Mission, Goals, & Objectives

Mission Statement

The Department of Social Work at Minnesota State University, Mankato promotes learning to prepare students to become social workers who practice with competence and integrity at the generalist (BSSW) and the advanced generalist (MSW) levels. The Department supports and enhances the work of social service agencies through consultation, scholarship, research, leadership, and other service activities. The Department affirms its commitment to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, with an emphasis on small and rural areas, by enhancing human well-being, promoting social justice, and alleviating poverty and oppression for all members of our diverse society within its global context.

Goals of the BSSW Program, Department of Social Work

The Social Work Major prepares students for generalist professional social work practice at the baccalaureate level. The goals of the social work program are:

1. To prepare students to begin careers in generalist social work practice.
2. To promote an identification with and responsibility to the values and ethics of the social work profession.
3. To teach students to value and affirm diversity and work toward social justice in a global society.
4. To encourage critical thinking and both self-directed and cooperative learning.
5. To provide a foundation for graduate social work education.
6. To contribute to the purposes of the social work profession through scholarship and service at the local, regional, state, national and international level.

The objectives of the Department of Social Work have been:

1. developed based on the Mission Statements of the University and College;
2. derived from the Mission and Goals of the Department; and,
3. tied to the intent and content of the CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement (CPS, section B5.7).

Each objective is referenced [in brackets] to the CSWE CPS and to the Goals of the Department.

Graduates of the Minnesota State Mankato baccalaureate social work program will be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of generalist social work practice;
   [B5.7.1; Goals 1, 3, 4 & 5]
2. 1. Understand and practice the values and ethics of the social work profession and demonstrate identification with the profession;
   2. Practice without discrimination and with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity;
      [B5.7.2; Goals 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6]
3. Demonstrate self-awareness and understand how personal issues, values, beliefs, and behaviors may affect professional social work practice;
   [B5.7.3; Goals 1, 2 & 4]
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply the strategies and skills of change that advance social and economic justice;
   [B5.7.4; Goals 1, 2 & 3]
5. Understand the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues;
   [B5.7.5; Goals 1, 2 & 5]
6. Apply the knowledge, values, and skills of generalist social work practice with micro, mezzo, and macro systems;
   [B5.7.6; Goals 1, 2 & 6]
7. Apply knowledge of how bio-psycho-social variables affect individual development and behavior across the life span, and use evidence-based theoretical frameworks and models to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e. families, groups, organizations and communities);
   [B5.7.7; Goals 1 & 4]
8. Analyze the impact of social policies on social systems, staff, and agencies, and influence policy formulation;
   [B5.7.8; Goals 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6]
9. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, evaluate their practice interventions and engage in program evaluation;
   [B5.7.9; Goals 1, 4, 5 & 6]
10. Use communication skills effectively with varied and diverse client populations, colleagues, and members of the community;
    [B5.7.10; Goals 1 & 3]
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriately for generalist social work practice;
    [B5.7.11; Goals 1, 2 & 4]
12. Function within the structure of organizations and delivery systems, and, under supervision, seek necessary organizational and social change.
    [B5.7.12; Goals 1, 3 & 6]