Social Work Department

In a world where adversity and hardship cannot be ignored, strong leaders willing to help are in demand.

Our Social Work Department combines the study of theories and best practices with hands-on opportunities to develop you into an effective and compassionate leader ready to make an impact.

You can make a lasting difference in the world by making a difference in people's lives as well as in communities.

A social worker works with an older client and smiles.

Social Work (BS)

Three Diversity and Social Welfare students walk side by side next to East Hall.

Diversity and Social Welfare (Minor)

A social worker has a session with a client.

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)

Mission

The Iona University Social Work Department is dedicated to the preparation of competent generalist social work professionals. With a commitment to student-centered teaching and learning grounded in the context of a liberal arts education, the program affirms the principles of social and economic justice, diversity, community engagement, and service as those values shared by the profession, the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, and the traditions of Catholic Social Teaching.

Graduates of the social work program will be recognized for their ethics, creativity, and problem-solving abilities; their independent and adaptable thinking; their joy in lifelong learning; and their enduring integration of mind, body, and spirit.
(Revised, January 2013)

Student Outcomes

Entry to the profession of social work requires that students demonstrate competence as generalist social work practitioners. As such, the program’s student learning outcomes reflect the nine foundational competencies of the profession. These include:

Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
Engage diversity and difference in practice
Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
Engage in policy practice
Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and

The Iona University Social Work Department is equally dedicated to pursuing teaching excellence and scholarship; to serving as a vital resource to the Iona, local, and greater New York metropolitan communities; as well as to advancing the purposes and mission of the profession.

Undergraduate Social Work Assessment of Learning Outcomes