SWK students at NASW
Graduation with a social work major occurs after successfully completing all of the requirements set forth in the handbook and the appropriate UM catalog. Upon graduation, students should consider themselves a professional social worker, prepared for entry-level generalist social work practice. Students sincere about their interest in social work as a career, and who have taken full advantage of educational experiences and opportunities at UM, will undoubtedly find a job in an area of social work in the State of Alabama. Students who approach their career in a professionally responsible manner will find that becoming a professional social worker is an exciting, lifelong project.
Employment opportunities are available in a number of fields. In recent years, many UM social work graduates have found employment in the health care field including hospitals, nursing homes, and public health departments throughout the state. A number of recent graduates have found employment in mental health and child welfare.
Graduate education in social work is the choice of some students after graduation from UM. Most UM social work graduates who go on to obtain a Masters of Social Work (MSW) are accepted for advanced standing degrees. This means that they are able to complete their MSW in about half the time that it would normally take individuals without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Graduate social work education provides an opportunity for further study and skill development in a specialized area. Graduates of the UM Social Work Program have attended graduate school at the University of Georgia, Tulane, University of Tennessee, University of Pittsburgh, University of Alabama, University of Akron, Alabama A. & M., Rutgers, Florida State University, and Case Western Reserve.
Most social work graduates consider it important to join the National Association of Social Workers. Participating in local NASW meetings provides networking opportunities and support for those involved in the social work profession.
From time to time, the Social Work Program will call on alumni for assistance and feedback. This help may be in completing surveys, giving financially to the Program, notification of employment opportunities, or speaking with students. The social work faculty makes every effort to stay in touch through the Social Work Newsletter. No matter what students decide to do after graduation, they should consider the social work faculty as a source of information and support.
Ms. Duke and SWK alum and benefactor Mel Robinson
