Much of what Americans enjoy and take for granted today has been made possible by early social workers. They witnessed many injustices members of our society had to endure, and spoke out against the abuse and neglect. In the process, social workers recognized that a system had to be initiated so that those citizens, who had no voice in public policy, would be treated fairly. It is the social work profession that has led the way in developing private and charitable organizations to serve people in need. And it is the social worker who continuously fights for the recognition of a public responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves.

The School of Social Work at Grambling State University has a professional program for students whose career goals include working with special populations and social problems. Students are well prepared to assume positions with agencies that deal with child abuse, aging, mental health, probation and parole, adoptions, foster care, community services, school social work, medical social work, residential facility care, corrections, hospices, hospital and other public and private human service agencies.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) through the year 2001. The Masters in Social Work program is currently in the candidacy status with the Council of Social Work Education and is in the self-study process for full accreditation.

Grounded in the liberal arts, specifically the social sciences, the curriculum will provide students with an appropriate level of knowledge of social work processes. Knowledge of human behavior, social welfare policies, social work practice, programs and services as well as research methods further opportunities for graduates.

A critical component of the undergraduate social work program is an intensive field practicum. The school uses over 109 social services agencies in the northern region of Louisiana. Through their cooperative efforts, undergraduate students are placed in these agencies three days per week during their senior year for 250 clock hours each semester. The faculty serve in liaison roles to link the field experience to the classroom instruction program. It is within these settings that students are provided opportunities to use the theoretical knowledge and skills they've acquired in the classroom and apply them to individuals, families, groups and entire communities. This ability to practice what has been learned, to use an ecological-systems and a problem-solving approach in performing professional social work tasks adds tremendously to professional development. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities of issues related to society, politics and the economy. They will also have the ability to analyze the impact of social policy on women, people of color, and other special populations. Students will also acquire the ability to read research studies, to understand research design and methodology and to incorporate these skills in evaluating social work practice.

A recent alumni survey conducted by the school reflected a high level of employment among the graduates with many advancing into supervisory positions. Grambling State University's School of Social Work provides a critical service to North Central Louisiana in meeting the personal power needs for expansion of social services in North Central Louisiana.

The school's student organizations, BASW and MSW, provide an excellent opportunity for students to exhibit leadership skills and to participate in community service projects. Working in the community has increased and improved Grambling State University's relationship with the surrounding community.

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