Jackalope Loop

The annual Jackalope Loop, a 5K benefit run for Laramie's Downtown Clinic, is organized by UW social work students. (UW Photo)

Social Work

WELCOME To Our Newest MSW Students For The Upcoming Academic Year!

Why Social Work?

What an important time to consider becoming a social worker! Social work is a rapidly expanding career field with many different areas for career opportunities. Social workers work in many different professional settings that include health and mental health programs, criminal justice settings and programs, children and youth organizations, child protection, foster care and adoption, family preservation and family support centers, child care settings and school systems, vocational rehabilitation, aging programs and retirement homes, and a range of community social service organizations. Social workers provide services to individuals, couples, groups, and families. Social workers learn to be public policy advocates. Social workers seek new ways to respond to social concerns, often, creating new agency and community programs. Social workers look for innovative new approaches to help people in need so they can function effectively.

Social Work and the Advanced Generalist Practitioner

The Division of Social Work is a professional, accredited (accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education) academic program that educates undergraduate (BSW students) and graduate students (MSW students) to be competent initial level generalist and graduate level advanced generalist social workers. The generalist and advanced generalist social worker are educated through a range of courses and field practicum experiences to learn to respond to the social needs of individuals, families, groups, organizations, even communities. Social work students learn to build professional relationships in order to foster growth and change, using a wide range of skills and practice abilities. Social workers are equipped to respond empathically, supportively, and engage with others from a stance of empowerment and strengths.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, over 20,000 job openings exist for social workers each year. In the Wyoming and Rocky Mountain west, we have more job openings because of workforce shortages. Often students wonder if they will earn an adequate income if they are a social worker. We have national data that shows that on average social work salaries range from $36,400-$42,000 per year.

I encourage you to explore our webpage. Examine the undergraduate and graduate program requirements to successfully complete these degree programs. You will also find information links to national information on the social work profession on this webpage.

Sincerely,

Mona S. Schatz, DSW

Director

UW News

Division News

Disclaimer

uwyoweb@uwyo.edu

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