Social Work Programs offered at Greenville University

Greenville University’s Social Work program gives you the tools you need for a rewarding career in social service. The program builds on Christian values to help you serve our diverse society and world effectively. You’ll get both classroom knowledge and practical experience to succeed in this field.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Greenville University proudly holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. This recognition shows that our program meets high industry standards and follows all Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Students can trust the quality of education they receive here.

Students need 53 credits to graduate from Greenville University’s social work program. The program has core courses that build your foundation and elective courses that push you to think deeply about issues facing different groups. You’ll learn about various social work settings and discover how social work solves problems across human services.

Students focus on learning about diverse groups including:

• Racial and ethnic minorities
• Individuals with disabilities
• The elderly
• Children
• Victims of oppression and injustice

Practical experience is the foundation of your education at Greenville University. Students complete 10 credits of hands-on work, with each credit equal to 40 clock hours on location. This largest longitudinal study (400 hours total) lets you work with various organizations:

• Medical and penal institutions
• Schools and juvenile courts
• Social work agencies serving neglected or abused children
• Organizations supporting people with mental illness or disabilities
• Facilities serving older adults

Students earn their Bachelor of Social Work degree after meeting all requirements. This degree opens many doors. You can take the social work licensure exam right after graduation. A BSW from Greenville also speeds up your path to a Master’s degree – you can finish it in one year instead of two.

Our social work program keeps growing. We awarded 10 bachelor’s degrees during 2021-2022, up 25% from 8 degrees the previous year. Women made up 90% of 2022 graduates, men 10%, and about 60% identified as white.

Small class sizes make Greenville special. Our 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name and understand your strengths in social work. Teachers become mentors who help shape your growth and career path.

Faith and professional practice work together in our program. While not strictly Christian counseling, students can think about how their faith fits into their work. This helps you work well with clients from all faith backgrounds, recognizing spirituality’s role in human experience.

Many students double major, volunteer, play sports, lead campus activities, and join local churches. These activities build people skills that prove valuable in professional settings.

Students put their classroom learning to work through required internships. This real-life experience builds confidence and competence for your career.

Choosing Greenville University lets you blend Christian values with social work principles. You’ll graduate ready to help others with both professional skills and spiritual purpose.

Where is Greenville University located

Greenville University stands at 315 E College Avenue in Greenville, Illinois. Anyone can reach the university by calling (618) 664-7100 or the toll-free number (800) 345-4440.

The campus creates an ideal learning space for social work students. Students enjoy a residential campus in a suburban setting with rural surroundings. This setup gives social work students the best of both worlds – a tight-knit campus community and easy access to various social service settings where they can gain hands-on experience.

Getting to Greenville University is easy. If you’re coming from east or west on Interstate 70, take Exit 45 to Highway 127 North. You’ll pass a McDonald’s and Shell station at the stoplight, then cross a bridge and follow H-127 N around a left curve. Drive about a mile until you reach another stoplight at Elm Street. The Greenville University Factory Theater will be on your left and CVS Pharmacy on your right. Take a right onto Elm Street and head north to the first stop sign where Elm Street meets Main Street. The campus is just one block further north.

Visitors from the north should take Interstate 55 South. The best route is exit 63 toward Raymond/Hillsboro, followed by a left turn onto IL-127 S. This road runs about 40 miles before becoming College Avenue in Greenville. The university campus sits right along College Avenue.

Southern travelers should take Interstate 57 North to Interstate 64 West through exit 96 toward St. Louis. After 24 miles, take exit 50 toward Carlyle/Nashville, IL, and turn right onto IL-127 N. The route continues for 36 miles before a right turn on Elm Street. Head north to the first stop sign at Elm Street and Main Street, then one more block north leads to campus.

The university offers several parking options for visitors. The campus has multiple lots based on your arrival direction:

• Eastbound travelers from College can park in Lots C, E, and G
• Northbound arrivals from Main will find space in Lots J, L, and R

The university’s commitment to accessibility shows in its handicap-parking spots. These spaces are placed near the Delbert E. Sims College Union (at College and Spruce), Parking Lot U, Lot F, and more spots in lots AV/B and by the Whitlock Music Center. Golf cart shuttles help people move around campus.

Greenville University’s location brings unique advantages to social work students. Illinois provides exposure to both rural and suburban social work settings. The university’s place in Greenville lets students get involved with community service – a key part of building social work skills.

Students benefit from the university’s connections with local social service agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and community groups. These mutually beneficial alliances are a great way to get field experience close to campus.

The university welcomes campus visitors throughout the year. Their website has complete information about campus visits and program tours. These visits let you experience campus life, meet social work faculty, and discover what makes the program special.

The campus layout helps create an intimate learning environment for social work students. Everything from classrooms to dorms and student services sits close together. Students can easily reach academic resources, faculty offices, and support services – crucial elements for success in their social work studies.

Greenville’s community adds value to social work education. Local agencies, healthcare facilities, and community groups team up with the social work program. This partnership brings guest speakers, field placements, and service projects that make the learning experience richer.

