2 + 2 = BSW: An Innovative Approach to the Community College-University Continuum in Social Work Education

Abstract

This article is a case study of a 2 + 2 undergraduate social work degree program developed by a regional urban community college and a social work program at a midwestern university. This program brings the undergraduate social work degree program from the university's main campus to the community college campus, using university instructors to deliver the same upper-level courses in the major in a venue, structure, and schedule that accommodates the needs of lower-income, nontraditional, first generation, and racial and ethnic minority community college students. By reviewing the process of developing and implementing this 2 + 2 degree completion program, the article will assist university and community college faculty and administrators who would like to develop similar community college-based, bachelor degree programs. Challenges faced in this specific case study are delineated, and suggestions are offered for successfully developing this kind of 2 + 2 degree program.