Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States.
Social workers are employed in many areas, including schools, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, family service agencies, mental health facilities, prisons, rehabilitation and substance abuse programs, where they provide case management, counseling and research, and serve as an advocate for policy change. Social workers may also assist specialized populations that include abused children, people experiencing chronic illness, development delays and mental illness. Adrian College’s Social Work Program is focused on preparing students for real-world application of content and skills required within the field. Classes integrate critical thinking and cover several topics, including diversity, theory, policy and methods.
This program will provide students the necessary tools to obtain employment in the field of social work at a BSW level or to attend graduate school for the purpose of higher education. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is usually the minimum requirement for a social work position. Acquiring a job in healthcare or clinical settings often requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Over 60% of mental health clinicians (counselors and therapists) in the United States have a SOCIAL WORK degree!
Mission Statement
Our mission is to educate and empower students with the knowledge, skills and values to make a difference in the lives of others through embracing diversity, establishing human relationships and advocating for social justice to reinforce the intrinsic worth of all individuals and communities.
Program Goals
Social Work at Adrian College will utilize the classroom to equip students with the skills necessary for generalist practice in the field of social work, with emphasis on integrity, professional competence and best-practice models relevant to a complex and ever changing society.
Social Work at Adrian College will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and application of skills, within the classroom and field placement, that embrace diversity, inclusion and advocacy to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
Social Work at Adrian College will prepare students to engage in critical thinking, leadership and life-long learning that fosters positive change and further advances the profession.
Core Competencies
The Adrian College Bachelor of Social Work program developed curriculum that encompasses the Core Competencies set forth by the Counsel for Social Work Education. In doing so, the BSW program maintains the rigor and content expected of an accredited program. The infusion of these competencies can be seen in the content of each course, as well as in the professional behaviors of each social work faculty member. It is the goal of the program to provide its students with the information and opportunity to develop skills needed to practice as a BSW level social worker in this ever-growing field. The core competencies can be found in their entirety in the Appendix.
CSWE Accreditation Statement
The Adrian College Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation provides assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
The Adrian College Social Work Program, which offers a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in Adrian Michigan, achieved full accreditation for the program in 2006 (and has been re-accredited in 2014 and again in 2022) and has graduated over 165 students. Since 2006, the College's Social Work graduates have been eligible for advanced standing in Master's level (MSW) programs.
Admission to the Social Work Program
Students may provisionally declare a social work major early in their academic career at Adrian College. However, there is an “admissions to the program” process that must be successfully completed in order to be permitted to proceed with junior and senior level courses. All currently enrolled Social Work Majors at Adrian College must formally apply to the Social Work Program by the end of their sophomore year.
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The typical Adrian College student is anything but typical. They possess drive, ambition, initiative, spirit and a bit of moxie.
