Major Code: 346

Note: This program is through a transfer agreement in which a student completes an Associate’s degree at one institution and finishes a Bachelor’s degree at another institution.  Due to individual student factors, part-time or full-time status, scheduling and availability of courses, or other factors, all students may not be able to complete these degrees in two (Associate’s) or four (Bachelor’s) years.  There is no guarantee that a student will be able to complete all requirements in four years.

Further, this articulation agreement contains very specific requirements which have been agreed upon and approved by the administration and faculty at both institutions.  Because of this, petitions for course substitutions will not be considered or approved.

Students successfully completing this option will receive an Associate in Arts degree from West Virginia Northern.  Upon successfully completing the additional credit hours required at WLU, they will receive a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, and may be eligible to sit for the Social Work licensure exam.

Students successfully completing and receiving an A.A. degree under the transfer agreement with West Liberty University’s School of Social Work will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the “human services/social work” profession and the evolution of it’s various delivery systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts, theories, and strategies used in social work/human services.
• Demonstrate a readiness to enter a bachelor degree program with appropriate commitment to attendance, initiative, organization, and interest in the profession.
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills related to general education curriculum requirements for the Associate in Arts degree, including the ability to:
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Employ or utilize access and literacy skills.
  • Acquire a cultural, artistic, and global perspective.
  • Demonstrate professional and human relations skills.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills.

In addition to the  WVNCC courses, applicants for admission to WLU need to have an overall grade point average of 2.5 and meet other program admissions requirements of WLU to be eligible for admission under the transfer program.  Students must also complete a separate application for the Department of Social Work and fulfill other program admission requirements (below).  Students are encourage to meet with a member of the Social Work faculty at WLU early in their program of study at WVNCC to obtain information and counseling concerning transferring to the BSW program.*

Applicants for admission to West Liberty University’s school work program must also meet the following criteria:

• Submit a transcript to WLU verifying an overall grade point average with a minimum of 2.0.  The Social Work Department requires a 2.5 in the major.
• Contact WLU’s Social Work Program and obtain WLU’s Social Work Student Program Manual, which will provide additional forms and instruction for admission to the Social Work program.
• Submit at least one recommendation form by a current or past faculty member or employer.
• Complete and submit a written personal statement entitles “Why I Want to be a Social Worker”, as outlined in WLU’s Social Work Program Manual.
• Complete and submit an application to the Social Work Program at WLU.
• Schedule and complete an interview with the Social Work Program Director at WLU.

 

*Although a cumulative GPA of 2.0 meets requirements for graduation at WVNCC, students who do not meet the GPA (or other special) requirements at the transfer institution for admission to this baccalaureate program may not be admitted to the program until they are able to meet those requirements.

Important information:  If the student has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any reason, State or National credentialing boards, licensing board and agencies, which require criminal background checks on potential employees and students may deny employment or placement in certain settings, even if all academic requirements have been completed.  A student who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor should contact the Program Director.

CIP Code: 440701