Southern prepares social workers as agents of change who practice ethically, translate research into practice, and provide leadership in the profession and in their communities.
Building on a tradition of access and excellence in social work education, Southern offers the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), the Master of Social Work (MSW), and the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees.
The BSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The undergraduate bachelor's in social work degree prepares students for entry-level professional social work positions and for advancement to graduate social work education. The social work faculty, with extensive experience in clinical and policy practice, is committed to providing a rigorous yet supportive learning environment with small classes and collaborative research opportunities. Students enjoy a wealth of field practice opportunities in the City of New Haven and throughout Connecticut.
The mission of the SCSU Department of Social Work is to promote the personal and social development of people in their communities based on the values of social, economic, and environmental justice; civil and human rights; democracy; and full access to educational, social, economic, and political participation.
The Social Work Department educates students to become competent and compassionate agents of change who, guided by professional knowledge, skills, and values, are prepared to practice ethically with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; to translate research into practice; and to provide leadership in the profession and in their communities.
The Social Work Department promotes social welfare by collaborating with students, social service providers and users, and communities in building an inclusive and just society where individuals, families, and communities thrive.
The Core Values of the SCSU Department of Social Work include:
The dual degree program in the Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies (MSW/MA) allows students to prepare for social work practice while exploring and applying research and theory in women’s and gender studies. Academic coursework, field practice experiences, and mentoring relationships afford interdisciplinary opportunities for integrating methods of scholarly inquiry, critical problem solving, and leadership development.
The dual degree program in the Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies (MSW/MA) allows students to prepare for social work practice while exploring and applying research and theory in women’s and gender studies. Academic coursework, field practice experiences, and mentoring relationships afford interdisciplinary opportunities for integrating methods of scholarly inquiry, critical problem solving, and leadership development.
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate that prepares master’s-level social workers for leadership in organization or academic settings. It is offered in a three-year, part-time format, which allows students to maintain their employment while studying.
The program prepares them to practice ethically, translate research into policy, and assume leadership in the implementation of advanced social work practice. The self-designed externship (240 hours) and capstone project allow students to enhance their expertise in one of the following areas of focus:
Graduates of the DSW program are, therefore, competent and compassionate agents of change.