Through teaching, research, and service, the school educates its graduates for productive careers in diverse professional arenas, contributes to the knowledge base guiding social welfare practice and policy decisions, and offers expertise and energy to local, state, and national concerns. The school's initiatives build on the traditional heritage of social work, and are guided by a commitment to community-based social services, including the development of caring communities. In all of its capacities, the school recognizes and values achieving mutuality among diverse community groups, and promotes models of service delivery empowering the poor and disadvantaged and ensuring the social care of all community members. The curriculum offered at the baccalaureate level is designed to enable students to provide services to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations at the beginning level of social work practice. Judith A. S. Altholz The curriculum at the MSW level is designed to increase the skills of professional social workers to more advanced competencies in social work practice.
Students choose a concentration area of study from among social policy and direct practice.
The School of Social Work participates in the Interdivisional Program in Marriage and Family with the College of Human Sciences. The Florida State University offers students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, or London, England, during the fall and spring semesters. Students must have the approval of the academic adviser. For information concerning eligibility, fees, and other details of these programs, contact the Office of International Programs. Social work majors are encouraged to consider these opportunities for study overseas.