SOCIAL WORK (B.S.W.)
School of Arts and Sciences

The social work program prepares students with the professional knowledge, skills, and values needed for beginning generalist social work practice. Generalist practice is characterized by a wide array of skills to deal with basic conditions and is backed up by specialists to whom referrals can be made. The job market for social work graduates is excellent, and almost all MSU social  work graduates are employed in full-time social work positions.

The generalist practice model includes a wide range of interventive strategies appropriate to social work. Generalist practitioners perform a variety of tasks associated with the provision and management of direct service, development of social policy, and facilitation of social change; they also understand systems theory emphasizing interaction and independence.

Students who successfully complete the program acquire knowledge and skills related
to systems theory; building helping relations; interviewing; written and oral communication skills including the ability to write case summaries and reports required by agencies; problem solving; generalist practice roles including advocate, change agent, community developer, counselor, etc.; and generalist practice skills including the conscious use of self in working with systems of different sizes (individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities).

Generalist practitioners employ a common body of knowledge, skills, and social work values that apply across settings, systems of different sizes, diverse populations, and problem areas. Generalist practitioners understand change dynamics, organizational processes, and the social context of generalist practice. Professional social work ethics and values guide social work practice. Generalist practitioners accept and act on their responsibility to lifelong learning and professional development, and their education begins with the acquisition of a liberal arts perspective.

Mountain State University’s social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (1600 Duke St. Ste 300, Alexandria VA 22314-3421, telephone 703.683.8080). Upon graduation, students may take the state social work licensing examination and are eligible to apply for advanced standing in graduate schools of social work, allowing for completion of a master’s degree in less than the standard two years.

Program Admission
Students may declare social work as a major during their freshman year. Initial coursework introduces the field of social work, its history, social work practice, and human behavior in the social environment. Application for formal entry into the social work program takes place during the spring semester of the sophomore year. Eligibility requirements for formal entry include the following:

• Completion of the introductory social work courses with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or higher.

• An admissions interview.

• An evaluation of writing ability and integration of course content.

• Completion of a social work major application form.

• An exhibited potential to abide by the
  National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and sensitivity to populations that have been systematically oppressed.

* Introductory social work course.