Field Manual for 2013-2014 - University of Maryland School of ...

II. SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at the University of Maryland School of Social Work is to develop practitioners,
leaders, and scholars to advance the well-being of people and communities and to promote
social justice. As national leaders, we create and use knowledge for education, service
innovation, and policy development.
III. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MSW PROGRAM
The goals of the MSW program are:
mission, goals, etc.
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1. To prepare students for advanced practice with individuals, families,
groups, organizations, and communities.
2. To prepare students to practice in a manner that reflects the
principles underlying the social work code of ethics.
3. To prepare students to practice effectively with and on behalf of
people and systems of diverse backgrounds and needs.
4. To prepare students to practice with and on behalf of vulnerable
populations, populations-in-need, and oppressed populations.
5. To prepare students to practice in a manner that promotes social and
economic justice.
6. To prepare students to practice utilizing a framework that includes a
person-in-environment perspective and a strengths model.
7. To prepare students for advanced practice in a method of
concentration and an area of specialization.
8. To prepare students to appreciate the importance of continuing
professional development and contributing to the knowledge and
skill base of the profession.
The objectives of the MSW program are to produce graduates who
are able:
1. To apply critical thinking skills within professional contexts, including
synthesizing and applying appropriate theories and knowledge to
practice interventions.
2. To practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and
with an understanding of, and respect for, the positive value of diversity.
3. To demonstrate the professional use of self.
4. To understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the
strategies and skills of change that advance social and economic justice.