The School of Social Work and Human Services provides quality educational degree programs for students interested in careers in helping profession fields that provide mental and behavioral health services to individuals, groups, and communities.
It is our mission to provide students with educational excellence in order to prepare them with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to practice within diverse, global, and technological environments.
We do this by:
The Troy University Master in Social Work Program derives its mission from the University's goal of preparing students to demonstrate competence in their chosen field and to encourage excellence in student learning. The purpose of the Master in Social Work Program is to prepare students for advanced social work practice. The Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life beginning with, and progressing through, the individual system and increasingly complex levels of social organization. The basic aim is to prepare the graduate with advanced social work knowledge, values, and skills to practice within the context of a diverse, multicultural, global, and technologically oriented society. Teaching, learning, and service are exercised in an atmosphere that prizes and upholds the traditions, values, and ethics of the social work profession.
In keeping with Troy University's mission to "promote discovery and exploration of knowledge and its application to life-long success through effective teaching, service, creative partnerships, scholarship and research", the mission of the MSW program parallels this concept with an additional focus on improving lives at all levels while embracing the many forms and layers of diversity with an ability to be technologically savvy and knowledgeable of the task at hand - here or anywhere in the world. We as social workers are part of the communities we live in and can assist in helping find a solution to living better lives. Our mission statement is a reflection of where we live, the people we serve and our understanding of the connectivity each of us has to the other.
In keeping with the stated mission, the following three general program goals are identified:
Goal 1. Built on a broad liberal arts undergraduate degree, the Master in Social Work prepares advanced level generalists who: a) have an appreciation for diversity, multiculturalism, and a worldview; b) are grounded in a broad advanced level of social and behavioral science knowledge base; and, c) work effectively in micro, meso and macro domains;
Goal 2. Develops an attitude of excellence in lifelong learning, teaching, and service, and provides an environment where a strong work ethic, integrity, honesty, and professional ethical conduct is modeled and expected; and
Goal 3. Addresses problems of vulnerable populations and the social service community in the state of Alabama, the nation, and the international community.
Faculty researchers in the School of Social Work and Human Services at Troy University are shedding light on an often-overlooked issue: the significantly higher risk of suicidality among formerly incarcerated individuals on parole.
Their recent study explores key factors contributing to suicidal ideation and underscores
the need for enhanced community resources and mental health treatment during and post-incarceration.
This research not only informs public health policy but also highlights the expertise
and impact of Troy University faculty in addressing critical social issues.
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