GCSW Objectives: Graduate College of Social Work

Program Objectives

The broad objective of the M.S.W. program is to prepare students for responsible, professional social work practice. The program is expected to:

1. Provide a sound base of knowledge and skills for professional practice.
2. Socialize students to the social work profession, including its Code of Ethics and values.
3. Convey an understanding of the impact of racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, ethnocentrism, and classism on individuals, groups, social policies, and institutions.
4. Contribute to the social work profession through knowledge-building and research activities aimed toward improving social work practice, policies, and programs.

Student Objectives

During the course of their M.S.W. graduate education, students are expected to:

1. Develop a broad perception of their roles and functions as social work professionals, including an understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in resolution of social problems through institutional changes and preventive measures.
2. Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of systems (individual, group, family, organizational, community, and societal) for use in carrying out professional roles and functions.
3. Develop skills that reflect competence for social work practice in a multiethnic society.
4. Attain knowledge of scientific inquiry and research methods as used to advance professional knowledge and practice.
5. Develop mature and sensitive attitudes toward self and others that result in becoming disciplined social work practitioners.
6. Identify with the profession of social work, its historical tradition, its values and ethics, and its commitment to social justice.
7. Accept responsibility for continued learning relative to new knowledge and skills throughout one’s career.