masters of social work
MISSION STATEMENT
The social work program’s mission and goals reflect the profession purpose and value and the program’s context.
1. Program Mission Statement
The mission of the MSW program at ASU is to prepare students for advanced professional
practice. As related to the University’s mission, the Department’s mission is to prepare
students with requisite advanced social work knowledge, skills and values in specialized
areas of practice, and the use of scientific inquiry to aid in practice and policy
analysis, grounding instruction of human behaviour, need and growth in the strengths
perspective. Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to their understanding
and commitment to diverse populations to promote human and community well-being while
alleviating the impact of social and economic injustice on diverse individuals, families
and communities domestically and globally, particularly those injustices that are
unique to the poor and oppressed communities of Alabama and the Southeastern United
States and the result of structural inequity. The overall mission of the Social Work
Department is consistent with the purposes of social work in that the Department seeks
to prepare students to be ethically responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
The curriculum has been designed to address the needs of students as it related to
preparing them for advanced practice and leadership within communities and organizations.
Students are able to practice locally and globally to the extent that social problems of the state align with national and global social ills. The issues of poverty and racism are evident among the problems associated with, but are not limited to, child neglect and abuse, the judicial system or criminal justice, domestic violence, physical and mental health problems, lifespan challenges, community development, economic injustice and women’s health. In addition, ASU’s MSW program utilizes hybrid and education technology in the delivery of the program. This method of instruction allows students residing in central and southern Alabama who have experienced barriers to accessing the existing MSW programs in other locales in Alabama. Thus, the approach will contribute to the development of practitioners to enhance the quality of life for rural and other communities.
ADMISSIONS
DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
Students admitted to the program will have a choice of the degree concentrations via three avenues for study, which includes:
- Traditional (two-year, full time)
- Advanced standing (12 months)
- Part-time (four-year).
Each curriculum has its own requirements for admission. In addition to these requirements, students must meet specific minimum requirements for admission established by the University.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
Mental Health_Advanced Standing.pdf
Mental Health_Traditional (two-year).pdf
Forensics_Advanced Standing.pdf
Forensics_Traditional (two-year).pdf
HANDBOOK
MSW Handbook_2023-24 _._doc.pdf
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