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School of Social Work and Human Services

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.

Programs Scholarships Mission Faculty Internships Resources

About the Department

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 vision for the School of Social Work and Human Services is to grow to be a hub of excellence in social work and human services in the areas of teaching, practice, evaluation, and applied research. Doing so will help strengthen and enhance the holistic wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and organizations across the Wiregrass, Alabama and beyond.

Find your purpose. Fuel the change. Start with the right program for you.

School of Social Work and Human Services professor talking with students in Jones Hall lobby

Undergraduate Programs

Social Work Degree
With a bachelor's degree in social work from Troy University, you'll have the knowledge, experience and skills you need for diverse social work careers helping others thrive. Whether you want to work with individuals, families, communities or systems, TROY helps you develop the skills you need to help protect vulnerable populations and improve social circumstances.

Human Services Degree
Human services professionals can work with a wide range of populations, including the elderly, immigrants, veterans or individuals experiencing addiction, homelessness or mental health disorders. Whether you want to work with a specific population or focus on health, policy or another area, Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Human Services empowers you to make a difference.

Master's of Social Work - Direct Practice

Our CSWE-accredited program offers a specialization in Direct Practice, with a unique focus on serving military families. Whether you're a BSW graduate or hold a bachelor's in another field, our flexible online and in-person options can equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge needed for impactful social work practice in diverse communities. Prepare for licensure and a fulfilling career dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and groups.

Program Info
Social work student studying in Jones Hall lobby

Joseph Harrington/Human Services Endowed Scholarship

Joseph B. Harrington/Human Services Endowment Scholarship was established by the Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation, the Department of Social Work, and the Troy University Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to assist undergraduate students pursuing majors in human services rehabilitation or social work at the Troy Campus of Troy University. The recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA. The recipient must be a senior in college at the time of the award. For information on applying, contact the Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation.
Apply Here

Owen Wayne Lewis Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students pursuing a degree in either Social Work, Human Services, or Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management on the Troy University campus in Troy, AL. Recipients must have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients must be first-generation college student. Scholarship may be either merit-based or needs-based.
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Mission Statement

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.

Student getting pinned at social work pinning ceromony

Goals

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.

Meet the Faculty

At Troy University's School of Social Work and Human Services, our faculty and staff are committed to educating and empowering the next generation of social work and human services professionals. Through innovative teaching and hands-on learning experiences, we prepare students to lead change in their communities and beyond. Our academic community is also deeply engaged in research that informs effective intervention and prevention strategies, with a focus on reducing and ultimately eliminating health and mental health disparities among vulnerable populations, including communities of color and child protection workers. By integrating scholarship with practice, we cultivate a learning environment where students are inspired to become thoughtful, evidence-driven advocates for social justice. 
 
Faculty
Dr. Carter addressing group in Jones Hall

Research

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. 

Read More

two individuals holding hands with a green, plan-life background.

social work students participating in a simulation of a hospital setting at Jones Hall

Internships

The Troy University School of Social Work and Human Services partners with over 350 social service agencies in the Troy, Alabama area and beyond. These agencies include a wide range of settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, substance abuse programs, domestic violence shelters, aging services, community outreach organizations, etc. Students are responsible for selecting potential placement sites, which must be approved by the Director and/or Coordinator of Practicum Education. Once enrolled in the pre-practicum class and granted access to the Tevera Practicum Software, students can review a list of previously approved agencies. However, this list is not exhaustive. If a student is interested in a site that does not appear on the list, they must seek approval from the Director or Coordinator.

For detailed guidance on the placement process, students should refer to the BSW Practicum Manual or the MSW Practicum Manual.

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Contact
Social Work and Human Services

Dr. Javier Boyas
Director
jboyas@troy.edu
334-670-3366
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