BSW Program Goals

  • To prepare students for beginning professional social work practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

  • To educate students about the values and ethics of the profession and to ethically integrate a Christian perspective embodying empathy, justice, and the dignity and worth of each person.
  • To educate students to use critical analysis and scientific inquiry to develop a social work knowledge base and skills.
  • To prepare students to pursue lifelong learning, graduate education, and a life of service.

Core Competencies

Graduates of the BSW program will:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  • Engage in policy practice.
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
“Eastern's Social Work program effectively prepared me for the unique challenges of working with people from various backgrounds and walks of life in all kinds of environments. I felt supported by my faculty and peers in all aspects of my time at Eastern, and knew that I always had someone I could go to for advice, support, or a good laugh.”

Caitlin Casey, BSW '23