The Social Work Program is committed to educating students to be culturally responsive generalist social work practitioners who understand the historical and contemporary importance of the broader context in terms of the political economy and the many faceted dimensions of a democracy on the lives of all citizens and residents.

The Social Work curriculum prepares graduates to be generalist social work practitioners in urban, rural and tribal communities. Consistent with this emphasis is the development of social work values, knowledge and skills that can be applied across populations. Social workers will utilize engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Theoretical Framework	Description
Bio-Psych-Social-Spiritual	The bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework focuses on the many facets that impact life span development. Social workers understand that biological, psychological and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning.
Diversity-Informed Practice	Social workers engage in diversity-informed practice. Models emphasized include Terry Cross’s cultural competency continuum (1989), cultural humility and trauma-informed care.
Ecosystems	An eco-systems approach provides the theoretical orientation to social work practice. Social workers understand that individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities are in on-going interaction. Social workers identify and attend to the ways in which client systems are both stressed and supported by their environments.
Ethics and Values	The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics along with other laws and regulations are examined continually throughout the Social Work curriculum. These Codes include the ethical standards and values within which all social workers are accountable.
Social Justice	“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need” (NASW, 2008).
Strengths and Empowerment	As a foundation to social work practice, the strengths perspective focuses on an appreciation and respect for the assets, talents, abilities and competencies of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Saleeby’s model (2007) provides the core strengths perspective principles integrated throughout the curriculum. Social workers seek first to understand and acknowledge the strengths of the client system.