The ultimate value of the profession is its ability to help people realize their own potential. As a profession, social work is based on belief in the worth and dignity of all persons and on the positive value of cultural, gender, and experiential differences. These values and the needs of the professional social worker shape the mission and outcome objectives of the Department of Social Work. Social work is a difficult, challenging, and rewarding profession for those willing to give of themselves. It requires a high level of emotional and intellectual resources as well as an acceptance of the values and ethics of the profession.
Many students find themselves initially attracted to social work for a number of reasons.
Later, they may come to realize that they are unsuited because of their own values, academic ability, or emotional strength to undertake such a demanding career. Such a decision demonstrates wisdom and a real caring for potential clients, and the Social Work faculty is always ready to assist students to consider their best academic alternatives in such situations. Use your back button to return to this page. For more information on the current employment outlook for the social work profession, consult the Current Occupational Outlook Handbook . Use your back button to return to this page.