Why Study Social Work?

When you study the interactions between people and their physical and social environments, you’ll uncover ways to improve the systems that affect their lives. You’ll gain skills in interpersonal communications, cultural humility, and institutional problem-solving. You’ll get an overview of social work practice and an introduction to the professional history, language, roles, values, and theories of social work. 

Why Study Social Work at MMC?

Social workers strive to maximize the capacities of individuals, families, groups, and communities and to be ethically and culturally astute. Our social work courses introduce you not only to the profession but also to social justice endeavors within human services and advocacy. You will be trained to recognize and value people’s strengths and to view problems within the contexts of both interpersonal and social dynamics. You will think critically about the varied roles assumed by social workers in their efforts to help people solve problems, satisfy needs, access resources, modify environments, and build strengths.

What You Will Learn

• You will identify key figures, groups, institutions, policies, and events in the development and history of social welfare policy in the U.S. and how these developments shape the strategies of social work practice today.
• You will recognize and evaluate the principles and dilemmas of ethical frameworks in the profession, including in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
• In the Practicum course, you will be placed in New York City organizations for field site experiences, where you will learn to practice reflectively and to conduct research on the dimensions and significance of an issue affecting New Yorkers.
• You will analyze the challenges and possibilities of social work to affirm and promote racial, social, and economic justice.