Department of Social Work
The Social Work Department at West Liberty University prepares students for meaningful, people-centered careers rooted in social justice, ethical practice, and community engagement. Its generalist approach empowers students to create positive change for individuals, families, and communities.
Empowering people.
Strengthening communities.
Social Work at West Liberty University is more than a major—it’s a way of life. Through experiential learning and a generalist practice approach, students gain the skills to support human well-being, promote social change, and advocate for justice across diverse settings.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Social Work
- Social Work Minor
- Addiction Studies Minor
Degree
Pathways
The Social Work Department offers flexible academic pathways designed to prepare students for entry-level professional practice or to complement other majors with a strong foundation in social welfare, ethics, and human behavior. All pathways emphasize hands-on learning and field education experience.
The Bachelor of Social Work program is grounded in the generalist practice model, preparing students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum integrates theory, research, ethics, and extensive field education experiences.
Ideal if you want to:
- Advocate for individuals and families
- Build a career in human services, healthcare, education, or justice systems
- Gain real-world experience through supervised field placements
- Prepare for graduate study in social work or related fields
The Social Work minor provides students in other majors with foundational knowledge in social problems, cultural awareness, ethics, and social welfare policy. It is ideal for students seeking to enhance their professional skills in people-focused fields.
Ideal if you want to:
- Complement majors such as education, criminal justice, psychology, or creative art therapy
- Develop ethical decision-making and cultural competence
- Better understand social systems and community needs
Ideal if you want to:
- Want to work with individuals and families that have had or are experiencing addiction or substance abuse circumstances
- Compliment criminal justice, psychology, creative art therapy, nursing
Learning in the classroom
and beyond it
Social Work students benefit from strong community partnerships and immersive field education placements across a variety of human service settings.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Supervised field placements in community agencies
- Partnerships with social service, healthcare, and justice organizations
- Faculty-guided experiential and service-learning opportunities
These experiences allow students to apply theory to practice while building professional confidence, networks, and career-ready skills
Careers in
Social Work
Career Paths
Social Work graduates educated at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Child welfare and family services
- Healthcare and mental health services
- Criminal justice and corrections
- Community organization and advocacy
- Gerontology and developmental services
- School and higher education settings
Graduates serve as compassionate professionals who strengthen communities, promote social justice, and enhance quality of life for individuals across the lifespan.
Mission, Vision
& Values
The Social Work Department is committed to promoting social change, empowering individuals, and advancing human rights through ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based practice.
Core Values:
Social justice and human rights · Respect for diversity and difference · Ethical and professional practice · Service, advocacy, and community engagement
The curriculum emphasizes generalist practice, experiential learning, ethical decision-making, and lifelong professional development.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates demonstrate competence in:
- Professional identity and ethical practice
- Critical thinking and communication
- Engaging diversity and difference in practice
- Advancing human rights and social justice
- Research-informed practice and evaluation
- Effective intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Field education and internship placements
- Faculty mentoring and academic advising
- Student organizations and professional engagement opportunities
- Community outreach and service-learning activities
- Career preparation and graduate school readiness support
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Sylvia Berman, EdD, MSW
Department Chair – Social Work
West Liberty University
Phone: 304-336-8089
Email: shawranick@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.