Thus, it provides students with the knowledge and value base of the social work profession as well as the practice skills necessary to work with a variety of clients in various social service agencies. Social workers are employed in public welfare, corrections, health and mental health, and services to the elderly and children and families. Among social workers' clientele are those affected negatively by economic structure, those who have committed or have been victims of crimes, persons who have physical and mental disabilities, and those who have experienced discrimination and oppression. Besides individuals, clients include families, small groups and communities experiencing conflict and crisis. The course of study begins with pre-major status.
Students take two introductory social work courses along with general education courses.
All other social work courses are taken after being accepted for social work major status. Students are admitted to major status on a competitive basis. In addition to the course of study students participate in area social service agencies through observation, volunteer work and supervised field instruction. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level. Graduates of the program receive a bachelor of science in social work.