Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The Department of Social Work offers courses leading to a bachelor of social work degree (B.S.W.), a master of social work (M.S.W.), and a minor in social work. The B.S.W. program is fully accredited, and the M.S.W. is in the last phase of accreditation (candidacy) by the Council on Social Work Education. The programs stress the critical, empirical, and applied aspects of social work, incorporating a liberal arts perspective throughout the curriculum. There is a strong accent on community and agency field work as an integral part of the program. Professional social work education enables students to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of the profession into competent practice.
Undergraduate social work majors and Master's students should obtain a copy of the Student Handbook (also available on the social work department's Web page http://www.umsl.edu/~socialwk). BSW students must see a social work adviser for advisement each semester. Students in the B.S.W. or the M.S.W. program must set up an appointment with the practicum office one semester prior to enrolling in the practicum and attend a series of prepracticum orientation sessions.
Career Outlook
The bachelor of social work program prepares persons for entry-level employment in social welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, social action and community organizations, and day care, geriatric, or rehabilitation and residential centers. The master of social work program prepares professionals for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Individuals currently working in social welfare can develop skills and increase employment and job advancement opportunities with the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degree.