1991-1993 Catalog - Catalogs - West Virginia University

.School of Social WorkMichael A. Patchner, Ph. D. (U.of Pitt.). Dean, Professor, Gerontology and Health Careof the Elderly.Barry L. Locke, Ed.D. (WVU). Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor. Rural social work.Patty A. Gibbs, Ed.D. (WVU). BSW Program Director, Associate Professor. Women'sissues, Death and dying.James D. Ward, M.S.W. (WVU). Field Instruction Coordinator.Degree OfferedBachelor in Social WorkNature of ProgramThe School of Social Work began in the early 1 930s. In 1 971 , the Department ofSocial Work became an independent school. Our undergraduate program is fullyaccredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which makes our graduateseligible for licensure as social workers in West Virginia and other states, depending onindividual state laws. The degree program offered by the School of Social Work allowsstudents the opportunity to prepare for entry-level professional practice at the baccalaureatelevel and to specialize at the advanced (graduate) level of study. The baccalaureateprogram prepares social workers for generalist practice and has been arecognized national leader in the development of baccalaureate-level curriculum tosupport this educational goal. The graduate program offers students opportunities tospecialize in the areas of aging, community health and mental hearth, or families. Bothprograms emphasize social work practice in rural areas and small towns.The School of Social Work provides a comprehensive program of professionaleducation in social work, including degree programs at the baccalaureate and master'slevels, and a range of part-time and continuing education opportunities.Social work, one of the oldest human service professions, is based upon thesocial and behavioral sciences used to understand and to help individuals, groups, andcommunities. Social work is a profession concerned with helping people accomplishlife goals and realize their full potential. Four major purposes of social work are:1 To enhance the problem-solving, coping, and developmental capacities ofpeople.2. To promote the effective and humane operation of the systems that providepeople with resources and services.3. To link people with systems that provide them with resources, services, andopportunities.4. To develop and improve social policy.In carrying out these purposes, social workers seek to solve problemsassociated with financial need, social and cultural deprivation, racial injustice, genderinequalities, physical and mental health, disadvantaged children, troubled youth,disturbed family relationships, and aging. Therefore, social workers are needed in avariety of service agencies, both private and public: schools, hospitals, correctionalinstitutions, residential treatment settings, adoption agencies, industry, communityservice organizations, prisons, the courts, veteran's bureaus, nursing homes,children's services, and public welfare agencies. Since the social work arena is sowide, you will find it easy to discover a career path in social work that meets yourinterests and career goals.Job opportunities for B.S.W. and M.S.W. graduates are expected to continueincreasing in the coming years. Given the positive national reputation of our B.S.W.and M.S.W. programs, our graduates often find themselves actively sought byemployers.284 School of Social Work