection to manage personal beliefs and biases.
| SWK 611 | Diversity in Child Welfare Settings | 3 |
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 3
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Advanced child welfare practitioners understand the various barriers that exist within the child welfare system that impact community engagement and work to advance the rights of children, parents, child welfare staff, and other constituents (knowledge). Practitioners actively collaborate with other societal entities to address basic human rights of client systems at all levels, focusing on social, economic, and environmental justice (skills). Practitioners value advocating for the voiceless and defenseless children and the families as a means to achieve positive outcomes (values). Practitioners reflect on the injustice that exists in the child welfare and corresponding systems, and continuously pursue creative options to advocate for changes that promote justice (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Engage with community partners to collaborate for change to address various forms of injustice affecting child welfare practice.
- Propose solutions to address social, economic, and environmental injustice that impact child welfare systems.
- Select appropriate interventions at a micro, mezzo and macro level that advance human rights impacting the child welfare system.
- Evaluate systemic barriers to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice impacting the child welfare system.
- Educate others in advocacy to become leaders of change, using their voice to address areas of injustice impacting the child welfare system.
| SWK 611 | Diversity in Child Welfare Settings | 3 |
| SWK 613 | Advanced Child Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 4
Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Advanced child welfare practitioners value evidence-based research that informs child welfare practice (values), effectively utilizing research results to improve practice and the quality of service delivery (skills). Practitioners understand the importance of gathering data that drives decision-making in developing evidence-based child welfare practice (knowledge). Advanced child welfare practitioners critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative findings and devise implications to inform and improve child welfare practice (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Select appropriate research strategies and implement research to improve practice outcomes.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, applying research findings to improve child welfare practice.
- Evaluate existing research and identify gaps in knowledge in the field of child welfare.
- Advocate for evidence-based practice founded on sound research.
- Educate other child welfare practitioners to engage in data-driven practice.
| SWK 613 | Advanced Child Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 640 | Advanced Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 5
Engage in Policy Practice
Advanced child welfare practitioners are knowledgeable about the significant federal and state laws, local agency regulations, and domestic policies that inform child welfare practice (knowledge). Utilizing this knowledge, child welfare practitioners compare child welfare organizational practice with policy interpretations, discriminating between best practice and traditional practice interventions (skills). Practitioners value the functionality of policies in the child welfare system and practice (values). Practitioners compile policy positions that advance sound child welfare practice from multiple sources and critically evaluate such positions to improve child welfare practice at a local level (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Identify current child welfare public policy that impacts the field.
- Assess child welfare policy and identify gaps in services that impact well-being, service delivery, and access to services.
- Advocate for changes at the local, state, or national levels to improve delivery and access to services.
- Demonstrate an ability to translate policy into practice.
- Educate others on the impact of child welfare policy on children and families.
| SWK 613 | Advanced Child Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 6
Engage with Individuals, Families, and Groups
Advance child welfare practitioners understand multiple theoretical frameworks in conjunction with a cultural humility approach when interacting with children, families, and groups within the child welfare system (knowledge). Practitioners adopt a trauma-informed approach to engage with client systems. This is approached with compassion and empathy as they navigate the complex dynamics when working with individuals, families and groups (skills). Valuing diverse perspectives of engagement, practitioners model approaches that demonstrate skills associated with effective engagement along the continuum of the planned change process (values). Critically self-reflective practitioners construct a model of engagement based on multiple ways of conceptualizing the client’s experience with the child welfare system, continuously evaluating one’s own affective responses (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare social work practice:
- Utilize a strengths-based engagement approach to empower the individual child and caregiver.
- Demonstrate empathy, compassion, warmth, and genuineness towards child welfare client systems.
- Utilize a cultural humility approach and respect clients’ lived experiences when engaging with clients.
- Model the use of a trauma-informed approach to engage with client systems.
- Educate others through reflective practice and develop strategies to engage the challenging child welfare individual, family or group.
