A grade of 'C' or better must be earned in all core social work courses. Students work closely with an adviser of their choice to define the goals of an honors project and to develop it to completion. In developing the project, students are encouraged to take honors courses, participate in honors colloquia and do extensive background reading. In either case the honors work is a serious long-term undertaking which should have direct value in supplementing the student's regular departmental academic program. Enrollment in SCWK 399VH takes place after the student has done background reading and has actually begun a project.
Students normally enroll for course work the equivalent of three hours of credit.
Whether the completed project is library research or one in field practice, it is presented in written form and defended at an oral examination by an Honors Council Committee. Projects of extraordinarily high quality may be designated High Honors by the Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction Social Work Scholar Cum Laude at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate's program of honors studies. A student must notify the Department of his or her intent to minor.