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What is social work?
Social work is a field of study and profession that promotes and restores relationships between people and their environment in order to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, communities and organizations. Social work can be traced back to the late 1800s. The purpose and mission-driven work has always been focused on improving social conditions and alleviating social problems.
Social workers are viewed as caring individuals who strive to enhance personal competencies, facilitate connections between people and their access to necessary social supports, advocate on behalf of society’s disenfranchised minorities and create social service organizations that are responsive to human needs.
What is the purpose of social work?
The purpose of social work is to:
- Enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations.
- Link client systems with needed social supports and societal resources.
- Develop and implement social policies, resources and services that meet the needs of all members of society.
- Improve the operation of the existing social service delivery system.
- Promote social and economic justice.
- Promote the dignity and worth of the individual.
- Enhance the relationship between people and their environments.
- Alleviate poverty, oppression, sexism, homophobia, racism, ageism and all other forms of social injustice and discrimination.
- Advocate on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves through the promotion of political actions that support social and economic justice.
What are my career options?
A degree in social work can provide a pathway to a broad range of careers in a variety of fields including employment opportunities in health care, private practice, schools, non-profit organizations, universities, government agencies, research and beyond. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the field of social work will grow faster than the national average of other occupations, from 2022-32.
Social workers can be found working in professional areas such as:
- Human resource departments
- Hospitals, nursing homes and medical related agencies
- Government agencies and courts
- Charitable organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Police departments
- School systems
- Child welfare organizations
- Mental health and substance misuse services
Explore our academic programs.
What is couple and family therapy?
Couple and family therapy, or sometimes called “marriage and family therapy,” is a type of psychotherapy that helps people identify and address unhealthy patterns in their life, and often focuses on improving the relationships and dynamics within families and couples. Therapists are trained to work with individuals, couples and families to address a wide range of issues, such as communication problems, conflicts, emotional challenges and mental health concerns that impact both the individual and the family unit as a whole.
Who will teach me at the Kent School?
We have renowned full-time faculty that lead our five-degree programs and educate students, providing them with the knowledge and skills to be strong professionals in the fields of social work and couple and family therapy. We provide opportunities for community engagement and research collaboration to expand the learning experience.