Department Overview

Students and faculty should demonstrate a strong commitment to the goals and ethical standards of the social work profession, as specified in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2021), in both the classroom (including in-person and online environments) and practice settings.

The BSW and the MSW Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accrediting body ensures that undergraduate and graduate-level social work programs are of sound quality and that they graduate competent professionals. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program enables undergraduate students to apply for both entry-level professional social work positions and advanced standing in graduate studies of social work. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW Program enables graduate students to apply for social work licensure. Both programs are registered with the New York State Education Department, Division of Professional Education.

The Department of Social Work faculty and staff are dedicated to excellence in teaching and practice.

The BSW Program, MSW Program and Social Work Department embrace and uphold the Nazareth statement on diversity and inclusion as well as the Council on Social Work Education’s commitment, articulated in the 2022 Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), to affirm and strengthen the enduring commitment of social work education to principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Consistent with the CSWE (2022) charge, faculty and staff are dedicated to developing “a workforce of social workers who are knowledgeable about the ways positionality, power, privilege, and difference affect practice areas, and how social workers challenge systems of oppression that affect diverse populations” (para. 2). In addition, the Program and Department are committed to anti-racist practices where students, staff, and faculty acknowledge that anti-racism is central to all policies and procedures and therefore work collaboratively to promote accountability and action to address racism and other oppressions.

The Nazareth BSW Program, MSW Program, and Department of Social Work is committed to fostering a climate of inclusivity and caring. Gender-inclusive/non-sexist language affirms non-binary gender identifications and recognizes the difference between biological sex and gender expression. Asking students to confirm their pronouns and preferred names helps to foster acceptance for those who may wish to be identified by pronouns consistent with their gender identity. Professionalism and humility are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences including but not limited to culture, race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. Instructors will gladly honor name and pronoun requests. Please also consult University guidelines and procedures of relevance.

Descriptions of the courses comprising the undergraduate and graduate social work programs (SWK courses) can be found in the Nazareth course catalog.

The social work faculty meets regularly throughout the academic year to discuss issues such as policies of the University, Department and Programs, community relationships, Council on Social Work Education standards, curriculum issues, resources, professional practice issues, and student matters, including but not limited to students in academic difficulty, student acceptance and continuance in the program, student support needs including but not limited to financial needs, and selection of students for academic awards and honors. Whenever possible, student representatives attend a portion of each meeting to discuss matters important to the student organizations and to liaison between social work students and faculty.

The social work faculty meets regularly throughout the academic year to discuss issues such as policies of the University, Department and Programs, community relationships, Council on Social Work Education standards, curriculum issues, resources, professional practice issues, and student matters, including but not limited to students in academic difficulty, student acceptance and continuance in the program, student support needs including but not limited to financial needs, and selection of students for academic awards and honors. Whenever possible, student representatives attend a portion of each meeting to discuss matters important to the student organizations and to liaison between social work students and faculty.