The mission of Hawaii Pacific
University’s Bachelors Degree in Social Work is to prepare appropriate
undergraduate students, especially working adults, for entry
into the competent, effective generalist practice of social
work at the beginning level. Hawaii Pacific University’s social
work students should unashamedly want to "make the world
a better place" through caring, professional practice.
They should appreciate that social work’s heritage, commitment,
values, and methods offer one means of doing this.
Program Goals and Objectives
To develop students’ competence in the use of the generalist
problem-solving model with client systems of all sizes.
Students will be able to name, define, describe, and apply
the generalist problem-solving model to practice with systems
of all sizes, demonstrating critical thinking skills.
Students will be able to use research-generated data and research
methods in practice, particularly at the intervention and evaluation
stages of the generalist model.
To prepare graduates who practice competently with diverse
populations.
Students will be able to function as beginning-level social
workers within agencies serving diverse populations, using appropriate
communication techniques, supervision, and professional use of
self.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for
diversity as a positive value.
To prepare graduates who understand the social contexts
of social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including
the changing nature of those contexts.
Students will be able to describe social work’s history, current
issues, and current structures, including its focus on social
justice. As part of this, they will be able to describe the mechanisms
of oppression and discrimination.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of biological, psychological,
and social variables and theoretical frameworks, including social
policy, to individuals and to interactions between individuals
and social systems.
To promote the values and ethics of professional social
work in the program and in students’ practice
Content on values and ethics will be infused throughout the
social work curriculum.
Students will practice within the values and ethics of the
social work profession.
To develop in students an appropriate foundation for and
valuing of lifelong learning, in practice or in graduate education.
Students who practice as social workers will continue their
professional development after graduation.
Students who choose to go on to graduate study will be prepared
for work at the master’s level.
Bachelor
of Social Work
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
(51-53 semester credits)
