Social Work Dept.

The Social Work Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level social work practice and graduate social work education. The program provides students with a broad base of knowledge in the social and behavioral sciences, the biological sciences, and the humanities. Professional content courses provide students with knowledge, foundation skills, and values in social work practice. Students who complete the Social Work Program acquire skills and competencies requisite for the Bachelor of Social Work Degree, which is recognized as the entry-level professional social work degree. The Program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

The objectives of the Social Work Program are to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice;
2. Understand the value base of the profession and practice within the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession;
3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, when dealing with diversity related to clients' age, class, color, and culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation;
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice especially directed toward African Americans;
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues;
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes;
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities;
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies, especially in the African American community;
9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions;
10. Use communication skills differently across client populations, colleagues, and communities;
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice;
12. Function within the structure of organization and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change;
13. Demonstrate knowledge of and use of self in practice; and
14. Increase use and understanding of technology in social work practice and education.