Indiana University Fort Wayne welcomed students back to campus on Monday, August 26. In addition to welcoming students, IU Fort Wayne welcomed two new undergraduate degree programs to the existing health science degrees, such as nursing, medical imaging, medicine, and dental.
Starting last week, IU Fort Wayne began its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program. The BSW program is geared toward students who are interested in obtaining a professional degree in social work, whereas the health science program is tailored to student who want a well-rounded health science education experience for direct employment or to prepare for dental school, medical school, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or another health science graduate program.
“IU Fort Wayne has long been the destination for students to begin their professional health care careers,” said David Chappell, director of student central and enrollment management. “By adding social work and health sciences to our bachelor programs, we are opening new doors for students interested in studying and working in the Fort Wayne area. Our programs have the same requirements and curriculum as those offered at IUPUI.”
IU Fort Wayne is now the sixth Indiana University campus to offer a BSW program. The degree program is competency based and trains students to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, engage in practice which respect diversity and differences, advance human rights, engage in research informed practice, and assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. If a BSW degree is completed at an IU campus, students are eligible for advanced standing into the Master of Social Work program at IU, which is also offered at IU Fort Wayne.
“Our social work programs have licensures eligibility attached, which is a major benefit to students enrolling at IU Fort Wayne,” said Chappell. “And for those students that still aren’t sure what path they want to take in health sciences, they can begin their Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.”
A degree in health sciences allows students to explore a number of health-related disciplines and prepares them for a variety of career options. Health science students will work closely with other IU Fort Wayne students who are studying dental, social work, nursing, medical imaging, and medicine. This helps students discover what path they may want to pursue by getting a first-hand look at various disciplines. As studies progress, students have the option to keep their focus broad or hone in on a specific area of study.
“Indiana University Fort Wayne is a public university that offers affordable, accessible, and collaborative education in the health sciences,” said Chappell. “Our focus on excellence in health science education and commitment to northeast Indiana continues to grow as we strive to meet the needs of areas students and community employers.”
