Westfield State College
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Social Work Program

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Welcome

The Social Work Program offers a major in social work leading to a BSW degree. The program's mission is to prepare bachelor level students to practice generalist social work at the entry level and be prepared for graduate education in social work. This mission specifically includes helping students develop:
  • a sense of social responsibility; 
  • an appreciation for the significance of the diverse nature of the world 
  • knowledge regarding the impact of oppression in the world 
  • an understanding of the key roles that social work values and ethics, knowledge and skills play in practice and 
  • a respect for the changing nature of the social work knowledge base.
This mission translates into a challenging curriculum grounded in a liberal arts base that is focused around: (1) generalist social work practice, (2) social welfare policy and planning, (3) human behavior and the social environment, (4) research, and (5) field practicum. Throughout this curriculum, the issues of diversity, culturally competent practice, promotion of social and economic justice, practice with populations at risk, the values and ethics of social work, and the changing knowledge base for social work practice are integrated. Further, students' preparation for practice in this complex changing world is accomplished through the development and promotion of students' critical thinking skills.

The  Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  Our graduates are eligible to sit for the state social work license exam for bachelor's level social workers and are eligible for advanced standing at graduate social work programs across the country.

Please feel free to explore our web site.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING SOCIAL WORK CONTACT:

Dr. Robert C. Kersting, Social Work Program Director, Westfield State College Westfield, MA 01086 (413)572-5536,"TTD (413)-572-5250"
email: rkersting@wsc.ma.edu

updated 10/5/07