Social Work

Strengths and Distinctiveness

The Social Work Program is a distinctive major at Manchester University, launching graduates into service-oriented careers throughout the world. Here are just a few things that make the MU Social Work Program exceptional:

Accreditation

The Manchester University Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.  The program has been continuously accredited by CSWE since 1977. CSWE accreditation gives MU social work graduates access to state and federal civil service exams and provides the credentials needed for pursuing professional licensing in social work. CSWE accreditation also allows our graduates to apply for advanced standing in master's programs accredited by CSWE.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact CSWE Accreditation.

Academic Quality

The Social Work Program faculty take our commitment to academic quality seriously. Every year, we assess our effectiveness in preparing students for professional social work practice and make improvements to the Program accordingly. For a quick summary of our recent student learning outcomes, see:  Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes - BSW Form - 2015 EPAS May - 2019

For a more in-depth look at our educational outcomes, here are our annual Program Assessment Reports:

• 2017 Program Assessment Report
• 2016 Program Assessment Report
• 2015 Program Assessment Report

Celebrating Diversity Workshop

These 1/2-day workshops, offered to students and the entire university community each semester, provide opportunities for participants to examine issues of identity, unfreeze prejudicial attitudes, and act on the basis of shared values. Workshops focus on gaining ideas, strategies and resources for taking an active role in promoting positive relations among diverse people. Social work students are required to participate in one workshop before they are admitted to the Senior Social Work Practice Block.

Anti-Racism Retreat

During the senior year, while enrolled in Social Work Practice II, students participate in an off-campus retreat involving group experiential learning about racism and oppression, designed to help students gain insight into majority-minority encounters in a racist society and understand the dynamics of racism.  Students analyze racism as a systematic problem of society and develop action plans for combatting racism individually and collectively.

LGBTQ Workshop

This six-hour workshop on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer awareness is offered as a part of the Field Instruction Seminar.  Its focus is on confronting the myths and stereotypes related to sexual orientation and gender identity; recognizing the forms of oppression experienced by LGBTQ people; and developing culturally competent skills and strategies to achieve individual empowerment and social justice.

Chicago Seminar on Racism, Human Diversity, and Urban Social Work

During the spring semester of the junior year, students participate in a three-day field trip to Chicago, which allows them to engage directly with issues of racism, poverty, political influence, economics, employment, housing, human diversity, and the contributions of the various cultures to the fabric of the city.

Off-Campus Study

Social work students are actively encouraged to study abroad, whether it be for a travel course in January or a full semester or year at an international university. Domestic options are available, too. Social work seniors can apply to complete field instruction in Chicago, in collaboration with the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture.