We use a systems approach to address social problems and on a micro, mezzo, and macro level, and encourage policy and legislation that help communities and individuals thrive.

Opportunities. Everywhere.

Our social work program gives senior students multiple opportunities to thrive, prepare for state licensure, and secure employment. And with a job outlook 13% faster than average, graduates are likely to find opportunities available for licensed BSW graduates.

The program also prepares students to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, and additional areas of specializations including but not limited to child welfare, addictions, as well as other issues of concern for vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished persons and communities.

Core values:

• Utilization of cutting-edge technology
• Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement Facilitation of Student-centered Advancement
• Promotion of Leadership Development

Learn about Social Work Core Competencies.

Accreditation

The excellence of CSU's Social Work program is evidenced by accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes 2023-2024

Prior years: 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission

The mission of the undergraduate social work program at Social Work is to prepare a diverse student population to become skilled, compassionate, and ethical generalist social workers capable of practice, research, leadership and entrepreneurship in a global society. Grounded in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion competency-based curriculum, the program equips students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to work ethically and effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of those in historically marginalized communities.

Central to the program is a commitment to Black liberatory frameworks, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive practices. These principles guide students in being self-reflective, understanding and dismantling systemic inequities, promoting equity, and fostering empowerment within communities. By integrating theoretical learning with hands-on field experiences, the program cultivates critically conscious practitioners who advocate for social justice, embrace diversity, and engage in lifelong learning to meet the evolving challenges of the profession. Coppin State University’s social work graduates are globally minded and grounded in principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Vision Statement

The Department of Social Work at Coppin State University envisions a world where social justice prevails, systemic inequities are dismantled, and individuals and communities thrive. Rooted in a legacy of empowerment and service, we aspire to be a leading force in preparing socially conscious, culturally competent, and transformative social workers who champion equity, diversity, and liberation. Through innovation in education, research, and community engagement, we aim to create a global impact by fostering resilience, advocating for marginalized populations, and advancing the profession of social work.

Core Values of the Department of Social Work

• Commitment to ADEI (Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
  Actively championing anti-racist principles and fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive.
• Black Liberatory Frameworks Inclusive of Cultural Humility
  Centering Black experiences and liberation while embracing cultural humility to promote justice, equity, and empowerment for all.
• Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement
  Building strong connections between academic learning and real-world service to foster community empowerment and social change.
• Facilitation of Student-Centered Advancement
  Prioritizing the holistic growth and success of students through tailored support and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Utilization of Cutting-edge Technology
  Leveraging innovative tools and platforms to enhance learning, practice, and community impact.
• Promotion of Leadership Development
  Cultivating future leaders equipped to inspire, advocate, and drive meaningful change in their communities and the social work profession.
• Integration of Research, Policy, and Practice
  Bridging theory and action to address societal challenges with evidence-based solutions and informed advocacy.

Through fieldwork, students get to put their skills, commitment, and knowledge directly to practice, while seeing how interventions can make an impact in clients' lives.

The Value of Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important part of the social work curriculum because it allows students to the opportunity to apply theories, and concepts learned in the classroom to experiences in the field through a supervised placement.

The goal of field instruction is to engage students in supervised direct and indirect service activities and provide practical experience in all the foundation competency areas as guided by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This effort is accomplished through partnerships with a variety of agencies that meet the required learning outcomes as outlined in the Social Work Field Education Manual.

Through fieldwork, students identify professional strengths and growth areas, while also gaining the skills, knowledge, and values needed to succeed as a social work practitioner and leader.

Fieldwork Eligibility

Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with the social work requirements for the major as outlined in the University Catalog. To qualify for a field placement, a student must:

• Be accepted as a full social work major (no pre-social work majors)
• Complete the following courses with a grade of C or better by the end of the spring semester before field work begins:
  • SOWK 210
  • SOWK 260
  • SOWK 360
  • SOWK 379
  • SOWK 388
  • SOWK 389
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average by the end of the semester before your placement begins
• Be able to graduate within 3 semesters of starting field work
• Submit all application materials by the appropriate deadline:
  • March 31st for fall placement
• Regularly demonstrate responsible and professional student conduct as outlined in the Social Work Field Education Manual.

Field Instruction Forms

Field Application & Guides

Field Forms

Faculty Liaison Forms