The University’s social work program has been approved for full accreditation status from the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for undergraduate and graduate social work programs.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22 percent during the 2006-2016 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
“We find that students are interested in social work for many reasons including a passion to help others, to make their community more just and equitable, or because they feel called to serve others,” said Valerie Radu, Ph.D., LCSW, and social work department head.
Entry-level BSW social work jobs and entry-level teaching jobs offer similar pay scales, while a master’s degree (MSW) increases pay and employment opportunities.
“I always tell students a BSW degree is one of the most versatile degrees because you graduate with a set of generalist practice skills which are applicable in just about any type of practice setting. You can work just as effectively with an older adult as you can with a teen mom,” Radu said.
UTC offers the Bachelor of Social Work degree which includes options for students interested in participating in the Tennessee Child Welfare Stipend Program or seeking certification as a school social worker.
The UTC social work program accepts approximately 25 students per year into each junior-level cohort through a competitive application process.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) employs a rigorous accreditation process to ensure degree programs establish and maintain high standards of education. The UTC program will be reviewed in 2014 during the next accreditation review cycle.
