About Social Work
Mission
The mission of the San Francisco State University School of Social Work is to educate diverse learners to achieve progressive development and promote social change throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The School of Social Work cultivates ethical leadership for social justice and teaches professional advocacy, versatility, activism and anti-racist practices.
History
| 1930s | Social work baccalaureate courses were offered at SFSU under other departments, especially sociology |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Social work professor was hired |
| 1955 | Separate and independent social work department was established |
| 1966 | Graduate degree was first offered through the Master of Social Work (MSW) program |
| 1967 | Initial Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation was granted |
Career Outlook
Students who complete the undergraduate social work major are prepared for graduate study in accredited schools of social work and social welfare; other helping professions/professional or graduate training in related fields such as law, public administration, public health, mental health, nursing, health education and psychology; and for entry-level professional positions in both public and private social welfare agencies. Examples of these agencies include local departments of social services, hospitals and community mental health facilities; child care programs, services for the aged, drug and alcohol treatment programs, family service agencies; and community, neighborhood and advocacy organizations. The major provides students with an opportunity to apply social science theories and social work knowledge and skills in a comprehensive field work placement during their senior year.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees at San Francisco State University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is located in Alexandria, Virginia, since 1967.
Reaffirmation of accreditation is required every 8 years. The last CSWE reaffirmation of accreditation was granted in 2018, and it runs to 2026.
For more information about social work accreditation at SFSU, you may contact Council on Social Work Education Office on Accreditation.