School of Social Work

Social Work Mission Statement

The mission of the Social Work Program is to prepare generalist social workers who possess the knowledge, skills, and values to holistically and proactively engage clients and community partners in a diverse multifaceted ever changing global society.  Our graduates promote social justice through practice with diverse client systems.  The program is committed to maintaining and expanding the unique contributions of the African American experience to the field of social work at Kentucky State University, a historically black land grant institution.

Bachelor of arts in Social Work

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work at Kentucky State University prepares develops and strengthens the processes, values, skills, and knowledge essential for alleviating problems that impair the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the objectives of the Social Work program are to prepare undergraduate students for generalist/entry-level professional social work practice in public and private sectors, and to prepare students for continued professional growth including graduate social work education.

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. The required courses include 51 semester hours of Liberal Study courses, 55 semester credit hours of Social Work courses; 6 semester credit hours of Sociology courses; 6 semester credit hours of support courses; and 15 semester credit hours of free electives. Students must consult with their adviser to plan the most appropriate sequence of study.

The required courses in Social Work are SOW 201, 306, 307, 308, 310, 314, 315, 321, 322, 422, 423, 424, 425, 433, 434; and a GNT elective. Sociology requirements include SOC 203 or 205.  Support course required is ECO 201.

Gerontology Minor

The field of Gerontology combines studies in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Medicine, Biology, Physiology, Human Sciences, Health and Physical Education, and Public Administration. The minor in Gerontology is approved by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education. A minor in Gerontology requires the completion of 21 semester credit hours. Specific course requirements include GNT 101, 102, 201, and 301; the remaining 9 semester credit hours may be selected from GNT 400, 401, or 402.