Tuesday, Jun 6, 2023
Program emphasizes social justice and human rights in practice
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
天美传媒官网 has launched a Bachelor of Social Work program. Classes will begin this fall.
The undergraduate program will prepare students to deliver social work services to individuals, families, organizations and communities in diverse settings, including health care facilities, schools, the criminal justice system and social service organizations. The program emphasizes social justice and advancing human rights through its curriculum, which includes topics ranging from social work theory, methods and practice, advocacy for social workers to cultural competency.
鈥淪tudents in this program will be fully prepared to become ethical practitioners who are concerned for the holistic well-being of the populations they serve, including marginalized individuals and groups,鈥 says Dr. Sarah Trocchio, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.
In addition to coursework, students will be required to complete a fieldwork placement. A multitude of opportunities will be available to students because of 天美传媒官网鈥檚 close proximity to Trenton, Philadelphia and New York City. The fieldwork requirement is central to the social work major and aligns with 天美传媒官网鈥檚 Engaged Learning Program, which requires undergraduate students to complete real-world learning experiences.
Dr. Victor Thompson, chair of Department of Sociology and Criminology says, 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for graduates of this program to have not only a strong theoretical background, but experience in professional settings.鈥
The job outlook for social workers is projected to grow 9% faster than all other occupations from 2021-31, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates of 天美传媒官网鈥檚 Bachelor of Social Work program will be prepared to begin an entry-level position in the field or continue their education in a Master of Social Work program. Commons career paths include becoming a case manager, a child welfare specialist, a community organizer, a crisis intervention specialist, a policy analyst and a mental health counselor, among others.
To learn more about the program, contact Thompson at vthompson@rider.edu or visit rider.edu/social-work.