The purpose of the baccalaureate social work program at ACU is to prepare graduates for service in the social work profession, for advanced study in social work and related disciplines, and for strength of Christian character and service. The ACU social work program builds on the university's goals of faith, learning and service within a world view that addresses contemporary issues, active service and personal commitment to excellence.

Social work education at ACU includes the study of professional values and ethics, human diversity, principles of social and economic justice, and service to populations at risk. Study is done in both classroom and community settings with a professional foundation in five areas: human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and services, social work practice, social research, and the field practicum. Mastery in these areas is prerequisite to graduation and prepares the graduate for entry into professional social work.

ACU's national accreditation in social work education assures the student that her/his education meets the highest standards established by the social work profession for quality education. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in social work at ACU has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (the national accrediting body for social work programs) since October 1982. This means that the ACU social work graduate is prepared to pursue licensure as a social worker, seek immediate professional employment in a variety of human service settings, and pursue graduate study in nationally accredited schools of social work. 

Employment and graduate study opportunities are varied and exciting for ACU Social Work program graduates. ACU graduates work in many different states and in a variety of settings, including children and youth programs, corrections, health care, schools, mental health programs, mental retardation services, family services and older adult programs.  Many of these graduates have gone on to graduate studies, both in social work and in related fields such as law and family therapy. 

The social work curriculum at ACU includes (1) university general education requirements as outlined in the university catalog, (2) courses in psychology, sociology, political science and other academic disciplines to provide a setting for the professional foundation courses and (3) professional foundation courses in social work. Students may declare social work as a major at any time.  However, students must apply for and be granted formal admission into the social work program prior to taking most upper division courses in the program. Further information on the admission is included in the university catalog. 

Social work students in the class room (right)