Department of Social Work

Sabrina W. Sullenberger (chair), Julie W. Hunt, Jennifer Crowell, Doug Crewsx

Mission:

The mission of the Belmont University Department of Social Work is to empower and equip students to live out their calling to serve others and to embody the core values of the social work profession: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. Within the context of the liberal arts and modeled after the life and work of Jesus, we prepare students to engage in work at the margins of society and to transform the world in which they live.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Social Work is to prepare generalist social work professionals who practice under the guidance of the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics and who are able to integrate the Educational Policy and Accreditation areas of social work into their practice. Additionally, the Department of Social Work prepares students for graduate education in social work.

Goals:

1. To prepare students for professional social work practice who demonstrate competence and effectiveness as generalist practitioners and who are committed to life-long learning

2. To prepare students who are guided by the knowledge, skills, values and ethics of the social work profession

3. To prepare students to engage as critical and strategic thinkers with respect to issues of oppression, marginalization and other vulnerabilities

4. To produce graduates who promote social and economic justice in communities both local and global

Career opportunities abound in social work. The following is a partial listing of areas of professional practice. For a more complete listing, check with the Program Director.

Child Welfare

Probation/Parole

Children's Homes

School Social Work

Alcohol/Drug Treatment

Employee Assistance Program

Nursing Homes

Hospital/Home Health

Social Services in Churches

Housing

Mental Health Services

Mental Retardation

The curriculum is organized around nine essential areas which include Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, and Field Instruction. It is important that the student make an early decision to enter the program as courses are in sequential order and begin in the sophomore year.

The program does not grant any academic credit for life or work experience.

There is an admission process, and students may apply after successful completion of SWK 2000. The program is open to all qualified applicants without discrimination.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work (baccalaureate) is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).