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 7
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, and Organizations
Advanced child welfare practitioners conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and spiritual assessments with individuals, families, and groups, and assess organizations with the aim to improve the quality of services. (skills). Practitioners value a client-driven, strengths and resiliency-based approach to support sound planning and interventions. The assessment process also aids in the analysis of organizational health and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses (values). Practitioners know evidence-based assessment strategies (i.e., motivational interviewing, differential diagnosis, organizational analysis, etc.) used in investigation and ongoing services that are applied to the child welfare direct service or organizational life (knowledge). Practitioners analyze and synthesize assessment data to inform the selection of the best intervention strategies for individuals, families, groups and organizations (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Conduct biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments in collaboration with clients.
- Develop comprehensive intervention plans to include child-focused and client-driven goals, objectives, and tasks.
- Apply evidence-based practice such as family group conferencing and family teaming to promote client outcomes.
- Collaborate with other system partners to create comprehensive individual and family assessments.
- Educate others in effective child welfare assessment and planning techniques and maintain organizational efforts in continuous quality improvement strategies.
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 8
Intervene with Organizations and Communities
Advanced child welfare practitioners apply a host of intervention strategies within direct practice which impact organizational outcomes and community well-being, often leading the discussion that affects macro practice (skills). Practitioners understand the benefit of effective organizational and community engagement in addressing the complexities of child abuse/neglect issues. Practitioners collaborate with other service providers to identify strategies that enhance understanding of the child welfare system (knowledge). Practitioners value volunteer service on community and organizational boards, representing and advocating for the needs of the child welfare system by developing collaborative networks (values). Through engaging in critical conversations at the macro level with leaders, practitioners critically self-reflect in their role in the achievement of positive child welfare outcomes relating to safety, permanency, and well-being (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Engage in inter-professional collaboration to evaluate service delivery to promote effective practice outcomes.
- Analyze data from child welfare organizations and community assessments and make recommendations for improved service delivery.
- Advocate for a trauma-informed intervention approach to service delivery in the field of child welfare.
- Create change effort strategies to support the improvement of child welfare organization and community outcomes.
- Model the use of leadership skills to advocate on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies in child welfare.
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 9
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and/or Communities
Advanced child welfare practitioners value evaluation as part of the planned change process, committing to the development of strong evaluative processes (values). Practitioners are familiar with multiple strategies and steps to evaluate practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro level, and conduct both formative and summative evaluations to assist in gathering data (knowledge). Practitioners select and use a variety of tools to engage in evaluation of practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels within child welfare practice (skills). Practitioners are able to critically analyze client outcomes (micro, mezzo, and macro), withholding personal judgments, and produce bias-free evaluative reports (cognitive and affective processes).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Propose sound evaluation strategies that gather relevant data within the child welfare system to improve practice outcomes.
- Conduct formative and summative evaluations to inform practice and improve existing services.
- Evaluate program procedures at the micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels.
- Construct change effort projects to analyze and evaluate child welfare system practices.
- Develop effective evidence-based tools to evaluate child welfare system outcomes from the strengths-based and growth perspectives.
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Competency 10
Synthesize Social Work Values and One’s Biblical Worldview when Working with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Advanced child welfare practitioners value the spiritual dimension that can be accessed throughout interactions across the child welfare system (values). Practitioners acknowledge their own worldview biases and recognize the importance of reflective practice as they critically consider how a biblical worldview is in harmony with the core values of social work practice and to the degree that child welfare constituents also operate out of a spiritual context (cognitive and affective processes). Practitioners are aware of the ethical considerations relating to use of self and accessing the spiritual dimension when interacting with client systems (knowledge). Practitioners can effectively document spiritual dimensions of the human condition through engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation at all three levels of practice (micro, mezzo, and macro).
Practitioners in advanced child welfare practice social work:
- Articulate the integration of a biblical worldview and social work core values.
- Recognize the value of the spiritual dimension throughout engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation across all levels of child welfare practice.
- Apply a biblical worldview perspective during interactions in simulated and/or case study scenarios through child welfare coursework.
- Demonstrate the application of a biblical worldview affirming the core values of social work within the child welfare system.
- Educate others about the use of a biblical worldview within the child welfare system through accessing the spiritual dimension.
| SWK 611 | Diversity in Child Welfare Settings | 3 |
| SWK 613 | Advanced Child Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SWK 628 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 629 | Advanced Child Welfare Practice: Systems and Groups | 3 |
| SWK 630 | Advanced Practice: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 640 | Advanced Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 660 | Advanced Practice Internship I | 3 |
| SWK 661 | Advanced Practice Internship II | 3 |
Application Admission Retention Graduation
Admission Requirements
The MSW Program identifies the following criteria used for admission:
- Applicants must complete an online application form with a $40 application fee. To apply online, go to the following link: https://www.lbc.edu/capital/admissions/. Applicants follow the process for the application which outlines the process for gathering documentation outlined below.
