COURSE CURRICULUM

The Student Learning Outcomes for the Social Work program at Gannon University focus on preparing students to become ethical, skilled, and socially responsible practitioners capable of making meaningful contributions to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students are expected to demonstrate ethical and professional social work practice guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, ensuring integrity and accountability in all aspects of their work.The program emphasizes the importance of engaging diversity and difference while respecting the dignity and worth of all individuals. Students learn to understand the intersectionality of social, economic, and environmental justice issues and to advocate for human rights, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. They are trained to integrate research and practice, applying evidence-based approaches while evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.Students also develop skills in social work policy practice, considering the historical and ongoing impacts of racism and discrimination on communities. The curriculum provides training in assessment, intervention, and evaluation across a range of prevention and treatment methods, preparing graduates to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities both locally and globally.Grounded in a liberal arts education, students are encouraged to apply critical thinking and the person-in-environment framework with a strengths-based approach, promoting human and social well-being while responding to contextual challenges. Additionally, students are introduced to the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching and the broader Judeo-Christian tradition, which reflect the values of the social work profession, reinforcing the ethical and moral dimensions of practice.Overall, Gannon’s Social Work program equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, ethical grounding, and cultural competence necessary to pursue careers in social work, advocate for social justice, and make a positive impact on individuals and communities.