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 Return to: School of Social Work

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.

BPhil Eligibility Requirements

The requirements to participate in the FHC are as follows:

• 3.50 GPA or higher maintained in the School of Social Work BASW major and at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Transfer students must have an incoming GPA of 3.50 or higher and maintain a 3.50 GPA in the School of Social Work BASW major and 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.

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 meet with the BASW Program Director to review criteria and process for the degree.

Students should also review the Bachelor of Philosophy degree requirements on the David C. Frederick Honors College website and make an appointment with FHC advising staff to discuss Honors College qualifications for degree candidacy.

General BPhil Degree Requirements

• 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; Gender, Sexuality, and 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.

Special BPhil Degree Requirements

BPhil students are expected to complete the BASW degree requirements listed above as well as complete “Special Degree Requirements”. These include:

1. Complete independent research culminating in an original undergraduate thesis.
2. Defend their thesis to a faculty Examination Committee selected by the faculty advisor, including a faculty member from outside the University of Pittsburgh as an invited member of the Examination Committee.
3. Deliver a public presentation and discussion of the thesis project followed by a private oral examination conducted by the Examining Committee.

Based upon a BASW student’s area of interest, a faculty 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 in the student’s area of interest and willingness to serve.

The thesis will be completed under the tutelage of a faculty advisor who will guide the student in the research design, implementation, and the thesis writing process. A synopsis of the proposed research should be submitted at least two terms prior to the student’s expected date of graduation. This needs to be approved by the School of Social Work thesis advisor and submitted to the David C. Frederick Honors College.

The student must 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 their last semester.

Degree Conferral

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.