Mission & Goals of the BSW Program

BSW Program Mission

Consistent with the mission of the University and requirements of the Council on Social Work Education EPAS (2015), the mission of the Social Work department at SVSU is to promote social welfare and well-being for residents of Great Lakes Bay Region, the State of Michigan, and beyond through generalist education about evidence based social work practice and advancement of knowledge about social problems. We seek to educate ethical, effective, and diversity competent generalist social workers who are prepared to provide interprofessional services that promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice to the oppressed peoples and institutions that reside in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Graduates from our program will be prepared for leadership in direct and indirect practices that empower individuals, families, groups, and communities.

(Adopted by the faculty May 9, 2016)

BSW Program Goals

With the liberal arts as its foundation, BSW graduates are prepared to engage in entry-level generalist social work practice. Students are prepared for continuing their formal education in social work or another graduate discipline. As such, it is our goal that by completion of the program, students will be prepared to:

Engage in evidence-based entry-level generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations within a diverse and multicultural society. Practice according to the principles, values, and ethics that guide the social work profession within an interprofessional context. Influence social policies with the goals of alleviating poverty, oppression, and social injustice as well as advocating for human rights. Identify and assess the bio-psycho-social, spiritual, and cultural functioning of people. Engage in practice from diversity-positive and culturally-sensitive perspectives, particularly with those who differ from one’s own background or culture. Provide the community with professional social work services in a manner that reflects a commitment to the historic mission of social work and addresses issues of social justice.

(Adopted by the faculty July 15, 2016)