Social workers are "people who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference" (National Association of Social Workers, paragraph 1). Appalachian state offers both an undergraduate (BSW) and a graduate (MSW) degree in Social Work.
Integrated practical experience in the field is regarded as "signature pedagogy" in social work education. The Department of Social Work's Field Education Program connects students with opportunities in a variety of settings that allow them to fulfill this requirement and begin their journeys as social work professionals.
Students in both in-person and online programs participate in face-to-face Field Education experiences in or within proximity to the Boone, North Carolina area, allowing them to apply knowledge learned in the classroom, develop and hone their social work skills, and help provide service to local communities through support in needed service areas.
Career Paths with a Social Work Degree
Social work is a growing and dynamic field, and the U.S. Department of Labor projects continued employment growth through 2022. With a degree in Social Work, you will be prepared for practice in
- hospitals and nursing homes
- health departments
- mental health centers
- child and family service agencies
- substance abuse programs
- group homes and residential education programs
- schools
- correctional facilities
- departments of social services
- housing programs and shelters
- domestic violence programs
- advocacy agencies
- legislative offices
- community development and community planning organizations
- non-governmental/community-based organizations
- non-profit/grassroots organizations
- international programs and international development
- other public and private human service agencies and programs.