Introduction to the BS in Social Work Program

The profession of social work is growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a high demand for social workers due to job growth in fields such as mental health and substance abuse, and settings such as hospitals. The BS in Social Work program at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus prepares entry-level social work practitioners to meet the growing, unique, and varied social service needs of diverse communities.

Program Overview

The program partners with local community-based organizations to provide well-trained generalist practice social workers, prepared to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through a variety of methods. In addition to preparing students for careers in social work, the program also prepares students who seek to pursue a graduate degree in social work and in other related fields. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for advanced standing in a graduate program in Social Work, allowing them to earn their master's degree in one year instead of two.

Program Requirements

Social Work students are required to complete a total of 120 credits, including 47 credits in social work, and a 400-hour internship in the senior year.

Becoming a BSSW Student

To be considered for the BSSW Program, students must apply for admission to Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus. Once admitted, students can declare a social work major at any time. However, only students meeting the following criteria will be considered in good standing in the BSSW Program:

• Maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.5, and a cumulative GPA in Social Work courses of 3.0.
• Earn a grade of "B" or higher in SWK 101.
• Meet regularly with a social work faculty advisor.
• Act in accordance with the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work Statement of Principles.

Program Outcomes

The program assesses student learning outcomes through two measures: the Field Practicum Performance Assessment Instrument (FPPAI) and the Foundation Curriculum Assessment Instrument (FCAI). The program expects 80% of students to achieve the minimum score on these assessments, indicating competence in the nine core competencies of social work practice.

Hallmarks of the BSSW Program

The BSSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), signifying that it meets the highest standards of academic excellence. Other hallmarks of the program include:

• Small class sizes for individualized learning.
• Faculty advisement to guide students through the program.
• Full-time and part-time options available.
• Classes offered weekdays and weekday evenings.
• Career planning and placement assistance to support students' job search and/or applications for graduate study.
• Eligibility to apply for "advanced standing" in LIU Brooklyn's or in another CSWE-accredited social work program's Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Faculty and Administration

The program is led by experienced faculty, including:

• Rebecca Rivera, PhD, LCSW-R, MSW Program Director and Chief Administrator.
• Jessica Rosenberg, PhD, LCSW, Professor.
• Samuel Rosenberg, PhD, LCSW, DSW Program Director and Professor.
• Marquis Chandler, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor.

Honor Society

The Phi Alpha Iota Chi Honor Society is a national organization that recognizes academic excellence in social work students. The society's purpose is to provide a closer bond among social work students and to promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Membership is available to undergraduate and graduate students who meet the national qualifications, as well as to faculty members and practitioners.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance