Welcome to the Social Work Department
At Southern Connecticut State University

501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515

Phone: 203-392-6551
Fax: 203-392-6580
Field Education Office: 203-392-6573

Todd Rofuth,
Chairperson. 203-392-6557

Nicole Philibert,
Secretary. 203-392-6573

Jaime Schiffman,
Secretary. 203-392-6559

Mission Statement
Southern Connecticut State University is one of four universities in the Connecticut State University system. The Department of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University is the only program in this system and state that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in social work. The program curriculum emphasizes a perspective that views people as having the capacity to change and adapt while in continuous and reciprocal interchange with all elements of their environment. The academic and field practicum components are designed to teach professional social work knowledge and to impart tools for scholarship, critical thinking, and evidenced based practice. We are committed to ethical practice and the integration of social work values in all educational activities and practice. The purpose of undergraduate education is to prepare students to work in entry level agency based social work positions. The focus of graduate education is professional education for students who will provide clinical or management services.

The mission of the Department of Social Work is to provide quality social work education to undergraduate and graduate students and to advance knowledge through study, practice, and research. Further, the Department is also committed to preparing social workers to promote system change to achieve economic and social justice in the life of communities impacted by rapid economic and social shifts. We are committed to our students being able to engage in practice with diverse populations in metropolitan settings. In addition, the Department is committed to educating social workers to be effective practitioners and leaders in the public and private sectors. The Department is also committed to developing partnerships with the community to further both the Department’s and the university's commitment to scholarship and professional preparation.