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Master in Social Work Program
Welcome | Accreditation | Mission Statement
Welcome
We’re pleased you’re interested in learning about the Master in Social Work program. The program was developed in response to a call from our community that Binghamton University develop a program to prepare individuals to practice social work in public and private not-for-profit settings. Our program is a Council on Social Work Education-accredited, advanced generalist concentration that prepares students to work in systems of different magnitude including with individuals, families, groups, agencies and the community. Stay awhile and take a look at our program, collaborations and the accomplishments of our faculty and students.
Accreditation
Binghamton University’s Master of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through 2010. In 2010 the department will submit materials to undergo “reaffirmation.”
The accreditation process began in 2003, when Binghamton submitted an application to CSWE for program candidacy status. Additional documentation was submitted in 2004, followed by submission of a self-study in 2005. A CSWE commission reviewed the documents and supporting materials and granted approval for a site visit in 2006 and a three-person team visited campus for three days in May 2006.
The University first awarded MSW degrees in 2005. Students complete the MSW in two to 3½ years. The MSW Program, initially part of the School of Education and Human Development, became a department within the new College of Community and Public Affairs on July 1, 2006.
Mission Statement
The mission of the MSW Program is to prepare social workers for autonomous, knowledge-based, advanced generalist practice within an integrated community of scholars, practitioners and learners.
The principles that guide us are:
- a focus on people's strengths
- a celebration of human diversity
- the application of multi-system practice methods to promote human well-being and fair, equitable communities
- a commitment to social justice
- a focus on working with diverse clients from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural perspective across the entire life span
- a focus on social work practice and collaboration with clients and organizations in public and not-for-profit settings
