Welcome to the Division of Social Work
Social Work is a great profession with broad opportunities to serve local, national, and international populations. Accordingly, the Division of Social Work at West Virginia University prepares students to work with individuals, families, and communities, especially in small cities, towns, and rural areas.
Our graduate (MSW) and undergraduate (BSW) students come from many different states and countries. The MSW Program at WVU has enjoyed continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since the 1940s, and our BSW program was among the first programs to receive accreditation in 1974.
The Division is nationally recognized in the areas of rural social work practice and non-profit management. While rural and urban issues often converge, rural environments constitute distinct practice arenas, both in our own country and abroad. Our faculty sponsors initiatives that not only engage students in West Virginia and rural Appalachia but in Northern Ireland, Vietnam, Bermuda, and Costa Rica, as well. These include research projects, internships, specialized courses, and service-learning. Our international exchanges enrich the Division by increasing awareness of important global perspectives.
Additionally, the Division conducts numerous research and training projects in aging, child welfare, disaster preparedness, disabilities, children’s mental health, and veterans’ concerns. We also offer a three-year dual-degree program in Social Work and Public Administration (MSW/MPA).
We continue to strive for excellence in education, service to the profession, and promotion of a democratic society and a just world. We invite you to contact us and consider social work as your profession.
Sincerely,
Karen V. Harper-Dorton Ph.D., MSW, MA
Chair, Division of Social Work
