Social Work Program: Welcome

The Social Work Program is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for generalist practice in social work. A liberal arts foundation grounded in the physical sciences, social sciences, philosophy, and theology is integrated with social work theory through an educationally-directed field experience, giving the student a generalist perspective of social work. Moreover, graduating from the University of Portland Social Work Program can earn students advanced standing in many graduate schools of social work across the country.

The Social Work Program at the University of Portland is committed to social justice; it affirms the values of human rights and responsibilities, human diversity, self-determination, community, and global solidarity. Based upon the values of the social teachings of the Catholic church, the program is dedicated to social work with the vulnerable and marginal in society such as women, the elderly, the disabled, and other considered to be most in need.

Program Goals

Goal I:  To prepare students to become competent generalist social work practitioners in a wide range of settings, with emphasis on social justice.

Objective: To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to enable practice on an entry-level with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of practice settings and with a focus upon social justice.

Goal II:  To prepare students for advanced graduate study in social work.

Objective: To provide students with the educational foundation necessary for advanced graduate study in social work through a curriculum that enables students to consider personal and professional options regarding specialization and graduate education.

Goal III:  To encourage and enable students to assume leadership roles in meeting the social service needs of vulnerable populations.

Objective: To enable students to incorporate leadership concepts and principles into their personal and professional lives through critical thinking and ethical behavior aimed at the generation of solutions to social problems. In pursuit of this end, students are encouraged to participate in student organizations; the National Association of Social Workers; and local, national, and international boards, committees, and conferences.

Full details on the goals, objectives, policies, and requirements of the Social Work Program as well as information on advanced standing in graduate school can be found by clicking on the Student Handbook and Practicum Manual links on this page.