In agreement with the mission of Midwestern State University and the mission of the Robert D. and Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services, the Social Work Program strives to prepare students to be generalist social work practitioners who serve as ethical social workers and leaders in the community in a wide variety of settings. The program is dedicated to educating students to practice without discrimination and to advocate for diverse populations, oppressed populations, or economically disadvantaged populations through leadership activities, research, service, and a commitment to professional growth.
A Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) prepares a student for entry level practice as a generalist practitioner. The Social Work Program at MSU offers (1) a broad liberal arts foundation; (2) grounding in knowledge from the behavioral and social sciences concerning the characteristics and behavior of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; (3) the opportunity to integrate and apply the components of social work education in a rigorous field practicum; and (4) content and experiences relative to values and ethics as applied to special populations and self. Generalist practice uses an ecological approach to integrate both treatment and growth through conceptualizing transactions between people and their physical and psychosocial systems in the environment. The program supports individual and social change predicated on a humanitarian and social justice philosophy.
The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level. There is no minor offered with the BSW degree and no social work credit is awarded for life experience. Graduates from the program are prepared for graduate study in social work or other disciplines where the baccalaureate degree would be appropriate preparation. BSW graduates are eligible to take the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners test for Licensed Social Worker (LBSW).