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Social Work
Preparing to make a positive difference in people's lives
A Social Work major is an excellent choice if you have a passion for helping others and like the challenge of working to better the lives of at-risk populations in your community and world. Through Ashland University’s Social Work program, you will study:
- Crisis intervention
- Interviewing and ways to assess clients
- Case management
- Community organization
- Relationship building
- Human behavior
- Professional ethics
- Diverse populations
- Social policy and research
Ashland’s program, which is one of the largest in the College of Arts and Sciences, is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the baccalaureate level. Your coursework prepares you to take the licensing exam required to become a Licensed (LSW) social worker in the state of Ohio and many other states.
What You’ll Love About Social Work at Ashland
- Our program is very popular with employers. In the past five years, every graduate has either gotten a job or been accepted into graduate school. Most who apply to graduate school in social work have received advanced standing allowing them to complete their Master’s degree in less than the typical two years.
- There are more than 35 internship agencies affiliated with the program.
- Our graduates pass the licensure exam at a rate that surpasses both the national and the state averages.
- Our faculty members are highly experienced educators and field practitioners.
- You’ll have opportunities to earn extra academic credits through service learning.
- You will have many opportunities for agency service and internships.
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The Department of Social Work prepares beginning generalist social work practitioners for leadership in service to those people who are at-risk and oppressed. It provides students with an academic program, founded in the liberal arts, that develops social work knowledge, values and skills and incorporates an appreciation of diversity, a commitment to social justice and an understanding of the need for continuing professional development in the ever-changing local, national and global contexts of social work practice. |
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Program Goal #1: Prepare students for beginning professional generalist social work practice and leadership in service with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. |
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| Outcome 1: Demonstrate accurate and thorough generalist social work practice engagement and assessment skills with systems of all sizes |
Outcome 2: Apply theories and empirically-based knowledge of the variables that influence human development and behavior across the life span in diverse social systems and in the larger socio-cultural environments. |
Outcome 3: Demonstrate the ability to develop with the client system a plan of action, including goals and objectives, that leads to effective intervention. |
| Outcome 4: Evaluate the extent to which practice interventions were successful. |
Outcome 5: Exhibit professional behavior and demonstrate an identity with the social work profession including its leadership role in service development and provision. |
Outcome 6: Demonstrate oral communication skills used differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. |
| Outcome 7: Function within the structure of agencies and, under supervision, learn the process and skills for seeking organizational change. |
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| Program Goal #2: Prepare students for critical thinking through an educational process combining a liberal arts foundation with professional social work education. | ||
| Outcome 8: Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. |
Outcome 9: Demonstrate an understanding of the profession of social work, including its history and contemporary structure and issues. |
Outcome 10: Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies and programs. |
| Outcome 11: Evaluate research studies and apply research findings to practice. |
Outcome 12: Demonstrate effective professional writing skills and appropriate use of practice-relevant technology. |
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| Program Goal #3: Prepare students who incorporate the values and ethics of the social work profession into their professional practice with an emphasis on service to diverse and at-risk populations and the promotion of social and economic justice locally and globally. | ||
| Outcome 13: Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly. |
Outcome 14: Practice respectfully without discrimination using knowledge and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. |
Outcome 15: Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. |
| Program Goal #4: Prepare students with a foundation for life long learning, continuing professional development and graduate education. | ||
| Outcome 16: Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice. |
Outcome17: Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development. |
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Program |
College | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | College of Arts & Sciences | BSW |
Career Outlook for Social Work Majors
| According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for social workers are expected to grow faster than most other occupations. Learn more about a career in social work! |
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Resources: |
What Our Social Work Students Say About Ashland“I learned that every little thing a person does can make a difference in the life of another. This program really taught me what is important in life. I have a sense of pride that I was able to make a difference.” |
