Social work is a challenging and exciting profession which provides opportunity for individuals to contribute to the alleviation of social problems. Mount students majoring in social work benefit from instructors who are experienced social work practitioners and receive on the job learning experience through field work.
The social work major provides a professional education for entry-level professional positions in a challenging and dynamic field. The baccalaureate degree prepares a student for generalist social work practice, such as working in partnership with individuals, families and community groups to enhance or restore social functioning, older adults in community-based and long term care settings, and offers the chance to address the issues of poverty and oppression. It is a field for individuals who want to contribute to society.
The social work curriculum is built upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Professional social workers must be committed to social and economic justice, and have effective communication skills and critical thinking ability in order to address the complex problems which they encounter. The professional core courses include theories, skills and practical experience (field work) in social agencies.
Each field work experience (two days per week in a social agency) provides an "on the job" learning experience under close supervision by both a faculty member and an agency professional. The program uses a variety of agencies in the Greater Cincinnati region such as mental health programs, crisis centers for domestic violence, homeless shelters, community service agencies, hospice, long term care settings, organizations that provide community-based services to older adults, and other related services.
Social work faculty members are all experienced social work practitioners who maintain active ties to community programs and social agencies. As a group they have expertise in community development and non-profit organizations, practice with sexual offenders, domestic violence programs, programs that serve children, adolescents, adults and older adults, and medical and psychiatric services. Faculty members in the social work program provide individualized attention to students, especially those with disabilities. Students learn to appreciate the wide cultural and human diversity in society through both classroom and community experiences.
The social work major is available in both the day and the accelerated formats.
The program has been accredited by the national Council on Social Work Education since 1991. Required courses address the foundation areas mandated by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional positions as well as for admission to graduate degree programs in social work and related fields. Many universities now offer advanced placement, waiving a number of graduate level social work courses, for students who graduate from an accredited program.
Program Requirements for Major in Social Work - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Learning Outcomes
For a complete list of links in Social Work, click on Department of Social Work.