- Applicants must produce transcript(s) that verify that they have earned a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association. Applicants who have earned degrees through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or those covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors can apply.
- Applicants provide this documentation on their initial application that is reviewed by the LBC Capital Enrollment office.
- Regular Standing status: Students must have earned an overall GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate studies to be admitted. Applicants who are otherwise qualified but lack the requisite GPA average may be granted provisional admission. If granted provisional admission, the applicant must earn a 3.0 or greater GPA by the conclusion of the first 12 credits.
- Advanced Standing status (further clarified in M3.1.3): To be considered for advanced standing enrollment, applicants will have earned a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s BSW Program Director or designee is required. Applicants who are otherwise qualified but lack the requisite GPA average may be granted provisional admission. If granted provisional admission, the applicant must earn a 3.0 or greater GPA by the conclusion of the first 12 credits.
- Applicants must complete a statement of spiritual journey and statement of faith that is included in the initial application, reviewed by the LBC | Capital Enrollment office. Students must agree to the principles outlined in the institutional Statement of Faith. Should individuals want to discuss the Statement of Faith, they can inquire further of the Graduate Admissions team.Students who are unable to agree to the Statement of Faith are ineligible for admission to the institution.
- Applicants provide two professional references completed online by someone who has supervised their work in the past (professional reference) and by a pastor/spiritual mentor who personally attests to their character.
- The TOEFL examination is required if English is not the applicant’s native language or if the applicant has not completed a degree program taught in English. TOEFL scores must be from tests administered within two years of the application deadline.The official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service.
- Applicants seeking admission to the MSW program must complete each step of the application process by submitting a complete application by:
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Fall Semester Start
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August 1
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|
Spring Semester Start
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December 1
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- Once applicants complete all the steps outlined above, then the student services office forwards the information to the MSW Program Director who reviews the application and either approves the application to go through the Admissions Committee process or denies the application because previous criteria were not met. If an application is denied by the MSW Program Director, direct contact will be made with the applicant within 72 hours of information to deny further processing.
The Admissions Process for the MSW Program has four phases:
- Application review. Once approved, the prospective student is invited to participate in a 2-hour, two-part interview.
- Interview Phase Part 1:The prospective student is invited for an online interview with the admission committee. Before the meeting, the applicant is asked to write a 1-page scholarly paper using APA 7th edition format in Microsoft Word reviewing an article as part of the interview process. Writing samples help assess graduate-level skills relating to comprehension, adaptability, critical thinking, and scholarly writing.
MSW Program applications will be processed through the Graduate Student Services office. There is no alternative application process. Additionally, each graduate program describes its own admission process. Policies and procedures for evaluating applications are in section M3.1.2.
Transferring students: The MSW Program will review applications from prospective students who express interest in transferring from other graduate programs. Prospective students expressing interest in transferring from other CSWE-Accredited programs will be reviewed by the MSW Program Director and the MSW admissions committee prior to a formal invitation to interview.
Applicants pursuing an MSW degree may request to transfer a maximum of 16 graduate credits with a maximum of four, 3-credit social work courses (12 credits) and up to 4 credits of bible and theology coursework into their master's degree program. To complete the MSW Program, a student must complete 34 credits (Advanced Standing) or 61 credits (Regular Standing) of graduate coursework. To transfer the graduate courses, the individual grade earned must be at least "B" or higher, and the course must be relevant to the degree program as determined by the MSW Program Director. The MSW Program reserves the right to approve or decline the transfer credits, which will be communicated to the students during the interview process.
Interview Phase Part 2:After completion of the writing sample, the prospective student will meet with the admission committee for a face-to-face interview. During the interview, the committee assesses the applicants’ interpersonal and critical thinking skills, level of self-awareness, and the intended focus of study. Those who have met the interview criteria will be welcomed to the Program in either the Regular or Advanced Standing program. Those who do not meet the interview criteria will be informed of the concerns and/or challenges presented for admission by the committee but will be formally notified by written correspondence.
