Mission

The mission of the undergraduate Social Work and Community Development program at LAU is to prepare competent, generalists, evidence/based social work practitioners   with special emphasis on poverty reduction, the special needs of the underprivileged and the vulnerable groups in society, guided by the global values of human rights, social justice, and equality. The Social work program intends to engage students in scholarly activities, continued learning and the community.  

Program Objectives

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is to:

1. Prepare graduates to practice social work by serving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities as guided by professional ethics
2. Prepare graduates who integrate scholarship into practice through an evidence-based process
3. Prepare graduates who are committed to lifelong learning, social justice, and human diversity
4. Prepare graduates to engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services..

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree in Social Work & Community Development students will be able to:

1. Practice social work in a variety of areas with various population groups, with special emphasis on community development skills (in capacity building, need assessment, conflict resolution and resource mobilization as well as other intervention modalities).
2. Apply a person-environment perspective to work with individuals, groups and communities
3. Apply the necessary values and ethical principles of the profession of social work.
4. Apply research methods to promote a scientific- based social work practice.
5. Demonstrate professional attitudes towards diverse populations and value the culture and sub-culture of various groups.
6. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments

Admission Requirements

To enter the major, students must meet the general university requirements.

Graduation Requirements

A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, based on:

Program Requirements

A Senior Study Project is required for all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study.

 Core Courses/Required (42 credits):

• SWO 201 Intro.to Social Work
• SOC 203   Citizenship and Leadership
• SWO 210 Introduction to Community Development
• SWO 301 Sociological Perspectives in Social Work
• SWO 302 Psychological Perspectives in Social Work
• SWO 313 Family & Child Welfare
• SWO 320 Social Work Practice Methods I
• SWO 322 Field Work Experience I
• SWO 350 Social &Welfare Policies
• SWO 355 Research Methods
• SWO 411 Sustainable Community Development:     Theories & Practice
• SWO 420 Social Work Practice Methods II
• SWO 422 Field Work Experience II
• SWO 499 Social Work Capstone Project

Major’s Elective (9 credits): Any 3 courses OR Emphasis of any group of 3 courses:

SOCIOLOGY:​

• SOC 201 Intro. to Sociology
• SWO 311 Social Problems & Marginalization
• SOC  321 Sociology of the Arab World
• 313 Women in the Arab World

PSYCHOLOGY:

• ​PSY201 Intro. to Psychology​
• PSY 202 Child Psychology
• PSY 203 Psychology of Youth
• PSY 204 Social Psychology
• PSY 311 Exceptional Child

MANAGEMENT:

• MGT 201 Introduction to Management
• MGT 401 Project Management
• MGT 441 Human Resources Development

OTHER:

• ICC 202  Interpersonal Communication
• ICC 213  Public Relations
• ENG 412 Grant Writing

Study Plan

Year One

Fall: 15 credits

• SWO201  Intro. to Social Work ( 3 cr.)
• LAC Core (3 cr.)
• LAC Core (3 cr.)
• LAC Elective (3 cr.)
• LAC  Elective (3 cr.)  
                 

Spring: 13 credits

• LAC Core (1 cr.)
•  LAC Elective (3 cr.)
•  SOC 203 Citizenship and leadership (3 cr.)
•  SWO 210 Introduction to Community Development (3 cr.)
• SWO302   Psychological perspectives in Social Work (3 cr.)
   

Year Two

Fall: 18 credits

• LAC Core (3 cr.)
• LAC Elective (3 cr.)
• SWO 320  Social Work Practice Methods I (3 cr.)
•  SWO 313    Family & Child Welfare (3 cr.)
• SWO350   Social & Welfare Policies  (3 cr.)

Spring: 15 credits

• Free Elective (3 cr.)
• LAC Elective (3 cr.)
• SWO322   Field Work Experience I   (3 cr.)
• SWO355   Research Methods in Social Work (3 cr.)
• SWO301  Sociological Perspectives in Social Work (3 cr.)
   

Year Three

Fall: 16 credits

• LAC Core (3 cr.)
• LAC Elective (3 cr.)
• SWO 420  Social Work Practice Methods II (3 cr.)
•  SWO 411 Sustainable Community Development: Theories & Practice (3 cr.)
• Free Elective  (1 cr.)
• Major’s Elective (3 cr.)  

Spring: 15 credits

• Free Elective (3 cr.)
• LAC Elective (3 cr.)
• Major’s Elective (3 cr.)
• SWO 422 Field Work Experience II (3 cr.)
•  SWO 499 Social Work Capstone Project (3 cr.)

Extracurricular Activities

The program encourages students to get involved in a large variety of extracurricular activities. LAU offers a variety of student clubs ranging from environmental protection, Red-Cross, UNESCO, cultural and social work clubs.

In addition, many Social Work students have the opportunity to volunteer in any NGO of their choice which are made available through a yearly NGO fair organized on campus.

Furthermore, social work students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, university campaigns and activities organized by the school, department and affiliated institutes and centers, especially the Civic Engagement and Outreach Unit.

Social Work students have also the opportunity to spend two semesters in field organizations of their choice to hone their skills in social work practice and prepare themselves for employment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue a career in the following areas:

• Local and International NGOs
• Government ministries or departments
• Schools
• Entry-level health & mental health facilities
•  Humanitarian and community agencies