Join the 3 Semester Pathway to Social Work at JMU! Improve your English & gain essential skills for a rewarding career. Apply today!
Program Description If you meet the academic entry requirements of a James Madison University bachelor's degree and need to improve your English language IELTS score, we offer the International Year program. International Year (IY) is a fast-track pathway to second-year placement into a James Madison University bachelor's degree. It includes specialized courses in American culture, Intensive English Program (IEP) and study skills to help you adjust to US teaching methods and resources. You’ll also take courses from year 1 of your chosen degree program. The program is split into courses across semesters. Your program duration will depend on your English language skill level on entry. The social work program prepares students to become social workers who are committed to strengthening community life for diverse individuals, families and organizations while promoting social justice through advocacy and action. The social work program equips graduates with the knowledge, values and skills needed for the development of professional ethics and competence. The program prepares graduates to work effectively in a broad spectrum of social service settings that address poverty, multiple forms of oppression, social injustice and other human rights violations. The program also prepares students for graduate study in social work. In addition to lecture and class discussion, the social work program utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, including case-based and experiential approaches to enhance learning. Students are exposed to issues and organizations at local, state, and national levels through policy forums, conferences, interviews and service-learning. All majors use the interviewing labs for case simulations and interviewing to develop their practice skills. The department offers minors in family studies, gerontology and nonprofit Studies.
