Social Work
Social work is a growth industry...

Flexible Learning Format with convenient, accessible scheduling through online or classroom adult-oriented learning environments. Regional Accreditation — The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Affordable Tuition — Full-time financial aid availability and reasonable costs. Faculty — Academic credentials and real-world experience.

Why choose a career in Social Work?
Social work is more than just a job. It’s a profession for people who want to empower others to lead better lives. Social workers help families and individuals obtain needed resources and services that will improve their lives; they provided counseling; they address problems related to a myriad of social issues; and they create programs and work with agencies and communities to meet the needs of a variety of people.

Why choose MSU?
Social workers are in great demand in southern West Virginia, and we are experiencing a critical shortage of trained social workers in our region. As such, jobs openings in our area are plenteous. The MSU Social Work Program is taught by highly experienced faculty, each bringing many years of field experience to the classroom. Our social work faculty members genuinely care about their students, and provide the necessary support, encouragement, advising, counseling, and resource assistance to ensure student success. In addition, graduates of the MSU Social Work Program have a successful licensure examination pass-rate that is higher than the national average. Many of our BSW graduates go on to earn higher degrees in social work. In addition, MSU offers the WVU Master of Social Work program here on our campus two nights a week, so that adult students can pursue a Master’s degree while continuing to work.

What can I study?
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program prepares students with the professional knowledge, skills, and values needed for beginning generalist social work practice. Students who 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; and problem solving skills. In addition to traditional classroom instruction (including Saturday and evening classes), courses are available through Independent Study. General education courses required for social work are also offered online through the Spectrum program at many locations across West Virginia. At MSU, we offer internships and hands-on seminars that provide our students with real-world experience, making them locally active in the community, and globally aware of the need for social change.

Program Accreditation
The Mountain State University Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, 1600 Duke Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314-3421, phone 703.783.8099.

What are my career options?
Mountain State University BSW graduates have found employment locally in hospitals, mental health clinics, domestic violence programs, child welfare, homeless shelters, programs for those with developmental disabilities, group homes for teens, nursing homes, programs for young mothers, schools, psychiatric in-patient facilities, correctional facilities, adult protective services, and programs for the elderly, just to name a few.  

Some of the many other job choices available to graduates include: