 Division of Social Work
The Division of Social Work at the University of Wyoming, in the College of Health Sciences, offers both bachelors (BSW) and Masters (MSW) degrees in social work. Both of these programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and are guided by the Council's Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Social work courses were first offered in the Sociology Department in 1967; in 1974, the BSW program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and became an independent department. In 1984, the department moved from the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Health Sciences, with other professional programs. Our MSW Program was initiated in 1997, with the admission of "Pioneer Class" of 10 students.
Currently, an average of 130 undergraduates students at the University of Wyoming major in social work annually. Students in the BSW Program may take courses in either Laramie or in Casper. MSW students focus on an Advanced Generalist Curriculum, with an emphasis on rural practice. Both part-time and full-time programs are available.
The division has 10 faculty members and many professionals who teach on an adjunct basis for the program. The division maintains affiliations with human service organizations throughout the state, region, and nation. Faculty members are actively involved in several areas of social work research, including child welfare, health promotion, emotional intelligence, gerontology, and grief resolution.
Why major in social work?
Social work originated in the late 1800s, in order to improve conditions for immigrants in large cities, and for poor families, especially widows and their children. The social work profession's commitment to vulnerable populations and social and economic justice continues today. Social workers assist individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, and institutions plan and institute change through the use of the problem-solving process.
The social work profession engages in advocacy for the development of conditions for optimal well being, and prevention and treatment of social problems. Beginning practitioners in Wyoming, a rural and sparsely populated state, must internalize social work values and ethics, develop a sense of professional self, develop a variety of professional skills, and expand their knowledge and theoretical base appropriate for social work practice at all levels. They should also enhance their ability to locate and create resources needed either by a client or worker. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics guides professional social work practice (NASW Code of Ethics has been distributed).
Career opportunities are available to social workers in a wide variety of state, federal, and other public agencies; private non-profit organizations; and private for-profit organizations, including hospitals, mental health centers, schools, adolescent treatment facilities, child care centers, nursing homes, substance abuse treatment centers, public assistance agencies, probation and parole offices, correctional centers, community action agencies, and research facilities. Last Updated on 7/30/2008 10:20:40 AM |
