The Department of Social Work at Youngstown State University has as its primary mission the educational preparation of students to assume a variety of roles within the human services. This mission includes the preparation of students at a range of levels including:

• the human services para-professional through the Social Services Technology program;
• the beginning level generalist social work professional through the Bachelor of Social Work program, and;
• the advanced direct practice social work professional through the Master of Social Work program.

The Department also prepares students for administrative roles in management within the nursing home industry. The educational opportunities afforded students through the Department of Social Work prepare students to assume a range of employment roles within the human services sector.

A leading theme which characterizes the YSU Department of Social Work is social and economic justice. Within the geographic region the University serves, the problems of poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and the needs of an elderly population cannot be ignored. The Department of Social Work seeks to not only demonstrate the existence of these social problems, but also to instill the belief in students that many of these problems are the result of social and economic injustices perpetrated onto vulnerable groups of people. Students will be led to appreciate that economic and social conditions faced by residents of the region have not had the same impact on all. Racial and ethnic minorities have been particularly affected. Other vulnerable groups include women, children, elderly, and the mentally and physically disabled. As such, solutions sought to remedy problems will include efforts to create additional opportunities for these oppressed groups.

The educational preparation offered through the Department of Social Work enables students to integrate knowledge, values, and skills appropriate to effective and responsible work within the human services. This educational preparation also enables students to apply their knowledge in a broad range of client service settings with a variety of groups and presenting problems. Students will recognize their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development including incorporating the latest technologies in their practice.