Written notification of decision. After completion of the Interview Phase 2, the MSW admission committee will inform the LBC Capital Enrollment office of the decision which will communicate the MSW admission committee’s decision to the applicants within 7-15 days.
Application Process
Once a prospective student application is received by the MSW Program Director, the review process is initiated. An electronic file with the applicant’s information will be created, and the file will be kept in a password protected computer maintained by the MSW Program Director and Department Assistant. The following steps and procedures are then completed:
- The MSW Program Director acknowledges the application is received via e-mail to the applicant with information describing the next steps of the application process.
- The MSW Program Director completes an initial application checklist to determine if the student meets Regular Standing or Advanced Standing criteria as well as other program requirements (i.e., GPA, bachelor’s degree, etc.).
- The MSW Program Director forwards the applications to the MSW Program admissions committee for initial application evaluation using the following scale:
Scale:
4 (excellent candidate-recommend for interview);
3 (quality candidate-recommend for interview);
2 (additional questions needed for clarification as to the readiness for graduate study-recommend for interview with the following follow-up questions prior to the face-to-face interview); 1 (not recommended for interview at this time until satisfactory resolution of the following questions:
0 (application is insufficient and therefore a determination cannot be made at this time)
- MSW admissions committee will complete the initial evaluation and report the evaluation score to the MSW Program Director within three business days.
- The MSW Program Director will have a follow up conversation with any applicant with an evaluation score lower than 2 points.
The MSW Program Director will schedule an admission interview with the applicant upon the admission committee’s approval from the initial evaluation.
Application Response
Once a prospective student is interviewed by the MSW Program admissions committee, the outcome of the decision is reviewed in the following manner:
- After the applicant interview, the MSW Program admissions committee will confer their decision. During this conversation, the committee will discuss the following:
- Quality of initial paperwork
- Quality of the interview
- Fit within the broader institution (i.e., spiritual journey and faith communication)
- Fit within the Program
- Conditions for admission
- The above criteria will be ranked on the following rating scale:
Scale:
4 (excellent candidate-recommend for admission);
3 (quality candidate-recommend for admission);
2 (recommend for provisional acceptance with the following conditions:________;
1 (not recommended for admission for the following reasons: );
0 (applicant did not show for interview)
- MSW Program Director will maintain the rating scales in the applicant’s electronic file.
- If accepted, the MSW Program Director will notify the applicant with an official acceptant letter both through postal and electronic mail. In addition, the MSW Program Director will follow up with the applicant by phone to inform the applicant of the decision. For applicants with contingent conditions outlined by the MSW admissions committee, the MSW Program Director will communicate the conditions to the applicant verbally and in written form.
If denied acceptance, MSW Program Director will inform the applicant with an official letter of denial through both postal and electronic mail. The MSW Program Director will also attempt to contact the applicant by phone to communicate the decision to the applicant.
Advanced Standing
To be considered for advanced standing enrollment, applicants will have earned a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s BSW Program Director or designee is required.
Potential applicants can indicate their interest in Advanced Standing, either part-time or full-time. If the allocated Advanced Standing seats are filled, students may be placed on a waiting list for admission. The following procedures are in place to notify students of Advanced Standing status.
- Upon receipt of the application, the MSW Program Director will review transcripts and verify that the applicant completed a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited school.
- Students who provided documentation that they have had their international degrees recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors, are eligible for Advanced Standing status.
- Once verified, the MSW Program Director brings this information to the MSW admissions committee for discussion and approval.
- Due to the limited number of Advanced Standing seats, prospective students will be ranked according to the Admissions Committee scale as follows:
Scale:
4 (excellent candidate-recommend for admission);
3 (quality candidate-recommend for admission);
2 (recommend for provisional acceptance with the following conditions: );
1 (not recommended for admission for the following reasons: );
0 (applicant did not show for interview)
Once an applicant has been approved for Advanced Standing status, the MSW Program Director will notify the applicant verbally and in writing of the decision of admission. The MSW Program Director will develop an acceptance letter to be sent to the applicant. The MSW Program Director will attempt to contact the applicant by phone to provide them with the information. The MSW Program Director will also send an official letter via e-mail to the admitted student. For those applicants with contingent conditions outlined by the Admissions Committee, the MSW Program Director will communicate them to the applicant verbally and in written form.