The Illinois location puts students at the center of real social work practice. State policies, regional demographics, and local social issues become living examples of the different environments where social workers make an impact.

Social work students get valuable insights into rural and small-town service delivery systems. This experience proves vital since many graduates end up working in similar settings where they need creative solutions with limited resources.

What social work programs does Greenville offer?

Greenville University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree gets you ready for professional practice right after graduation. The program combines theory and hands-on learning to give you a detailed education in social work principles and practices.

The Bachelor of Social Work degree stands at the heart of Greenville’s offerings. You’ll need 53 credits based on current curriculum guidelines. The program builds both basic knowledge and specialized skills you need to work in social work settings of all sizes.

The BSW program follows a well-laid-out sequence of core courses that build your skills step by step. These core requirements include:

Field experience sets this program apart. Social work majors complete a 10-credit practicum where 40 clock hours on location equals one credit. You’ll gain 400 hours of hands-on experience in practical settings and apply your classroom learning to actual situations. The practicum gives you first-hand field experience and exposure to potential career paths. This will strengthen your résumé for graduate schools or future employers.

Your studies at Greenville University will help you explore many aspects of social work practice. The program emphasizes work with special population groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and victims of oppression and injustice. This approach helps you develop cultural competence and sensitivity to your clients’ diverse needs.

The Practice sequence (I, II, and III) creates the foundation of professional curriculum. Practice I teaches you fundamental interpersonal skills and interviewing techniques from intake through evaluation. Practice II builds these skills further with a focus on families and groups, while Practice III covers advocacy with organizations and communities.

The Ethics, Human Rights, and Justice course shows you how personal values affect decision-making and helps you handle ethical dilemmas according to National Association of Social Workers standards. This knowledge prepares you to work ethically in various settings.

The program’s accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation makes it stand out. This confirmation through peer review shows that the program meets quality standards. You can trust the program’s quality and the competence of its graduates.

After finishing the BSW program, you can take social work licensure examinations. The program’s accreditation also lets you complete a Master’s in Social Work in just one year instead of two.

You’ll need to complete the university’s general education curriculum and electives to earn 120 credits for your Greenville University degree. Required major courses fulfill some general education requirements, which reduces additional credits needed. Working with an academic advisor helps create a plan that meets all degree requirements efficiently.

Research Methods (SCWK 210) gives you crucial skills in problem formulation, research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing. The course prepares you for evidence-based practice and includes designing your own research project with a publication-ready paper.

Greenville University offers this quality program on campus only, with no online BSW degree options currently. However, they keep looking for ways to make their programs available to more students.

The social work program keeps growing stronger. The university awarded 10 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022, this is a big deal as it means that previous year’s 8 degrees. This growth shows increasing interest in social work and Greenville’s program quality.

The program offers field activities throughout your studies. You’ll work in a variety of urban and rural settings, meeting different clients and learning various practice methods. These experiences help shape your professional development and career readiness.

Field education at GU

Greenville University’s social work curriculum features a strong field education program that connects classroom theory with ground practice. Students get valuable hands-on experience that plays a vital role in their social work education and professional growth at GU.

The practicum serves as the core requirement for all social work majors. Students must complete a minimum practicum experience totaling ten to twelve semester hours, where 40 clock hours on location equals one credit hour. This means about 400-480 hours of hands-on experience in ground settings during the program. Students apply and test their classroom learning directly in professional settings through this practicum.

Students get wide exposure to social work practice through field placements in different settings. They can observe and work with:

• Medical and penal institutions
• Schools and juvenile courts
• Social work agencies serving children who have been abused or neglected
• Organizations supporting people with mental illness
• Facilities for people with disabilities
• Centers serving older adults

Students complete their practicum at a social work agency or similar organization like a school, church, health clinic, or other human services entity specializing in human services. This strategic placement gives them relevant experience that matches their career interests.

Professional supervision plays a crucial role in the field education experience. An on-site supervisor with an MSW degree or LCSW license typically guides the practicum work. Students receive appropriate guidance, feedback, and mentoring from experienced professionals throughout their field education trip.

GU’s field education offers more than simple skill development. Students gain valuable experience in a potential career field. They can strengthen their résumé with applied hours that appeal to graduate schools and future employers. The experience helps build professional networks that can lead to jobs after graduation.

These field placements often result in full-time employment after graduation, especially when students work with employers known for hiring interns. Greg Pennington, assistant professor of sociology, social work and criminal justice, notes, “It’s a great way to get a job if you pick the right internship”.

GU places students with important community partners locally. Criminal justice majors work with the Illinois State Police, county sheriff, and the Greenville Police Department. Social work students secure placements with the county health department, Greenville’s hospital, schools, and various social service agencies. Some interns work with Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies, a center that helps sexual assault victims across nine counties.

GU is improving its field education program through a three-year accreditation process with the Council on Social Work Education. This brings several improvements:

1. Increased hours in internships
2. Closer supervision
3. Greater participation between supervising professors and internship providers
4. Expanded networks of internship options

Social work majors benefit from these improved field experiences alongside their academic studies. Melanie Schaafsma, GU’s social work field education director, helps students find the right internship placement. Her guidance ensures that field experiences match students’ professional goals and interests.

