The mission of the Department of Social Work is to prepare students for the professional practice of social work.  The undergraduate program, which leads to the BSW degree, is designed to prepare students for generalist practice.  The graduate program (MSW) equips students to engage in advanced practice with a concentration on clinical social work.

Goals of the BSW Program

To prepare students for strengths-based, solution-focused and client-directed generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 

To prepare students to incorporate the strengths and resiliencies of client systems at all levels of social work practice.

To prepare students to advocate for social and economic justice in their practice with diverse populations.

To prepare students for ethical practice according to established professional standards.

To prepare students for critical inquiry in social work practice through research, policy analysis, and ongoing professional development.

To socialize students to the profession through integration of course work, field experience, and other student activities.

The MSW Program is committed to preparing graduate students for a career in clinical practice dedicated to assisting individuals, groups, families, and communities in their quest for well-being, and social and economic justice. Using a liberal arts degree as its foundation, the MSW program is committed to teaching students to work for the development of a society which promotes equality, justice, respect for human diversity, and an adequate quality of life for all people. The MSW program’s principal educational goal is to prepare students for a specialty in clinical social work, with a firm foundation in generalist social work.  Students will learn to practice in a culturally diverse society, upholding the values and ethics of the profession, and strive to provide highest practice standards available in order to promote an approach to social work practice that advances the empowerment and well being of individuals, families, and communities.

Goals of the MSW Program

Prepare students for advanced level clinical practice grounded in clinical social work theory and practice skills as well as knowledge of human behavior in the social environment.

Prepare students to practice effectively and ethically with a full range of social systems, emphasizing social justice, diversity, and collaboration that recognize the strengths and potentials of individuals, families, and communities.

Prepare students who understand the dynamic and complex nature of the cultural, social and organizational context of social work practice and the significance of critical awareness of practice efficacy and research.

Prepare students who value the learning process and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional education.

To sensitize students to issues of poverty and social justice, enable them to understand and analyze social policy, and prepare them to advocate for and empower persons who are oppressed or disadvantaged.