Mission
<p>Social work as a major was initiated in 1971. The program was then housed in the Department of Sociology-Anthropology. The program was separated as an “area” in 1973 and became a separate department (Department of Social Welfare) in 1975. Several years later, the Department was renamed the Department of Social Work, and in 1974, the undergraduate program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program has continued to be accredited by CSWE since 1974. Currently, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at UW-Whitewater offers BA and BS degrees in Social Work. The Department also offer Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Both BSW and MSW programs offer a fully online program option.</p>
BSW Program Mission Statement
<p>The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Bachelor's in Social Work program prepares students to be skilled generalist social work professionals by providing foundational knowledge in liberal arts, a person-in-environment approach, social work values and skills, and scientific inquiry. Through this preparation, students develop the skills necessary to engage, assess, and intervene with vulnerable and diverse individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities, and promote social justice and the equality of life for all.</p>
<p>Program Goals:</p>
<ul>
<li>Assist students (through coursework, advising, field education, and programming which includes student organizations, undergraduate research, etc.) in acquiring the necessary knowledge, values, and skills to graduate as beginning generalist social workers who practice with cultural humility.</li>
<li>Prepare students to demonstrate personal and professional integrity consistent with the NASW Professional Standards and Code of Ethics.</li>
<li>Teach students to advocate for all human rights and to stand up for marginalized and oppressed individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities using a diversity, equality, and inclusion approach.</li>
<li>Partner students with social service agencies where they will collaborate with the agencies to promote effective and culturally sensitive social work practice.</li>
<li>Encourage students to engage with faculty in scholarly and creative activity, especially in areas that enhance social work practice, social welfare policy, and social work education for all.</li>
</ul>
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MSW Mission and Program Goals
<p>The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Master of Social Work program prepares students to be advanced social work professionals skilled in developing collaborative relationships and implementing evidence-based interventions, building on their knowledge in liberal arts, person-in-environment approach, and scientific inquiry. Through this preparation, students develop advanced practice, intervention and evaluation social work skills to work within dynamic local, regional, and national contexts to address diverse human and community issues affecting the quality of life and to promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.</p>
<p>Program Goals:</p>
<ul>
<li>Train students, through coursework, field education, and advising, to advance their knowledge, develop strong professional values and ethics, and be able to apply a range of prevention and intervention methods.</li>
<li>Prepare students to advocate for all human rights and to stand up for marginalized and oppressed individuals, families, groups, organizations, and</li>
<li>Teach students to engage in evidence-informed practices.</li>
<li>Partner students with community partners to accomplish mutual goals based on evidence-based interventions and practices.</li>
<li>Engage students in opportunities to work in partnership with faculty who are actively engaged in practice, service, and research.</li>
</ul>
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