MSW Program Goals & Objectives
Goals of the MSW Program
- To provide a graduate-level curriculum that builds graduates' relevant knowledge, skills, and values inherent in Advanced Generalist Community Social Work (AGCSW) practice, which is defined as: multilevel, situation-driven, strengths-based social work practice that values diversity and the central importance of community; promotes social and economic justice; uses creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in the service of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- To produce AGCSW professionals who are competent in autonomous social work practice that promotes social and economic justice, and endeavors to address poverty and other social problems across all systems levels within individual, familial, organizational, and community contexts.
MSW Program Objectives
At the completion of the required course of study, each MSW graduate will be able to:
- Articulate an operational understanding of the role and responsibilities of an AGCSW professional;
- Apply theoretical frameworks and practice knowledge in the understanding of individual development and behavior across the life span and in the interpretation of the interactions among individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
- Recognize the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination in all their manifestations;
- Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies that promote social and economic justice;
- Demonstrate the ability to function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and to use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice;
- Evaluate and measure their own practice interventions, explain the meaning of formal research studies, and relate research findings to practice;
- Conduct research across multiple levels, with a high degree of autonomy;
- Engage in effective, empowering, strengths-based, multicultural practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
- Collaborate in community initiatives and social change activities designed to address oppression and discrimination; and
- Critically assess their own personal values as well as professional values and ethics, and assume accountability for ethical practice.
