COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social Work program at Auburn University at Montgomery prepares students for professional practice in diverse social service settings by combining academic rigor with hands-on experience. The program follows a two-step process, beginning with students enrolling as Pre-Social Work majors to complete foundational coursework in human behavior, social welfare, ethics, and research. Core courses at this stage include Introduction to Social Work, Ethics for Social Workers, History of Social Welfare, and Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II, providing students with the knowledge base necessary to understand individual, family, and community dynamics.Admission to the formal Social Work program is competitive and requires a separate application, as program capacity is limited. Acceptance is based on academic performance in prerequisite courses, overall GPA, personal statements, and demonstrated aptitude for social work. Completion of the Pre-Social Work curriculum does not guarantee admission, ensuring that students who enter the program are committed and prepared for professional study. Once admitted, students engage in advanced coursework covering social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations, including courses such as Social Work Practice II, Social Welfare Policy, Diversity and Social Justice, and Field Practicum. Specialized courses allow exploration of areas such as Military Social Work, Gerontological Social Work, Forensic Social Work, and Global Child Advocacy.Field placements, independent studies, and practicum seminars provide practical experience under professional supervision, enabling students to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade of C+ in all core courses, ensuring mastery of essential skills. Graduates are prepared to serve in clinical, community, and policy settings, advocating for vulnerable populations, promoting social justice, and supporting individual and societal well-being. The program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and professional development, equipping students for careers in social work or graduate-level study in the field.