Explore the Human Experience
At the heart of every thriving society is a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and justice. At Manchester University, our Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology programs offer students a multifaceted lens through which to explore, challenge, and improve the world around them.
Whether you’re drawn to research, advocacy, or public service, our programs empower you to turn passion into purpose and curiosity into career.
Sociology
Sociology invites you to examine the complexities of human interaction across personal, societal, and global contexts. Whether it’s understanding identity, analyzing the roots of inequality, or exploring the impacts of global migration and conflict, sociology equips you with the tools to decode the forces shaping our lives.
Professional Organizations
1722 N St. NW
Washington DC 20036
Phone: 202-833-3410
Fax: 202-785-014
Law and Society Association
University of Massachusetts
Hampshire House
Box 33615
Amherst MA 01003
Phone: 413-545-4617Â Fax: 413-545-1640
Society for the Study of Social Problems
906 McClung Tower
University of Tennessee, Dept. Of Sociology
Knoxville TN 37996
Phone: 423-974-3620Â Fax: 423-974-7013
Social Work
Social Work is more than a profession — it’s a commitment to social justice and human dignity. Our fully accredited program prepares students to advocate for vulnerable populations, challenge systems of oppression, and lead meaningful change through professional generalist practice or graduate study.Â
Mission Statement
The Manchester University Social Work Program, a baccalaureate degree program accredited by CSWE, graduates generalist social work professionals of ability and conviction who respect the infinite worth of every individual.
Graduates of the program improve the human condition by applying social work knowledge, values, and skills to enhance the well-being of all people, especially those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty; to alleviate poverty and oppression; and to promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice and peace.
The Social Work Program brings the Manchester University mission to life through its values-based curriculum, opportunities to engage through in-class and out-of-class experiences, and its connections with social service organizations across the region.
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: CSWE-Form-AS-4(B)-2023-06
Licensure & Graduate Education
As a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program, the Manchester University Social Work Program prepares students for entry-level licensure as a professional social worker. In Indiana, this is the LBSW (Licensed Bachelor Social Worker) credential. For Indiana licensure laws, see the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website.
Graduate Education
MU social work alumni are also well-prepared for graduate study.  Many of our alumni go on to a Master of Social Work program, usually gaining advanced standing in those programs. A master of social work degree is required for clinical social work practice, some administrative positions, and college-level teaching. A PhD is increasingly required for college-level teaching. Other graduate program possibilities for our alumni include law school or programs in sociology, psychology, counseling, education, political science, economics, non-profit or public administration, or other service-oriented professions and the social sciences. Search CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs for master’s programs in social work.
Criminology
Criminology delves into the causes and consequences of crime, exploring both individual behavior and systemic responses. You’ll investigate the origins of criminal actions, the societal impacts of crime, and the legal frameworks that seek justice — all within a program designed to sharpen your critical thinking and ethical awareness.
Accreditation
Manchester University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Meet the Faculty
