BSW autonomy issues in combined BSW/MSW programs

This article reports findings of a national survey of BSW directors in comb ined BSW/MSW programs that examined autonomy issues. Seven significant vari ables emerged differentiating programs reporting need for more autonomy fro m those reporting sufficient autonomy: dean/director support, fiscal equity , equity in distribution of faculty resources, teaching assignment authorit y, faculty support of the BSW program, gender of program director, and the existence of a designated faculty group for curriculum development and over sight. Implications for the development and management of combined social w ork programs are discussed.