Outcome Findings of an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Cultural Competency. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasquez, Matthew; Saunders, Edward; Haskins, Motier; Murty, Susan
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic & cultural diversity in social work. Volume 28:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 316
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: BSW -- cultural competency -- diversity -- social work education; Social work with minorities -- Periodicals; Social work with minorities -- United States -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Minority Groups -- Periodicals; 362.84
• DOI: 10.1080/15313204.2016.1272030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-3204

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In 2010 a Midwestern School of Social Work developed a certificate program named "Critical Cultural Competence" to supplement existing coursework in support of culturally competent practice among graduating bachelor's in social work (BSW) students. This certificate program was popular among social work students and was made available to undergraduate students across the university. Outcome findings from the first four cohorts of students who completed the certificate between 2012 and 2015 show that they made significant positive gains in their appreciation of differences among others and a greater desire to interact with others who are different from themselves. Both the coursework and the study-abroad experiences contributed to these significant differences. At the end of the two-year program, students better understood the meaning of cultural competence and the experience of it as a "journey" rather than a competency that can be achieved.