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We are excited about your interest in social work. The Social Work Programs at Alabama A & M University (AAMU) are especially geared to meet the diverse needs of social workers in the South, while recognizing the context of our global world. The Department affords students the opportunity to receive both BSW and MSW degrees. The Department’s mission is to prepare students, particularly students from historically oppressed populations, for competent, ethical entry-level generalist social work practice at the baccalaureate level and advanced social work practice at the graduate level. The Department also seeks to educate social workers who are dedicated to lifelong learning as a social work professional.
AAMU social work students, faculty and staff are committed to serve vulnerable and oppressed populations in all systems and in rural and urban communities. Since 1979 we have produced entry-level professionals on the bachelor’s level; the graduate program received initial accreditation in 1996 (retroactive to 1994). Both programs have been continuously accredited since then.
Social work is a profession that offers a variety of opportunities to make a difference. Social workers serve in diverse field of practice with all systems: individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities. We work to enhance the lives of vulnerable populations from the cradle to the grave. Social workers provide services to children and families in Head Start or the elderly in nursing homes. Social workers are in hospitals, home health and hospice; shelters, child welfare and schools; mental health clinics and public housing settings. While we are the only profession charged with the responsibility to protect children from homes where abuse and neglect occur, this responsibility is only one aspect of the roles of social workers. For example, social workers provide more mental health services than psychiatry and psychology combined (www.socialworkers.org). Regardless of the population served, social workers work in a professionally competent and ethical manner.
At AAMU, we have an exceptionally dedicated, diverse and who are in the forefront of academic advancement in the field. Our competent faculty has a wealth of clinical experience and is committed to enhancing the knowledge base of the social work through research, service and training. To give only a few examples, our faculty has extensive international experience; knowledge and skills for addressing HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, disaster relief; and experience working with couples, families, and groups.
Students on the undergraduate level are generalist social workers, trained to work in any setting to meet the needs of any population, while our graduate students choose to specialize either in Direct Practice (Community Mental Health or Family and Child Welfare) or Policy, Planning and Administration. Using the EPPSE model, an integrated conceptual framework involving use of ecological, problem-solving and empowerment perspectives, our graduates are prepared to provide competent and contextual social work that builds on clients strengths and leads to self-reliance.
So why should you come to social work at AAMU? We are a small school with a low student-teacher ratio. The faculty is truly interested in each student individually. Our Department is committed to student education and professional development, including training to pass social work licensure examinations. Our Center for Social Work Development and Research is the only social work research lab in Alabama dedicated in part to helping students pass the licensure exam. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you as you explore a social work career at Alabama A & M University. Together we will continue increasing the knowledge, values and skills essential for social work practice in the 21st century.
Edith C. Fraser, PhD Professor and Chair of Social Work Department
Alabama A&M University
4900 Meridian Street, Normal, AL
35762 Copyright ©
Alabama A&M UniversityCampus Operator 256.372.5000
Undergraduate Admissions
256.372.5245 Graduate Admissions 256.372.5277