Biology prerequisite?

[CJMSW]

I'm finally looking at grad schools to apply to. After finding what seemed like 2 ideal programs (University of Louisville and University of Central Florida) I was discouraged to see that both required a biology course. I haven't taken biology since high school which was many moons ago. Throughout my undergrad schooling biology was never required for my program in Criminal Justice and since I'm awful at anything science related, I avoided it like the plague. Was I naive to think that Social Work wouldn't require science courses? Are there any MSW programs out there that don't require a biology course? Panic is beginning to set in just as I was getting excited to apply  

[peachypie]

Why don't you just try taking a biology for non-majors at a nearby university to satisfy the requirement?  Also maybe e-mail the schools you are interested in to see if it would be ok to complete that requirement in the semester before grad school begins?  It may not need to be a phenomenal grade, you just may need it.  I feel like by switching school interest solely for requirements is not helpful to you or the school, you want a good fit not a school that has easy requirements for you so that you can avoid doing something you don't really like.  It is grad school, sometimes you  just have to suck it up. 

[louise86]

A course involving human biology is a standard prerequisite for an MSW. It's important information to know. I can't think of any school that I looked at that didn't require it. 

[CJMSW]

A course involving human biology is a standard prerequisite for an MSW. It's important information to know. I can't think of any school that I looked at that didn't require it. 

 

I had looked at University of Southern California, University of Washington, and Rutgers U and none of them appear to require biology which was why I was surprised when I saw that UCF and University in Louisville required it. In fact, U of W has it stated that biology is no longer required for new applicants.  Based on what you've said though I guess I would be at a disadvantage in not having previous coursework in biology?

 

Also, I see that you attend school in Tennessee. Do you by chance go to University of Tennessee Knoxville? I was looking at their program yesterday as they are now offering an online option.

[louise86]

I can't say that you or anyone else would definitely be at a disadvantage. Biology is not really an area I'm great at and personally, I think I would be a tad confused in my lifespan development class if I didn't have the foundation of biology in undergrad. At the very least the class would require a lot more time and effort from me.  

 

If you decide to take the undergrad class, I'd do it at a community college and save yourself some money.   

 

I do attend UTK and I started the online program this fall. It's only been a little over a month, but I like it. The online program requires the same classes as on campus and the standards seem to be just as high. I'm starting my field placement in about a week. I really like all of my professors so far. Some of the classes have live online sessions a couple of times a month which helps you connect with your professors and classmates. I'd recommend the program.