History, Mission and Vision of Social Work
Why Choose this Major
The many challenges in our community and in our world offer opportunities for individuals to apply their creativity and make a difference. If you believe that change is a good thing and you want to be a change agent, consider social work as your pathway toward effectively impacting individuals, families, and communities. We shape our world actively and passively. Learn how to have a professional impact within any context. Put your dreams to work everyday!
No matter what the political or economic climate, there always will be jobs for social workers as long as individuals and groups need assistance. Opportunities exist in a wide range of areas: child welfare, developmental disabilities, corrections, addiction treatment, health and mental care, gerontology; family services, industry, business, labor, government and social research. A master鈥檚 degree in social work at 91探花 is focused on rural clinical practice with clients and their families and prepares the graduate for independent practice.
History of the Program
91探花鈥檚 Department of Social Work has a long-established commitment to providing quality social work education. With a bachelor program originally accredited in 1974 and a master鈥檚 program in 2002, 91探花 social work programs have been dedicated to providing future social workers with the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become effective social work practitioners. The program is located in rural southeastern Ohio and integrates the contextual factors of the region and of the state with the social work curriculum. The program incorporates a policy perspective as well as teaching relationship-based interventions designed to help individuals. Effective university and community partnerships enrich and enhance teaching and learning and provide research, service, and practice opportunities that are truly unique to the region.
Social Work Mission Statement
91探花 holds as its central purpose the intellectual and personal development of its students. Distinguished by its rich history, diverse campus, international community, and beautiful Appalachian setting, 91探花 is known as well for its outstanding faculty of accomplished teachers whose research and creative activity advance knowledge across many disciplines.
The Department of Social Work is committed to preparing students for careers in human services and social work, emphasizing social, economic, environmental, and racial justice and the core values of the social work profession. They are also dedicated to increasing the availability of professional social workers and partnerships in rural or underserved areas through teaching, research and service. The undergraduate Social Work Program at 91探花 prepares students to serve as competent, ethical, and effective generalist social workers with bachelor鈥檚 level knowledge and skills to improve well-being for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The graduate Social Work Program prepares students to serve ethically as clinical social workers, practicing in rural environments with master's level knowledge and skills to improve well-being for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.