Division of Social Work

Indiana University has a long history of formal education to persons interested in social work practice. Courses in this area were offered in 1911 through the Department of Economics and Sociology. Between 1911 and 1944, various administrative and curricular changes occurred. Social Work degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels were offered. In 1944, the Indiana University Division of Social Service was established by action of the Trustees of Indiana University. The organizational status was changed in 1966 when the Graduate School of Social Service was created. In 1973 the name was changed to School of Social Service in recognition of the extent and professional nature of the school's graduate and undergraduate offerings. The name School of Social Work was adopted in 1977 in order to reflect more clearly its identification with the profession.

The school provides opportunities for study leading to the associate, baccalaureate, master's, and Ph.D. degrees. The Associate of Science (A.S.) program prepares students for preprofessional practice. The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program prepares students for entry level, generalist practice. The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares skilled practitioners with basic professional knowledge and selected areas of specialization. The Ph.D. program prepares professional social workers for leadership roles in research, education, and policy development.

The general intent of the MSW program is preparation for advanced social work practice. Graduates of the school pursue careers in a variety of social service settings, including those concerned with aging, families, child welfare, corrections, mental and physical health. In anticipation of such professional activities, the school provides field instruction placements throughout the state, where students engage in services to individuals, groups, and families or function in planning and management, policy analysis, or community organization roles.

To support the program of study, educational resources for students include a substantial library, an audiovisual center, student computer modules, and diversified field instruction settings throughout the state.

The Master of Social Work program at Indiana University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The school is a member of the International Association of Schools of Social Work. School administrators are active participants in the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, and the Group for Advancement of Doctoral Education.