The MSW Program reserves the right to accept individuals into Regular Standing and Advanced Standing status. Only those students who provide documentation that they have had their international degrees recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors are eligible for Advanced Standing status.
The MSW Program may encounter a need to wait list Advanced Standing applicants due to the limitations of the Program. Should this be the case, applicants will be notified of their status verbally and in writing to determine next steps.
Dr. Kurt E. Miller
Dr. Miller has over 30 years of experience in the field of social work. He has spent 11 years in direct service within the field of foster care programming, aging services, and child welfare. He served in middle and upper management within the field of child welfare for 13 years within a public organization. Concurrently, he served in the role of an interim executive director for a local non-profit counseling service while the agency searched for an executive director. He retired from the role of Director of Social Service in 2012 after 20 years from that organization to assume leadership in the Social Work Program at Lancaster Bible College. Dr. Miller completed his MSW at Temple University with a specific concentration of focus was on Administration. He completed his DSW in 2019 from Capella University with a focus on public service leadership.
Professor Witmer has extensive work in the field of child welfare and clinical consultation, specifically with victims of abuse. She provided direct service as a caseworker, group coordinator, family support worker, and family therapist at Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency. She continued her experience as a clinical consultant at Samaritan Counseling Center/Samaritan Safe Places. Currently, she serves as the Field Instructor for student interns in their various MSW Program who are part of the Child Welfare Excellence for Leadership (CWEL) program administered through the University of Pittsburgh through her consultation with Lancaster CYA. Professor Witmer received her BSW from Elizabethtown College, her MSW from Widener University and is a licensed social worker.
Dr. Ling Dinse, Faculty Member
Dr. Dinse has been in the social work field for over 25 years serving in the field of addiction, aging, home-based therapeutic services, and congregational social work. She has counseled individuals and couples through her community of faith for many years and draws upon her clinical experiences to add to the classroom discussion. Dr. Dinse is an avid researcher, engaging in various forms of qualitative and quantitative inquiry to add to the social work field. Dr. Dinse completed her MSW at SUNY Buffalo and completed her DSW at Millersville University.
Dr. Christina Helfrick, LSW
Dr. Helfrick received her Master's in Social Work from Shippensburg University in 2012, and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Penn State University in 2010. In 2022, she completed her doctoral journey at Millersville University, studying intervention research with the goal of building the social capital of homeless youth in school systems. She is a licensed social worker, spending nearly a decade in practice as a school social worker. Christina has been working with at-risk children and youth for more than 20 years, with experience that spans the mental health, foster care, homeless, and immigrant serving systems. She is currently the board president for the Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel, and vice president of Friends of Donegal, a grassroots community collaborative that is addressing poverty and homelessness in the Donegal community. Christina continues to develop Champions for Teens, a homeless advocate program she created through her doctoral research and collaborates with researchers and community members to innovate programs locally and nationally.
Dr. Amy C. Sagen, LSW, MSG
Dr. Amy Sagen earned her bachelor’s degree at Penn State University in Rehabilitation therapy with a minor in gerontology and went on to earned master’s degrees in both social work and gerontology from the University of Southern California. Dr Sagen earned a Doctorate in Social Work from the combined program of Kutztown & Millersville Universities of Pennsylvania in 2018 and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership issued by Bryn Mawr College. Dr. Sagen began her career at the Alzheimer’s Association of Los Angeles. She then transitioned to a hospice position outside of Philadelphia, and upon moving to central Pennsylvania began directing two Alzheimer’s Units at a skilled nursing facility. Dr. Sagen transitioned into a training, conference planning, and non-profit administrative role after deciding to join NASW-PA in 2007. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Sagen has been an integral employee, as the Chief Operating Officer, of the National Association of Social Workers – Pennsylvania Chapter. During her time at NASW-PA, she supported the passage of title protection and bachelor level licensing, as well as mentored over 55 interns, coordinated over 15 profitable multi-day conferences, and educated thousands of students on licensure issues. Amy earned her LSW to support the value of licensure for social worker in 2008. As a dedicated social worker, Dr. Sagen has worked on the micro, mezzo, and macros levels.