Social Work

Effective and ethical social workers committed to improving the well-being of others

The social work department exists to equip students to be competent, effective and ethical social workers committed to improving the well-being of others, and who exhibit Christian ideals through academic excellence, personal integrity, compassionate service and respect for human diversity.

We work to prepare students for beginning-level professional generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations as well as prepare students for lifelong professional development through graduate study.

We focus on helping our students to be competent professionals who respect and appreciate social and cultural diversity, have concern for the effects of oppression, and recognize the strengths and the role that diversity plays in helping professionals. We also prepare students to work with populations at risk who are served directly and indirectly by the public sector.

As a department, we continually strive to uphold and support the purposes and objectives of the University, developing cooperative relationships between professional and liberal arts education.

Grounded in a liberal arts perspective, Harding University’s Bachelor of Social Work graduates will:

  1. Develop a professional identity as a social worker and be prepared to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
  2. Deliver evidence-based, generalist social work practice consistent with social work values and theories, sensitive to diverse cultural contexts;
  3. Be equipped with critical thinking skills in the areas of practice, research and ethics, engaging in practice consistent with the Social Work Code of Ethics;
  4. Understand systems of oppression and be equipped with strategies to advance social and economic justice through policy and advocacy;
  5. Apply spiritually sensitive social work practice with a Christian worldview that values social and economic justice and respect for human diversity; and
  6. Understand the importance of continuing education and will be committed to being a lifelong learner.

These program goals are grounded in the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, which include the following nine competencies for effective social work practice:

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior;
  2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice;
  3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic and Environmental Justice;
  4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice;
  5. Engage in Policy Practice;
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities;
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities;
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities;
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities; and
  10. Apply an Ethical Integration of Faith and Social Work Practice.
Social Work program
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At Harding University, you'll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you're prepared to change the world.