For some, making the world a better place is not an idealistic slogan, but a goal and a passion. If you are such a person and want to learn methods of solving problems effectively with people, you should consider a degree in social work. Some ways to help others are direct, one-to-one counseling with individual clients and families, and others are indirect, such as developing organizations and communities. Social work is a broad profession that tries to understand how individuals, groups, and communities are affected by social problems such as poverty, mental and physical illness, family difficulties, and social injustice. Social workers are employed in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, the legislature, and social welfare agencies that address the needs of children, adults, and elders. Wherever they find themselves, social workers use their skills to empower others to help themselves and change unresponsive social systems. The Bachelor of Social Work program helps students to develop the necessary knowledge, values and skills to help make the world a better place.
HPU's School of Social Work is committed to meeting the needs of both traditional and working adult students with its evening and weekend class scheduling. HPU offers students convenient class locations and unparalleled opportunities to experience diversity inside and outside the classroom. O'ahu offers a variety of populations, problems, and settings for the supervised social work practice (practicum) that is an important part of the Bachelor of Social Work program. HPU is also a natural resource for international students interested in translating American social work methods into culturally appropriate practice in their home countries. The Bachelor of Social Work program at HPU is designed to create social entrepreneurs who are committed to solving problems in sustainable ways. In addition, students who have done well in their BSW work may be admitted into the Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing program, with up to one year of credit towards their master's degree. So, HPU students can graduate with both a BSW and MSW degree in five years (HPU's Advanced Standing program allows a student to complete a MSW in one year instead of two years).
