Program Mission

The mission of the joint MU-SU MSW Program is to provide accessible social work graduate education in the south central region of Pennsylvania in order to prepare students for advanced generalist practice and to provide professional leadership and contribute to the development and dissemination of social work practice knowledge.

Definition of Advanced Generalist Perspective

 The advanced generalist approach to direct and indirect practice is characterized by the practitioner’s ability to function autonomously and proficiently addressing complex situations within multiple roles and levels. This strengths-based approach is grounded in a liberal arts foundation and guided by a change process incorporating systems/ecological theory, core social work values and ethics, respect for diversity, and commitment to social and economic justice. The advanced generalist contributes to the knowledge and practice base of the profession and provides leadership within the profession and community in full partnership with diverse client systems.

Program Goals

The MU-SU MSW Program seeks to:

• Prepare students for competent advanced generalist practice, with a focus on rural client systems, through the acquisition and demonstration of social work knowledge, skills, and values.
• Provide leadership and service for the social welfare systems and the social work profession.
• Foster commitment to professional development and the creation and dissemination of knowledge.

Program Educational Objectives

Foundation year objectives

The MU-SU MSW program foundation courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to develop generalist practice competencies by meeting the following thirteen broad objectives. As required in EP 3.0, students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice (E.P. 3.0, 1).
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly (E.P. 3.0, 2).
3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to rurality and clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation (E.P. 3.0, 3).
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice (E.P. 3.0, 4).
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues (E.P. 3.0, 5).
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice with systems of all sizes (E.P. 3.0, 6).
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities (E.P. 3.0, 7).
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies at the local, state, and federal levels (E.P. 3.0, 8).
9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own (E.P. 3.0, 9).
10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities (E.P. 3.0, 10).
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice (E.P. 3.0, 11).
12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change (E.P. 3.0, 12).
13. Acquire skills in the use of modern technology, especially the Internet, e-mail, and videoconferencing to be used in service to communities (E.P. 3.0).

Concentration Year Objectives

Students in the MU-SU MSW program will develop advanced practice competencies through the following eleven broad curriculum objectives. At the concentration level, as required in EP 3.1, students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, especially rural areas, from an advanced generalist perspective with an emphasis on client systems within rural areas.
2. Differentially apply intervention strategies at micro, mezzo, and macro levels with an emphasis on client systems within rural areas.
3. Use quantitative and qualitative methodologies to evaluate social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, especially in rural areas.
4. Develop strategies for influencing policy to effect positive change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, especially in rural areas.
5. Effectively synthesize knowledge and skills needed for social work administration, including such functions as planning, program development, budgeting, grant writing, supervision and training, and evaluation of programs and staff.
6. Engage in ongoing self-reflective practice, including an awareness of and strategies for addressing professional strengths and challenges as areas for professional growth and development.
7. Engage in advanced generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, especially in rural areas, utilizing a strengths-based approach that draws on a range of intervention theories as appropriate.
8. Engage in practice that is sensitive to the social, economic and practice issues of rural residents, people of color, women, persons with disabilities, GLTB, and other populations that may be at high risk.
9. Analyze ethical challenges and dilemmas, including those in rural areas, and develop appropriate responses to these situations in alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics.
10. Acquire skills in the use of modern technology, especially the Internet, e-mail, and videoconferencing to be used in service to the community, especially in rural areas.
11. Intregrate all curriculum areas and apply advanced generalist practice with an emphasis on client systems in rural areas.