OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you like working with people, problem solving, and helping others? Do you wish to influence social policy or work on social justice issues? Would you like to help protect children or the elderly from neglect and abuse, or help improve their welfare? Would you enjoy organizing communities to improve the quality of life or fight for human rights? Would you like to assist diverse clients, families and communities with challenges related to unemployment, poverty, health & illness, needed job skills, teen pregnancy, or social justice issues? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Social Work may be the major for you.
Social Work is distinguished by a tradition of concern for people and their interactions with society. Social Work professionals are community problem solvers who intervene in organizational settings--communities, school systems, or families--to assist with individual needs. Many social workers specialize in a single field such as child welfare and family services, mental health, medical social work, school social work, criminal justice, community organization, advocacy, or clinical social work.
The Social Work Curriculum focuses on the practical application of social work principles, policies, and practice within a systems perspective. Students acquire a professional social work foundation transferable to different settings, population groups and problem areas. Attention is devoted to understanding the social welfare system in the U.S., and working with individuals, families, and communities to effect the desired change. Several practical experiences are required. Students work with an agency participant throughout their sophomore year, and then as seniors, participate in a social work agency internship. The curriculum also includes a strong liberal arts base, social science research and statistics.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Strong desire to help people
* Creative problem solver
* Empathy and compassion
* Emotional maturity
* Strong listening and communication skills
* Ability to deal with diverse populations
* Ability to accept people’s values and differences
* A positive attitude
* Understanding of human behavior
* Ability to cope with stressful situations
* Crisis intervention skills
* Knowledge of social welfare system
* Knowledge of problem solving techniques
* Understanding social issues relevant to special populations
* Ability to work in a variety of social organizations
* Ability to work with large and small groups
* Effective interviewing skills
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Social Work graduates are employed in a variety of settings including welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, clinics, institutions, community centers, public health, corrections, and group homes. Entry-level job opportunities are plentiful. Graduates should be willing to work with people of all ages and in a multitude of circumstances. Opportunities to work with older adults are especially prevalent. Internships are required. Graduates who achieve a Masters of Social Work (MSW) attain the ability to intervene in a variety of situations, manage cases, and supervise other workers. Advancement generally requires an MSW. Potential career options include:
* Child welfare worker
* Adolescent group home counselor
* Crisis counselor
* Family welfare
* Child protection
* Adult protection
* Women’s health advocate
* Clinical social worker
* Psychiatric social worker
* Geriatric social worker
* Crisis counselor
* Mental health therapist
* Nursing home administrator
* Medical social service counselor
* Community outreach coordinator
* Youth program counselor
* Home health aide
* Occupational social services worker
* Foster parent consultant
* Probation officer
* Agency director
* Client advocate
* Victim-witness program counselor
* Program manager
* School social services
* Substance abuse counselor
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Social Work in Action (SWA)
* Applied Human Sciences College Council
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MORE INFORMATION
School of Social Work
127 Education Building
1586 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1586
970-491-6612
http://www.cahs.colostate.edu/sw/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
8008 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
National Association of Social Workers
7981 Eastern Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-638-8799
http://www.naswdc.org
* Career and Opportunities Information
Council on Social Work Education
1600 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-638-8080
http://www.cswe.org
* Social Work Program Directories
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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