Mission and Goals

The mission of the California State University, Bakersfield, Department of Social Work, is to prepare students for social work practice and leadership at the advanced generalist level. Graduates possess the knowledge, values, and skills required to competently and ethically work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities using best practices.  The Department is committed to advocating for the improvement of social conditions and equity in the Central Valley by promoting culturally responsive and inclusive practice, social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and life-long learning.

Department of Social Work Goals

The Department of Social Work is committed to the following goals, which are derived from the mission statement. These goals are consistent with the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy, Section 1.1.

The program goals are to:

1. To prepare advanced generalist social workers who identify with the social work profession and model the values and ethics of the profession, including a commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2. To prepare graduates to continue their professional growth and development throughout their careers. 
3. To prepare students for leadership roles in an interprofessional environment within the community.
4. To prepare advanced generalist social workers who are competent to engage in autonomous practice within the context of multiple systems and diverse environments, using a multidimensional perspective applicable across the lifespan.
5. To prepare advanced generalist social workers who use research knowledge and skills to evaluate and inform their social work practice across the levels of practice.
6. To prepare advanced generalist social workers to advocate for human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice in the broader social environment.