UWF to offer master’s in social work
The National Association of Social Work's Center for Workforce Studies predicts a shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers to meet the needs of organizations serving children and families in coming years. To assist the need for licensed social workers in the region, the University of West Florida will now offer a master's degree in social work beginning January 2009.
The National Association of Social Work’s Center for Workforce Studies predicts a shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers to meet the needs of organizations serving children and families in coming years. To assist the need for licensed social workers in the region, the University of West Florida will now offer a master’s degree in social work beginning January 2009.
“Students will be prepared for an expanded clinical role, which includes therapeutic and/or counseling interventions that span a range of theoretical orientations, as well as community action, policy development, research, program implementation, supervision and administration,” said Glenn Rohrer, chair of UWF Social Work.
UWF will offer two tracks of study. The regular track will be offered to non-social work majors. The advanced standing track will be offered to graduates who hold an accredited undergraduate social work degree. Both tracks will offer an extended time weekend format specifically designed for students who work full-time.
“The employment picture for social work graduates is very bright,” said Rohrer. “There is a clear need for additional trained social workers, and the UWF program is committed to providing quality social work education to meet this critical need.”
The field of social work is expected to experience the fastest average growth in employment for all professions through 2014 according to the United States Department of Labor. And, according to the National Association of Social Workers, social workers are the nation’s largest providers of mental health services. More than 60 percent of all mental health services are provided by social workers.
Currently social workers hold 562,000 jobs nationwide. Nearly half, 272,000 work as child, family and school social workers; 116,000 were mental health and substance workers; and 110,000 work in medical and public health sectors.
For more information on the program, contact Rohrer at (850) 474-2154, e-mail grohrer@uwf.edu or visit uwf.edu/socialwork.
By Janice Cooper, University Marketing Communications
