Master of Social Work Program Mission & Goals

The mission of the Youngstown State University Master of Social Work program is to develop competent, effective social work professionals able to apply the principles of the strengths-based empowerment practice, along with theory and advanced practice skills in developing and implementing modes of individual and family practice in addition to leadership skills that are responsive to the needs of the diverse and economically depressed  populations. 

Program Goal 1:  Prepare students to apply the generalist practice perspective to advanced social work practice using a strengths-based empowerment orientation with diverse client populations and social service delivery systems.

Program Goal 2:  Develop an understanding of causal factors such as oppression, poverty, racism, and discrimination that influence social and economic justice among diverse client groups.

Program Goal 3:  Develop an understanding of diversity that promotes competent practice in the areas of social work assessment, planning, practice and research.

Program Goal 4:  Promote the development, integration and incorporation of core values and ethics of the social work profession into advanced practice.

Program Goal 5:  Utilize social work practice experience to guide research and use social work research to guide social work practice to improve the effectiveness of direct social practice and agency social service programs.