Social Work Major
The ability to live effectively in society is often hampered by problems ranging from personal tensions to difficulties arising from social unrest within a group or community. These problems, aggravated by the growing complexity of society, have greatly increased the need for social services. Social workers assist individuals, families, small groups organizations, and communities in improving their quality of life. The Department of Social Work has been nationally accredited since 1982 by the Council on Social Work Education. The undergraduate program in professional social work maintains the following mission and mission goals:
Benefits and distinctives:
- Teaches the professional skills needed for helping people and communities improve social functioning and well-being
- Provides generalist social work training, preparing students to enter a variety of jobs upon graduation
- Nationally accredited since 1982 by the Council on Social Work Education
Career opportunities:
Social workers provide services directly to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers can apply their training and experience in a variety of settings and careers, including:
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Field Internship Program
During the senior year, social work majors complete a 400-hour field internship in one of several approved agencies in the community. This provides a setting for the development of practice skills in social work and an opportunity for students to integrate classroom learning with practice. Students are charged a minimal social work liability insurance fee. The field director discusses the application process with students in their junior year. No credit is given for prior work experience. Students must complete the internship as part of their degree requirements.
What about internship and graduate school opportunities?
Nearly 80 percent of students go on to graduate schools such as the University of Southern California; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Washington; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and California State University, Long Beach, Fresno, and Sacramento.
All seniors participate in an internship in social service agencies such as hospitals, public welfare, schools, senior citizen centers/convalescent homes, child protective services, probation and parole, developmental disability services, mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment.
“The social work program here at APU is a place where you learn inside and outside the classroom. The professors all bring their unique experiences and challenge you in different ways. It is an exciting journey through which to grow.”
Nancy Reynolds ’06
Social Work
