AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - The United States needs knowledgeable and prepared social workers as certain social epidemics continue to grow. Opioid addiction, alcohol dependence, hospice care, military social work, etc., are all areas where there is growth beyond expectations – which is why, in 2017, Auburn University implemented a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. On Tuesday, April 30, the College of Liberal Arts will celebrate its first graduating class of 21 students from the MSW program.
“Our MSW program is for anyone who wants to help people and advocate for real change,” said College of Liberal Arts Dean Joseph Aistrup. “I’m very proud of our first graduating class from this program because I know they will make meaningful differences in the communities they serve.”
The MSW program is located in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social work, and prepares students for advanced clinical social work practice, focusing on the areas of health and mental health - with an emphasis on health disparities. Where the social work bachelor’s program teaches students the general knowledge needed to get a job in this field, the master’s program allows them to hone this knowledge in an environment that focuses on clinical specialization.
"The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social work is pleased to offer this master’s degree and we offer our sincere congratulations to our first graduating class," said Department Chair Carole Zugazaga.
The mission of the MSW Program is to make a positive impact on health care needs and social problems unique to Alabama’s citizens by preparing students for specialized social work practice with diverse populations through the establishment and maintenance of community partnerships, along with the development and implementation of research techniques and evaluative strategies.
For more information about the Master of Social Work Program, please visit the website: https://cla.auburn.edu/sociology/social-work/master-of-social-work-program/
