Huron, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Firelands College announced today that they will be offering a bachelor of science degree in social work beginning in the fall semester of 2012 and applications being accepted through January 30 for entry into the program.

“There is a growing market demand for social workers both nationally and locally,” said BGSU Firelands Dean William Balzer. “Our research indicates that more jobs will be available in the future and that there is an enhanced desire by students to obtain a bachelor’s in social work.”

Balzer cited data from a 2011 local marketing survey which indicated great interest among community members in a 30 mile radius of BGSU Firelands who are interested in pursuing a social work degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the field of social work are expected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018 – faster than the overall average for occupations.

“As we add programs at BGSU Firelands, we always want to offer new academic degrees that the community desires and the job market will support.  Social work clearly satisfies both criteria,” said Balzer.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work is awarded through the College of Health & Human Services at BGSU main campus, but now also offered at BGSU Firelands.

“Faculty are excited to offer the Social Work degree at the BGSU Firelands campus,” said Bowling Green State University main campus Social Work Program Director Derek Mason.  “Our desire is to provide access to a bachelor’s degree that meets the needs of students wanting to advance their education and serve their communities.  I believe the program will enrich the community’s social service sector.”

BGSU Firelands has offered the popular associate degree in human service (essentially an associate degree in social work) for several years; however, this marks the first opportunity for the bachelor’s degree in social work.

“Bringing the bachelor’s degree to our campus will allow us to help students explore the field more thoroughly and make them even better prepared and more competitive in today’s workplace, ” said BGSU Firelands Director of Human Service Programs Tatiana Panas.  “It is a wonderful opportunity for students and the community.”

The social work degree program involves learning about the human condition and developing skills to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. There is an emphasis on human behavior theory and a strong liberal arts foundation.

A bachelor’s in social work prepares students for employment in health, mental health, or rehabilitation fields in hospitals, clinics, or hospice agencies; in family counseling, foster care, and adoption; in child abuse and neglect prevention programs; or graduates may also serve as probation officers or counselors in juvenile and adult corrections.

Graduates are eligible for licensure (LSW) in the state of Ohio as well as other states which currently have licensure laws that include bachelor’s level social workers.

The social work program is the ninth bachelor’s degree to be offered at BGSU Firelands.  Other bachelor degree programs are allied health, criminal justice, early childhood education, business administration, liberal studies, nursing (RN-BSN), allied health – respiratory care specialization, and visual communication technology.

Students may apply for admission to BGSU Firelands by completing an online application at www.firelands.bgsu.edu or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 419-433-5560 or 800-322-4787.  Current students who wish to apply for entrance into the social work program should contact Director of Human Services Programs Tatiana Panas at 419.433.5560 ext. 20707 or via email at twanshu@bgsu.edu

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