Welcome to the School of Social Work
The West Virginia University School of Social Work is on the move in advancing community-based research and innovative educational programming. Through rigorous research, excellent teaching, and impactful public service, the School of Social Work is committed to educating social workers who will improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We aspire to boldly address problems such as the opioid crisis, suicide, mental illness, child welfare, and chronic health challenges through innovative research, community engagement, and integrated, evidence-based approaches. Given the many life challenges and barriers people face, we need pioneering education and community-based solutions to meaningfully address the social and human problems of our time—and we aim to do just that.
The School of Social Work offers CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs and is expanding educational offerings through high-quality online degree programs. We are also exploring the possibility of establishing West Virginia’s first doctoral program in social work. Whether you are a prospective student or a future faculty colleague, come join the dynamic School of Social Work community. We are building the leaders and change agents of tomorrow today.
Sincerely,
Deana F. Morrow, PhD, LICSW, ACSW
Director and Professor
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
If you are a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire
to help others, then a bachelor of social work can help you reach
your goals. Our curriculum prepares students for positions in the social work profession
and can provide you with the opportunity to advance in higher education.
BSW
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The master of social work program trains graduate students in advanced integrated social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and social administration. The MPA and MSW degree programs require
students to complete a public service internship and an advanced field placement.
MSW
MSW / MPA
Field Education
Field Education is an integral part of the professional social work curriculum and requires a close cooperative relationship between the School of Social Work and the selected field sites who accept our students for the internship experience. Field education has been designated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as the “signature pedagogy” and as equal to the course work in social work higher education. Experiential learning complements the classroom learning and gives the student the opportunity to build a sense of professional competence and identity that serves as a foundation for ongoing professional growth.
Vietnam
Initiative
Over the past five years, the School of Social Work has helped lead Vietnam’s commitment to quality social work education. Through encouraging increased quality and quantity of joint programs between American and Vietnamese universities, the School has increased the number of Vietnamese studying in American universities and helped promote their acquisition of skills to help Vietnam’s rapidly modernizing economy.
Undergraduate and graduate students can earn six and three credit hours, respectively, studying in Vietnam. Participants will examine social issues like human trafficking in both rural and urban settings. They will also learn how culture, history, and politics influence the creation, perpetuation, and perception of social problems – and contribute to the emergence of potential solutions. For more information, contact Neal Newfield.
