Department of Social Work Mission Statement
The mission statement for the Alcorn State University Department of Social Work was revised and adopted by the faculty in Spring 2023.
The Department of Social Work embraces the Mission of Alcorn State University. Guided by the Liberal Arts perspective, students are exposed to various theories and paradigms in a quest to understand and meaningfully impact human behavior. The program emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public service, and outreach, while providing access to globally competitive academic and research programs. The program is also designed to prepare graduates to be well-rounded future leaders of high character and to be successful in the global marketplace.
In accordance with the University mission, the mission of Alcorn State University Department of Social Work is to prepare students to become competent, professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive generalist social work practitioners by:
- Providing students with the appropriate knowledge, values, and skills to effectively serve individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities;
- Promoting advocacy skills to enhance the social, economic, and environmental justice of clients and society as a whole;
- Instilling the importance of dignity and worth of all individuals to strengthen the community and human well-being;
- Producing leaders who practice with integrity, utilize scientific inquiry, and actively engage in lifelong learning;
- Preparing students to be culturally competent when engaging clients from diverse populations through course activities and field internship placements;
- Incorporating skills related to needs assessment and resource development to support the well-being of communities located in rural Southwest Mississippi; and
- Recognizing the importance of educating historically underserved populations, including the impoverished, first-generation college students, individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds and the LGBTQIAS+ community.
