Missouri State University

Social Work

Why study social work at Missouri State?

The mission of the School of Social Work is consistent with the MSU and the CHHS' focus on improving health and well-being. The SSW's mission is to prepare its BSW students for professional entry-level practice and its MSW students for advanced-level generalist practice with a concentration in Family Health. In both programs, it is the school's vision that graduates become ethical leaders in the social services, with a commitment to community improvement and as respect for the diversity of its members. This mission, to meet statewide and regional educational needs in human services, is accomplished through two levels of social work education: the undergraduate or baccalaureate (BSW) and the graduate or master's (MSW).

The BSW degree curriculum prepares students for a beginning-level career in the social work field. The MSW degree curriculum prepares students for advanced social work practice in an area of focus—family health—with consideration of roles of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. 

One of the strengths of the program is that faculty and staff are committed to providing quality education for all students. In addition, the learning environment boasts a relatively low student-faculty ratio.  Many instructors are licensed social workers, and their expertise represents a broad range of interests.

Additionally, the combination of academic classes, coupled with real-world experience in a social-service setting, provides Missouri State students with exceptional preparation for employment or graduate school.

  • MSW students Stacey Baker and Eric Bahra at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • Division of Youth Services Field Agency of the Year 2011 (left to right) Chet Griffith,'Cricket' Vaughn, Jennifer Leek, Lisa Street
  • Division of Youth Services Field Instructor of the Year 2011 (left to right) 'Cricket' Vaughn and Lisa Street
  • SWK 212 student Marisa Santiago (left) at Verona High School with Hispanic Educational Access Initiative
  • Celebration 2009 Todd Duncan Rare Breed and speaker Quiana Smith
  • Division of Youth Services Field Instructor of the Year 2011 (left to right) Kelsey Hampton and 'Cricket' Vaughn
  • MSW student Sera Kiger Maldonado at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • (left to right) Chet Griffith, Jeri Jett, Kelsey Hampton, 'Cricket' Vaughn, Charlotte Cook, and Jennifer Leek
  • MSW student Candace Hayward at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Cindy Griffith at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Ashley Adkisson at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • BSWSA members take Top Fundraiser Trophy in 2010
  • MSW Field Student Award 2011, Parsons State Hospital, Parsons, Kansas (left to right) Brenda Hughes and Dr. Susan Dollar
  • MSW student Danielle Endicott at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Stacy Brake at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Cynthia Boyte at the 2011 Poster Symposium
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  • MSW students Amber Hughes and Angie Brower at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Delilah Jackson at the 2011 Poster Symposium
  • MSW student Genevieve Chavez at the 2011 Poster Symposium