The social work program equips graduates with the knowledge, values and skills needed for the development of professional ethics and practice competence.
The program prepares graduates to work effectively in a broad spectrum of social service settings that address poverty, multiple forms of oppression, social injustice and other human rights violations. The department seeks to be a brave space for students with multiple and diverse identities, striving for inclusive excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The program also prepares students for graduate study in social work and other related professions including law, counseling and public policy.
In addition to lecture and class discussion, the social work program utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, including case-based and experiential approaches to enhance learning. Students are exposed to issues and organizations at local, state, and national levels through policy forums, conferences, interviews and service-learning. All majors use the interviewing labs for case simulations and interviewing to develop their practice skills. The department offers minors in family studies (with a focus in gerontology or family ecology) and Nonprofit Studies.