Department of Social Work & Sociology

Be Inspiring. Be Rewarded. Be A Social Worker.
~NASW

Social Work and Sociology became one department in July 2017. The department brings students together who are committed to creating a better world by improving people’s quality of life and promoting justice and the safety of communities. Throughout our programs, students develop important research skills and have the chance to present professional-level work. We also provide opportunities for field work and internships so students can apply their knowledge and skills while serving the local community. Our students are united by shared values, including a commitment to social justice, service to others, and dedication to influencing positive social change.

The Social Work Program at Concord University is dedicated to preparing students for professional generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Upon completion of the CSWE accredited program, students are qualified to become licensed practitioners and join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Concord offers both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

The BSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974. The primary mission of the BSW program is to prepare graduates for baccalaureate level, generalist, professional social practice enabling them to work effectively with various issues and people. The BSW program is offered both in-seat and online.

The MSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 2015. The primary mission of the MSW program is “to prepare graduates for advanced generalist social work practice with a specialized area in rural practice. The MSW program is built upon a systems approach and a strengths perspective, delivered in a manner that meets the needs of students that live and/or work primarily in rural areas”. The MSW program is offered fully online.

The Sociology program conforms to the Sociological Literacy Framework recommended by the American Sociological Association. Sociology majors develop theoretical and methodological frameworks for the student of human social behavior and social problems. The Criminology emphasis enables students to systematically analyze crime and justice issues. The primary mission of the Sociology program is to prepare students for graduate school or careers in professions related to sociology and criminology. The Sociology program is offered both in-seat and online.

Bachelor of Social Work Program

Online Bachelor of Social Work Program

Practicum Education

West Virginia Foster and Adoptive Care Training

Continuing Education Offerings

Sociology Program Homepage

Department of Social Work & Sociology Scholarships

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Provisional License Program

Legal Studies and Pre-Law

Social Work Employment Links

Program Accreditation

The Concord University’s Bachelor of Social Work program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. The BSW program received Reaffirmation of Accreditation by the CSWE in February 2011.

The Master of Social Work Program entered into Candidacy in June 2013. Initial Accreditation was granted June 2015.

MSW Program Accreditation Status

HEPC Intent to Plan: January 2006 (re-affirmation October 2010)
Social Work Department: February 16, 2011
Social Sciences Division: February 16, 2011
University Graduate Council: February 28, 2011; University Graduate Council: November 15, 2011
Faculty Senate: March 14, 2011
AAEC: March 17, 2011
BOG: April 19, 2011
HEPC Program Approval: February 17, 2012
CSWE: Submitted April 30, 2012; May 2, 2012 Candidacy Eligibility Application Approved
CSWE: Benchmark I Submitted January 25, 2013
Higher Learning Commission, Institutional Actions Council: Approval February 25, 2013
CSWE Commissioner’s Visit February 26, 2013
CSWE: Program Response to the Commissioner’s Benchmark I Review Brief; Submitted April 11, 2013
CSWE: Candidacy Granted, June 2013
CSWE: Benchmark II Submitted January 21, 2014, Benchmark II Approved: June 2014
CSWE: Benchmark III Submitted December 15, 2014
CSWE: Initial Accreditation Submitted December 15, 2014
CSWE: Initial Accreditation Granted June 2015

About CSWE

The Council on Social Work Education is a nonprofit national association representing more than 2,500 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country.

CSWE Accreditation

CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. In accordance with the requirements of CSWE’s recognition body, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the CSWE Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA) administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and COA reviews.

Current Number of Social Work Programs

As of February 2023, there are:

542 accredited baccalaureate social work programs
318 accredited master’s social work programs
15 baccalaureate social work programs in candidacy
29 master’s social work programs in candidacy
2 baccalaureate programs in pre-candidacy
3 master’s programs in pre-candidacy
4 accredited post-masters fellowship programs

CSWE Core Competencies for Social Work Education

Phi Alpha Honor Society

Phi Alpha is the National Social Work Honor Society. The purpose of the Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

The Concord University chapter was founded in 2001, the first program in West Virginia to be chartered by Phi Alpha.

Undergraduate Phi Alpha Honor Society Membership Requirements

For consideration for membership into this prestigious national honors society, students must:

Declare Social Work as a Major
Achieve Sophomore status
Complete 37.5 % of the required course work for the degree including 9 semester credit hours of required social work courses

GPA requirements change as this is determined by calculating the top 35% of eligible students during the semester

Graduate Phi Alpha Honor Society Membership Requirements

Complete 12 semester credit hours of social work courses
GPA requirements change as this is determined by calculating the top 35% of eligible students during the semester

Eligibility is determined after the Fall semester for induction in the Spring semester. For more information, contact Concord’s Phi Alpha Honor Society adviser.

BSW Advisor: Mary Hoke

MSW Advisors: Robbin Durham & Terri Philpott

Professional Organization Links

As a social worker, there are so many ways that you can change the lives of those in your community, nation and the world. From child welfare to senior care, from preventing domestic violence to assisting our returning veterans, from fighting drug addiction to helping the homeless, let your passion guide your career. Below are links to prominent social work organizations and WV state agencies where you can find resources for the causes that matters to you.