Social work is an empowering profession. Individuals who are committed to helping others, and to promoting social and economic justice, will find a wide range of meaningful career options in the social work field. For example, some of the settings where social workers are employed include schools, mental health agencies, hospitals and medical clinics, family and children’s agencies, criminal justice programs, addictions facilities, women’s and youth shelters, nursing homes, community development organizations, and government agencies. Within these various settings, social workers draw on the strengths of individuals, families and communities to help people discover and use their problem-solving capacities. We counsel individuals and families, facilitate therapeutic and educational groups, link people with needed resources, and expand opportunities through social advocacy and public policy analysis.

The Program

The social work department is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. CSWE accreditation means that our students graduate with a valuable credential. We provide a rigorous learning experience that prepares students to become outstanding practitioners. Trained in the profession’s empowerment tradition, students who graduate from our program are adept change agents who use a variety of strategies to advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Grounded in Niagara University’s liberal arts perspective, students take courses in the liberal arts, social sciences and natural sciences. In addition, social work courses focus on helping and research skills, human behavior and social policy analysis. Many students choose a minor which expands their career and/or graduate school options. Common minors include psychology, sociology, political science, women’s studies, criminal justice and gerontology.

Whether applying for our program as a freshman or as a transfer student, your first step will be to meet with one of our faculty members. Together, we will determine if social work is the right career choice for you, and you will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about the admissions process and our program. You may also choose to attend a social work class and meet our students.

 Field Work Opportunities

Social work students often find the field practicum one of the most valuable and exciting aspects of our program. In their senior year, students put their knowledge and skills into practice. A faculty member, appointed as the coordinator of field practicum, assists in placing students at local agencies and programs. A wide variety of settings is available for students to consider. Once placed, students are supervised by a social worker who is employed at their agency. As part of the practicum experience, students engage in original research and present their findings at a local and/or regional conference. (Picture: Matthew Teal, ’02, works with field supervisor Tara Wolfgang during his internship at Odollam House, a comprehensive residential treatment facility providing mental health services) 

 Faculty

Upon entering our program, each student is assigned a faculty adviser. All full-time social work faculty members at Niagara University have doctorate degrees as well as master’s degrees in social work. In addition, all are certified social workers. The professors have many years of social work experience in areas including addictions, women’s health, mental health, child welfare, school social work and social work in the workplace. The faculty is also involved in program evaluations and needs assessment for local community agencies. The combination of rich practice backgrounds and solid scholarly achievements among the faculty members enhances the classroom experience of our students.

 Graduate School/Careers

Many of our graduates go on to graduate school upon completing their baccalaureate degree at Niagara University. Graduating from our CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program makes you eligible to apply for an advanced-standing program, which means you can earn your master’s degree in social work in one year. Other students find immediate employment in a wide variety of settings and geographical areas. Our program has a fine reputation in the professional community, and local agencies contact us on a regular basis to recruit our graduates.

 Nicole Dames Mack, ’01

“The Niagara University social work program provided me with an excellent education. The program’s dedicated professors are devoted to ensuring academic and personal growth in a nurturing and caring environment. The challenging courses and field experience made me confident in my ability to help others. I could not have received a better education nor experienced more influential professors and students anywhere else.”

For Further Information
Please contact:
Dr. Clementine Laverman, Chair
Department of Social Work
P.O. Box 1942
Niagara University, NY 14109
(716) 286-8520
laverman@niagara.edu
www.niagara.edu/socialwork

 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Niagara University makes every effort to honor timely requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct requests to the social work department as soon as possible.

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