Program: Social Work, BPHIL - University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Philosophy Degree

In the spirit of intellectual curiosity envisioned by the Board of Trustees and the David C. Frederick Honors College when the Bachelor of Philosophy degree (BPhil) was created, the BPhil creates the opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in research and scholarly work toward a more rigorous baccalaureate degree traditionally reserved for the graduate level. In combination with the David C. Frederick Honors College requirements it, “preserves an element of intellectual scope, ever the distinctive feature of American undergraduate education (A. Stewart).” This degree is offered jointly between the David C. Frederick Honors College and the School of Social Work.

BASW majors who meet the David C. Frederick Honors College (FHC) eligibility requirements and who are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in social work should make an appointment with the BASW Program Director to review criteria and process for the degree.

The BASW student will be referred to the David C. Frederick Honors College Web site to review the Bachelor of Philosophy degree requirements.

The requirements to participate in the UHC are as follows:

Maintain a 3.50 GPA or higher in BASW major in the School of Social Work and a 3.50 GPA or higher overall at the University of Pittsburgh.

Transfer students must have an incoming GPA of 3.50 or higher and maintain a 3.50 GPA in BASW major course work offered through the School of Social Work as well as a 3.50 GPA or higher overall at the University of Pittsburgh.

In unusual circumstances, a student who shows exceptional promise but does not meet the above requirements may be accepted to BPhil candidacy as recommended by the BASW Program Director to the School of Social Work Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and determined by the UHC advising staff.

Based upon a BASW student’s area of interest, a thesis advisor will be assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The BASW Program Director and the student’s advisor will meet with the student to draft a program of study/curriculum plan. Assignment of an advisor is contingent upon faculty availability and willingness to serve.

General degree requirements are:

Fulfill the BASW degree requirements with a minimum 3.50 GPA.

Complete the social work general education requirements with a minimum 3.50 GPA. This includes 24 credits in the social and behavioral sciences; minimum of 3 credits in Africana studies; minimum of 3 credits in English composition; minimum 3 credits in human biology and a minimum of 3 credits in statistics.

Enroll in one course in each of the following areas, selecting one as an area of specialization, with a minimum of 12 credits and grades corresponding to a 3.50 GPA or higher: Africana studies; anthropology; economics; global studies; political science; psychology; sociology; urban studies; women’s studies.

In all of the above coursework, a prospective BPhil student is encouraged to enroll in an UHC section of the course, if available. Overall GPA requirements remain the same for these courses.

The prospective BPhil student will make an appointment with the UHC advising staff regarding Honors College qualifications for degree candidacy.

The prospective BPhil student will complete the BASW degree requirements listed above as well as complete “Special Degree Requirements”. These include:

Completion of independent research culminating in the production of an original undergraduate thesis.

The thesis will be completed under the tutelage of the faculty advisor who will guide the student in designing and implementing the research project as well as in writing the thesis.

At least two terms prior to the B.Phil. in Social Work student’s expected date of graduation a synopsis of the proposed research (approved by the School of Social Work thesis advisor) will be submitted to the David C. Frederick Honors College.

By the last term in residence, the student will: Submit a revised and completed thesis to their Faculty Advisor (for distribution to the Examining Committee) at least five weeks prior to the end of the term.

Defend their thesis to a faculty Examination Committee selected by the faculty advisor.

Include a faculty member from outside the University of Pittsburgh as an invited member of the Examination Committee.

Consist of a public presentation and discussion of the thesis project followed by a private oral examination conducted by the Examining Committee.

Recommendation from the Faculty Examination Committee for the awarding of the B.Phil. in Social Work degree will be made to the Dean of the Honors College, who, after certifying that all aspects of the BASW degree requirements as well as the B.Phil. Special Degree Requirements have been fulfilled, will make a recommendation to the UHC. The B.Phil. in Social Work degree will be conferred jointly by the School of Social Work and the UHC through the granting of a single Bachelor of Philosophy in Social Work diploma.

If all of the degree requirements are met, a single degree, the Bachelor of Philosophy degree with a major in social work, will be conferred jointly by the School of Social Work and the David C. Frederick Honors College.

For additional details on this degree program, please contact the School of Social Work or the Honors College.