Several schools in The Green Mountain State offer social work degrees in Vermont at the bachelor's and master's degree level.
The average social work student is an individual who is dedicated to helping society's most needy individuals, and there are many important concepts to learn in school.
The best way to enter the profession as an effective social worker is to consider education at a college or university that offers a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Online Social Work Programs For You
Castleton University (Castleton State College)
Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice
Castleton University, which recently underwent a name change from Castleton State College, is a small school in Vermont with around 2,000 students. The university offers programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like social work, education, and accounting. The school can trace its roots to the 18th century when the government of Vermont chartered a school named the Rutland County Grammar School. The school has a long history of admitting women and hired its first female principal in 1862. The school became Castleton State College in 1962 when it became part of the Vermont network of state colleges.
Baccalaureate of Social Work (BSW.SWK)
The mission of Castleton's social work program is to produce graduates who are committed to social justice and social change for needy populations. In the program, students will study how to provide social work services to people in the state of Vermont using a curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The curriculum is a mix of liberal arts studies and sciences that delivers instruction on topics like ethics, values, and diversity. Graduates from the BSW program find work in many different environments from state agencies to independent organizations. Students have found work in places like nursing homes, home care agencies, and substance abuse programs, as well as family service agencies, and residential treatment programs. Students are expected to learn and practice several program goals and objects as described by the CSWE. Some of those goals include learning to advocate for client access to social work services and pursue continual professional development even after graduation has taken place.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
Contact
Castleton University
62 Alumni Dr.
Castleton, VT 05735
Phone: (802) 468-1324
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
Champlain College
Division of Education & Human Studies
Established in 1878, Champlain College is a private school in Burlington, Vermont and features a student body population of around 2,000. The school was founded as Burlington Collegiate Institute and underwent a variety of name changes over the years. The programs in social services were developed in the 1970s as the school added new buildings and grew its student population. Students enjoy a good student to faculty ratio of 12:1 with an average class size of 17. The campus is located in a residential area of Burlington and is comprised of around 50 buildings that cover about 2.5 city blocks.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Champlain College describes its graduates as professionals who can help at-risk individuals transition from difficult circumstances. Students who wish to bring positive change to people's lives will find the CSWE-accredited program at Champlain an excellent place to start. Program accreditation means students may take the opportunity to enroll in a one-year master's program in social work rather than the traditional two-year option. The school arranges its social work curriculum in such a way that students begin work on social work topics immediately, rather than completing general core courses at the start. As is the case with the entire college, classroom sizes at Champlain are kept small so that each student receives ample support from faculty and instructors. Students also have fieldwork opportunities at various service agencies after completing an initial community experience during the freshman year of study. Additionally, students may take part in a study abroad program, which may take place in another country, but still graduate in four years.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
Contact
Champlain College
251 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05401-2700
Phone: (802) 570-5858
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
University of Vermont
College of Education and Social Services
The full name of UVM is the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, but most residents just refer to the school as the University of Vermont. The school is one of the oldest universities in the country as the fifth college established in New England after such notable institutions as Harvard and Yale. The historic campus in Burlington and its faculty offer classes to around 12,000 students on a 450-acre campus. The largest hospital facility in the state is part of the university, and it's considered one of the most selective medical schools in the country, accepting just four percent of applicants each year.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Students who graduate from the BSW program at UVM are prepared to work in general social work practice and may seek out careers in a variety of organizations, as well as enroll in graduate school. The school shares that it has many connections to various local and national social work communities and helps put students in touch with these valuable field education opportunities. In addition to traditional classroom work, students also benefit from the seminars and in-service training opportunities provided alongside faculty members. The philosophy of the program includes several goals including criticism of social constructions, support of populations through growth and change, and an emphasis on human rights and social justice. Some of the social work courses students may expect to take include Foundations of Social Work, Human Needs and Social Services, and Quantitative Methods in Social Work Research. The Department of Social Work is also a member in the national social work honor society of Phi Alpha.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Students who wish to participate in advanced social work practice with various populations may want to consider the Master's Degree in Social Work at UVM. The curriculum is designed to foster knowledge in five areas including human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, and social practice. Students also spend time in field practice and research. Students may choose to concentrate in Transformative Social Work, which aims to give students a deep understanding of social change as approached by a group effort. Some of the groups with which students may seek work after graduation include organizations, communities, small groups, families, and individuals. To receive an MSW, students must complete 30 credits of professional foundation work. The school offers students several schedules from which to choose including a full-time option that takes two years and a part-time option that usually takes students about four years. Students who already have a BSW degree that was earned in the last seven years may enroll under the advanced standing option.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
Contact
College of Education and Social Services
Student Services Office
528 Waterman Building
Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: (802) 656-3468
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
Social work is a demanding profession and requires dedication to "righting the wrongs" in society. Working with at-risk, underprivileged, and needy populations is a difficult role to play in society, and it's important to seek out a quality education in social work before embarking on such a career. Students have the choice of several respected colleges and programs that offer social work degrees in Vermont and should visit the campuses that offer these degrees to get a better idea of the best college environment for future studies.