BA-Social Work

The practice of professional social work requires not only the intellectual capacity to absorb a substantial body of knowledge, but also the ability to master skills in interpersonal relationships, to effect social change through social policy advocacy and to consume and produce relevant, evidence-based research. Professional social work promotes personal commitment to the NASW Code of Ethics and the fundamental principles and tenets of Catholic Social Thought. Critical to the development of professional social workers at the baccalaureate level is the acquisition of generalist practice skills; the capacity to work with various size client systems; to interact with diverse populations who may function in different social and cultural environments; and to embrace the challenges of securing social and economic justice.

The Gannon University Social Work Program directs special attention toward preparing students to engage international social work practice and policy, to conceptualize the interrelationship and interdependence of our global community, to promote human rights as defined by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to analyze international social welfare concerns such as poverty, healthcare and social and economic justice.

The Social Work Program of Gannon University is accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education. Upon graduation, students who have earned a letter grade of B or better in the social work concentration and are accepted in an accredited master of social work program can achieve Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing permits students to complete graduate social work education in 12-18 months.

Vision Statement

To be the recognized leader in social work education; a program that produce students who passionately pursue the values and ethics of professional social work; who facilitate social transformation in individuals, families, organizations, and communities; who believe in the empowerment of social systems, and advocate for social equity and inclusion, economic justice, and political representation for all.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Gannon University Social Work Program is to prepare students as social work professionals who competently promote human and community well-being by utilizing social work knowledge, values and skills. Through a curriculum informed by the Judeo-Christian concept of social caring and social work professional values, we produce graduates committed to: service; integrity; social and economic justice; human rights; the dignity and worth of the person and their relationships; and to scientific inquiry; who will become leaders in local, regional, and global communities.

Core Values

1. Service

2. Social Justice

3. Dignity and Worth of the Person

4. Importance of Human Relationships

5. Integrity

6. Competence