Social Work

Overview

As the world’s population ages, the field of gerontology grows.  We offer a certificate in gerontology, qualifying you for positions working with the elderly.

Program Mission

The focus of the Social Work program at Southern Illinois University is the preparation of social work professionals with advanced skills in human behavior, social work practice, practice evaluation, policy, and critical thinking, with an emphasis on specialized training in Children, Youth and Families, School Social Work, and Health/Mental Health, and the ability to engage in ethical, responsible, and self-critical social work practice in public and private social service systems.

Mission (adopted by faculty, SIUC, September 17, 2008): The organizing principle of the MSW program is service to individuals, families, groups, and communities by enhancing their well being and promoting economic and social justice and human rights. The mission of the Master’s of Social Work Program is the educational preparation of graduate students for advanced social work practice in a concentration area (Children, Youth and Families, School Social Work, and Health/Mental Health). Student learning is based on competent, ethically-responsible professional practice with disadvantaged and diverse groups within state, national, international, and global contexts, with a special focus on rural areas. Special emphasis is placed on building scholarship and leadership capacities to serve as change agents within one’s area of practice and the larger social work profession.