Students participate in various field activities during their time at GU. They work in both urban and rural settings, gaining exposure to different practice contexts and client populations. This broad experience substantially contributes to their professional development and job readiness.

Field experience works together with academic coursework to create a complete learning experience. Students take Field Seminar and Capstone courses (SCWK 410 and SCWK 411) that help them process and reflect on their practicum experiences. These courses make it easier to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.

GU’s field education program helps students develop professional skills while building community connections. This blend of academic learning and practical experience prepares them to enter the workforce confidently and competently.

The program’s focus on applying knowledge sets Greenville University’s social work education apart. Students face the challenge of connecting classroom knowledge with practical experience through their internships. This integration gives them the skills and confidence needed for professional success after graduation.

What sets Greenville University apart?

Greenville University’s social work program stands out because of its Christian view at its heart. Students can develop their unique talents in this strengths-based program that celebrates their God-given qualities and gives them the ability to grow. You can reflect on your faith’s role in your practice through this faith-integrated approach, though it’s not structured as a Christian counseling program.

The program’s accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation makes it an excellent choice. This recognition creates two major opportunities for graduates: they become eligible for immediate licensure leading to employment and qualify for an accelerated track in many master’s level social work programs. Many students who graduated in May 2018 earned their master’s degrees by August 2019—just 15 months later.

Greenville University’s all-encompassing approach to education goes beyond academic credentials. Their scholarly excellence combines with practical application. The social work and criminal justice departments have grown partly due to their educational philosophy. High-quality academic work pairs with hands-on learning to create graduates who make a real difference.

The program’s structure shows its dedication to complete preparation. Social work students need 53 credits in their major, including extensive practicum experience where 40 clock hours equals one credit hour. This requirement will give a rich ground experience that employers value.

Students develop valuable parallel interests at Greenville University. Many double-major, join volunteer organizations, play sports, serve in student leadership roles on campus, and participate in local churches. Program director Hannah Shanks sees this range of activities as “a great strength for them to experience… and practice skills that help them work with people and organizations”.

The curriculum carefully examines faith’s relationship with professional practice. Students can explore their faith’s meaning and role in their practice while learning to work with clients from various faith backgrounds. Shanks explains, “It’s an important part of holistic social work practice—we must never ignore our, or others’, faith when doing our work”.

The faculty makes this program special. The university hires professors who have both academic credentials and field experience. Students learn from instructors who know both theory and practice in social work.

The program prepares students for immediate employment with 400 practicum hours built into the curriculum. It also helps students understand how their faith works in practice, preparing them for social work that respects human experience’s spiritual aspects.

Greenville University creates social work professionals who blend academic knowledge, practical skills, ethical awareness, and spiritual sensitivity. Graduates are ready for both immediate employment and advanced education thanks to the program’s mix of classroom learning and field experience.

A social work education at Greenville University connects Christian values with professional principles in an accredited, rigorous environment. Students prepare for immediate licensure and employment or accelerated graduate study while developing their strengths through campus involvement.

Next steps

Want to start your social work experience at Greenville University? The application process is straightforward and will open doors to a rewarding field once you learn about the program details.

You can apply to Greenville University from July 1 after your junior year. The online application is free, and Greenville University doesn’t require test scores. This removes barriers to your educational goals. You have two easy ways to apply:

1. Fill out Greenville’s direct application
   • Start a new application as a first-time applicant
   • Resume your application if you’ve already begun
2. Apply through Common App
   • Greenville University proudly accepts the Common App platform

Your application needs supporting materials like transcripts and other required documents.

After submission, you’ll get an email about logging into your admissions portal. Greenville’s admissions counselors will guide you through the process. The university calls them “Counselors” instead of recruiters because they focus on supporting you.

Campus visits are a great way to get a real feel for life at GU. Many current students chose Greenville University because they felt at home during their visit. You’ll meet faculty and social work students, and imagine yourself as part of this community.

If you can’t visit right away, asking for information is a good first step. Greenville University offers several ways to connect:

• Apply online to become an official GU Panther
• Visit campus to experience student life
• Request program information

The BSW program will give you the tools for two excellent paths after graduation. You can get your social work license and start working right after you graduate. The program prepares you to take licensure exams as soon as you finish your degree.

A BSW from Greenville gives you a big advantage if you want to continue your education. Most graduate schools let BSW graduates complete their Master’s in Social Work in one year instead of two. You’ll save time and money while advancing your career faster.

Greenville University makes sure you’re “seen, known and valued”. Students get support from enrollment through their entire GU experience, preparing them to lead lives of character and service. This individual-specific approach means you’ll get help that fits your unique needs.

Greenville’s admissions team helps both traditional undergraduates and students in alternative programs. Their steadfast dedication to helping students reflects the university’s approach to education—personal, supportive, and focused on your success.

Start your path toward a meaningful career in social work today by applying, visiting, or asking for more information about Greenville University’s social work program.