The School of Social Work

The School's mission, values, and goals reflect the ethics and values of the social work profession. These provide a basis for exemplary community leadership and service and for preparing students for ethically based professional practice. They guide the preparation of students for work with diverse populations and provide direction for engaging in ethical and professionally productive knowledge development activities.

The School of Social Work has one of the oldest undergraduate social work degrees in the United States, a Master's degree program that was inaugurated shortly after World War II, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D program. The School's BASW and MSW degree programs have always been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education CSWE). The doctoral program is a member of the GADE, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education. All three programs have produced many distinguished practitioners, educators, and leaders in the human services.

The School is distinctive in a number of important ways:

The School of Social Work is part of a Land-Grant University. We share and energize the University's commitment to research and outreach that addresses the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations in the state, the nation, and the international community. This includes working with public and private agencies that serve children, youth, families, older adults, and communities. Our land-grant tradition also includes a commitment to accessibility to education and to partnerships with a variety of constituencies outside the University.

As a unit within the college of Social Sciences, The School is positioned to, and encourages, collaborative work across academic units and professions so that research, teaching and outreach reflect an interdisciplinary effort. Students benefit from multiple perspectives while gaining foundation and advanced skills in social work practice.

Located in the state capital, the School recognizes the inter-connectedness and collaboration between policy and practice, politics and human needs and resources, and systemic perspective on human and organizational behavior. Clinical and organizational/community students gain an appreciation for, and often experience in, broader systems while also mastering clinical and community competencies and skills.

The School is committed to diversity and culturally competent social work practice. We challenge students to grow in their self-understanding and awareness, and to develop perspectives and skills informed by multiple and diverse viewpoints, knowledge and experiences. The School supports exploration and dialogue to increase awareness and knowledge of dynamics such as oppression, discrimination, and privilege.

As part of a Technologically Engaged University, the School provides multiple opportunities for students to creatively learn through the use of instructional technology. The School prepares students to understand and use technology relevant to social work practice of the future.

The School is committed to Clinical and Organizational/Community practice. Our focus on these methods is intended to develop a solid foundation of competency so that graduates are prepared to be excellent clinicians, organizers and community developers, and leaders. Competence is both enhanced and assured through field work experiences and access to learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

Faculty are active in research projects related to child welfare, kinship care, post- adoption services, foster care, gerontology, end-of-life issues, domestic violence, women, juvenile delinquency, infant mental health, ethnic conflict, family development, LGBT issues, schools, practice and program evaluation, and technology applications in clinical practice.

More Information:

• Values of the School of Social Work
• About the College of Social Science
• About Michigan State University