Social Work Major
Do you want to help individuals and families who are going through crisis? Through the social work program at Pitt State, advocate for social and economic justice.Our students become drivers of social change. Collect shelf-stable items for towns with no grocery stores, organize self-defense courses, gather toys for pediatric hospitals, and more!
Learn how to critically examine cases and document interactions with clients. Through simulated scenarios, practice interviewing your peers in the classroom.
All graduates complete multiple, 3-week rotations at social work agencies to serve children and families, the economically disadvantaged, individuals with special needs, people who battle addictions, and the elderly.
Every spring, the macro social work course takes students to Topeka for Kansas Student Legislative Day. Meet with your government representative and discuss current social issues.
Clubs include Social Work PLUS (a professional development group), Student 2 Student (a mentorship program among social work majors), and Natural Ties (a buddy program for students and adults with special needs). Excel in coursework and be inducted into the social work honor society, Phi Alpha.
Community Partners
Local non-profits like the Lord’s Diner, SEK Addiction Treatment Center, CHOICES Community Closet, and Safehouse Crisis Center help students discover their life’s passion.
Hands-On Learning
Our curriculum includes job shadow rotations with area agencies. Manage real cases alongside Crawford County social workers.
4+1 Program
Advanced standing students add 1 academic year to their student journey and earn their Master's degree in Social Work at Pitt State partnership program.
Community Service Projects
Raise funds, collect goods, and donate time to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact.
70%
of all mental health services in the U.S. are provided by social workers
4
rotations at area agencies working alongside certified social workers
$3,632
collected by students for non-profits in 2021
2,090
hygiene, household, and clothing items donated in 2021
Social Work Careers
- Clinical Social Worker: Provide direct mental health services to individuals and families, conducting assessments, offering counseling, and coordinating resources to support clients in managing emotional and psychological challenges.
- School Social Worker: Work within educational settings to address social, emotional, and behavioral issues among students, collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive and conducive learning environment.
- Medical Social Worker: Offer support to patients and their families in healthcare settings, addressing psychosocial needs, facilitating communication with medical teams, and connecting individuals with community resources for holistic well-being.
- Child Welfare Case Worker: Investigate and assess cases of child abuse or neglect, collaborating with families, courts, and support services to ensure the safety and well-being of children while striving to strengthen family dynamics.
What is a social worker?
Social workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Therefore, social work careers are dynamic and diverse. Graduates are employed in many settings including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Correction centers
- Assisted living centers for the elderly or disabled
- Addiction centers
- Crisis centers
- Governmental agencies
Demand for conscientious social workers is growing every day. The projected job growth nationwide is 9% by 2031.
How to Become a Social Worker:
The practice of social work requires a Bachelor’s (BSW) or Master’s (MSW) degree. PSU offers both degrees. Students with a BSW can apply for Advanced Standing in the MSW program. The Advanced Standing Program of study can be completed in one calendar year with classes taking place on Mondays on the PSU campus. Those who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work may apply to the Traditional Program of study which can be completed in two years, also taking place on Mondays on the PSU campus. The PSU MSW program has a clinical focus, preparing graduates to work with individuals, families, and groups, but the MSW allows social workers to practice in a wide variety of settings in addition to clinical practice.
Additional information
Social Work Degree Map download
Catalog – see catalog for the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences