School of Social Work

MSW program goals and objectives

Generalist goals & objectives

Goal 1

Prepare social work students for the professional practice of social work with diverse systems of various sizes, emphasizing the provision of competent, ethical clinical and program planning & administrative services, based on the core competencies of social work (Competency 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, and 2.1.10).

Goal 1 objectives

  • Understand and apply theoretical frameworks and scientific orientation to inform assessment and guide practice interventions with individuals within the environment, across the lifespan, and across all systemic levels: micro, mezzo and macro.
  • Use professional values, ethics and skills to provide a foundational context within the generalist practice framework of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation across all systemic levels.
  • Identify with the social work profession including knowledge of the historical context and foundation.
  • Demonstrate awareness, sensitivity and respect for the influence of human diversity in shaping life experiences across the lifespan, nationally as well as globally.

Goal 2

Prepare students to take an active role, professionally, in addressing social problems and to challenge social and economic injustice. (Competency 2.1.4, 2.1.5 and 2.1.9)

Goal 2 objectives

  • Recognize the influence of research and policy on service delivery as well as the influence of practice on research and policy development.
  • Use empirically-based knowledge to develop practice strategies and policy advocacy and development.
  • Understand the structure and mechanisms of oppression and privilege and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with populations at risk.
  • Apply, without discrimination, effective strategies of advocacy and social change that empower populations at risk and which promote social and economic justice.

Goal 3

Prepare students for lifelong professional development. (Competency 2.1.1 and 2.1.9).

Goal 3 objective

  • Demonstrate commitment to continued professional development.

Policy, planning & administration objectives

Goal 1

Prepare social work students for the professional practice of social work with diverse systems of various sizes, emphasizing the provision of competent, ethical clinical and program planning & administrative services, based on the core competencies of social work.

Goal 1 objectives

  • Recognize, comprehend, and apply social work values and ethics to issues of social and economic justice in administrative and policy practice.
  • Plan, develop, implement, & evaluate organizational and community programs using evidence-based research.
  • Understand theory and application of supervisory and consultative skills in administrative and policy practice.

Goal 2

Prepare students to take an active role, professionally, in addressing social problems and to challenge social and economic injustice.

Goal 2 objectives

  • Analyze issues and develop social policies that further social and economic justice goals within human service agencies, organizations, communities and society.
  • Understand the structure and mechanisms of oppression and privilege as they related to community and organizational development.
  • Demonstrate policy, planning and administrative skills in service to vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups.

Goal 3

Prepare students for lifelong professional development.

Goal 3 objective

  • Demonstrate recognition of the importance of professional growth and development.

Clinical objectives

Goal 1

Prepare social work students for the professional practice of social work with diverse systems of various sizes, emphasizing the provision of competent, ethical clinical and program planning & administrative services, based on the core competencies of social work.

Goal 1 objectives

  • Recognize, comprehend and apply social work values and ethics to issues of social and economic justice in clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively and ethically assess client systems for strengths and needs.
  • Implement evidence-based clinical treatment strategies with individuals, families, and groups
  • Understand theory and application of supervisory and consultative skills in clinical practice

Goal 2

Prepare students to take an active role, professionally, in addressing social problems and to challenge social and economic injustice.

Goal 2 objectives

  • Evaluate and improve clinical practice in a systematic and ongoing manner that is informed by evidence-based research and that builds the social work knowledge base.
  • Understand the structure and mechanisms of oppression and privilege, and resistance to oppression and the impact on client experiences, assessment, treatment, and evaluation.
  • Demonstrate clinical skills to work effectively with vulnerable and oppressed individuals.

Goal 3

Prepare students for lifelong professional development.

Goal 3 objective

  • Demonstrate recognition of the importance of professional growth and development.