"The study of social work is an exciting venture into oneself and out to the world. Practicing the profession of social work has enriched my life by allowing me to make the care of others a central focus. I hope they have benefitted as much as I have. Our first goal at HPU is to help you discover whether this demanding, challenging career is for you. If so, then we will do our best to teach you the skills, values, and knowledge you need. You will discover for yourself that the art of social work comes from blending information and technique with your own personality. We will try to encourage and support you through the inevitable rough spots. Welcome, future colleague!"
Mary S. Sheridan, Ph.D., ACSW
Academic Coordinator, Social Work and Sociology
Mission Statement
The mission of Hawaii Pacific University's Bachelors Degree in Social Work is to prepare appropriate undergraduate students, especially working adults, for entry into the competent, effective generalist practice of social work at the beginning level. Hawaii Pacific University's social work students should unashamedly want to "make the world a better place" through caring, professional practice. They should appreciate that social work's heritage, commitment, values, and methods offer one means of doing this
Program Goals and Objectives
| Goal 1: |
To develop students' competence in the use of the generalist problem-solving model with client systems of all sizes. |
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Objective 1: |
Students will be able to name, define, describe, and apply the generalist problem-solving model to practice with systems of all sizes, demonstrating critical thinking skills. |
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Objective 2: |
Students will be able to use research-generated data and research methods in practice, particularly at the intervention and evaluation stages of the generalist model. |
| Goal 2: |
To prepare graduates who practice competently with diverse populations. |
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Objective 3: |
Students will be able to function as beginning-level social workers within agencies serving diverse populations, using appropriate communication techniques, supervision, and professional use of self. |
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Objective 4: |
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diversity as a positive value. td> |
| Goal 3: |
To prepare graduates who understand the social contexts of social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including the changing nature of those contexts. |
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Objective 5: |
Students will be able to describe social work's history, current issues, and current structures, including its focus on social justice. As part of this, they will be able to describe the mechanisms of oppression and discrimination. |
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Objective 6: |
Students will be able to apply knowledge of biological, psychological, and social variables and theoretical frameworks, including social policy, to individuals and to interactions between individuals and social systems. |
| Goal 4: |
To promote the values and ethics of professional social work in the program and in graduates’ practice |
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Objective 7: |
Content on values and ethics will be integrated throughout the social work curriculum. |
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Objective 8: |
Students will practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession. |
| Goal 5: |
To develop in students an appropriate foundation for and valuing of lifelong learning, in practice or in graduate education. |
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Objective 9: |
Students who practice as social workers will continue their professional development after graduation. |
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Objective 10: |
Students who choose to go on to graduate study will be prepared for work at the master's level. |
