Social Work - BS, BA

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve the public by preparing our graduates for employment as generalist social workers through education in a professional foundation curriculum and selected liberal arts education, and to prepare students for advanced education, as well as responsible citizenship in the areas of service and research. The BSW program prepares graduates who are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Utah, the nation, and the world, through service learning, leadership development, research, and extension. The program prepares social workers with skills and knowledge needed to address challenges such as expanding financial capability for all, promoting access to justice, supporting healthy youth development, improving health equity, preventing family violence, reducing social isolation, promoting mental health, and ending homelessness.

USU's social work program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, prepares students to enter a wide variety of positions in public and private social service settings, which can include work in child welfare, youth services, mental health, criminal justice, aging, and health care. Students learn how to think critically and intervene effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities in Utah and beyond. Students are also prepared to engage in policy practice that promotes the wellbeing of individuals and communities. During their senior year, students participate in hands-on field practicum experience, Additionally, faculty members at Utah State conduct research while maintaining open availability to students.

The social work program's guiding philosophy is based on two broad traditions: generalist social work practice and land-grant university heritage. The program mission is to prepare social workers for beginning practice in a diverse society and to equip students with the knowledge and skills essential to the general tasks of promoting social welfare in institutions such as education, health, employment, housing, and criminal justice. The program equips students with fundamental generalist skills, knowledge, and values of social work, such as critical thinking, culturally responsive practice, professional use of self, and communication and interpersonal relationship skills.