Students develop their professional commitment to a code of ethics and understanding of social work to govern their professional behavior. Students acquire a knowledge and understanding of individual, group, community, institutional, and cultural dynamics and behavior. Students become familiar with concepts, theories, and empirical findings that enable them to practice effectively as professional social workers. Students achieve a command of fundamental social work research. A knowledge of the scientific method is acquired and applied to current research.
Students learn to apply critical thinking to professional literature.
Students acquire knowledge and skills needed for effective social work practice with diverse populations. The accumulated knowledge and understanding of the social work curriculum come together in the practice courses. Students develop the capacity for critical analysis of social problems, policies, and programs. Students analyze social work practice to understand the effect of policy on direct service. Basic policy analysis skills acquired in the first course are applied in specified areas of practice, applying analytical skills to problems, policies, and programs.