The social work major provides students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for beginning generalist social work practice. The major combines a liberal arts perspective with professional social work education in the classroom and in field settings throughout Eastern Connecticut.

Eastern's Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The Mission of the Social Work Program
The Social Work Program of Eastern Connecticut State University prepares bachelor-level generalist social work professionals who competently and effectively advance social justice and human rights. Ready for professional practice and graduate study upon graduation, our students promote human well-being by employing practice skills that are grounded in social work’s body of knowledge and professional values. Students are ready to serve diverse client populations especially those most vulnerable and oppressed. The Social Work Program improves the lives of people of the region and state by increasing the number of effective social work practitioners who serve our residents.

Social Work Competencies
Upon completion of the Baccalaureate of Arts in Social Work program of study, each student will be able to demonstrate these core competencies expected of social workers and identified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in its 2008 Educational Policy Statement.

1. Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
4. Engage diversity and difference in practice.
5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
6. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
7. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
9. Respond to contexts that shape practice.
10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities