Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University is accepting applications for a new Master of Social Work program, with classes scheduled to begin this fall.

The 60-credit hour course of study is among several new programs the university's College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services has developed and launched in recent years to address the health care needs of rural communities. It will offer concentrations in health or mental health and addictions.

"This program, with its two concentrations and rural emphasis, has been developed to meet current and future workforce needs," said Peggy Weber, associate professor of social work and program director. "The focus of this program will be on the promotion of social and economic justice and on the development of competent and skilled clinical social work professionals who are prepared to work with rural populations."

Social workers play a vital role in helping patients and their families address a variety of social, legal and ethical issues, Weber said. Health care social workers also help communities prepare for and respond to traumatic events and disasters, she said.

A limited number of seats remain for the program and Weber encourages prospective students to apply as soon as possible.

In February, the Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation granted the program candidacy status as the first stage in a three-step accreditation process. More information about the program, including an application, is available at www.indstate.edu/socwork.

Contact: Peggy Weber, associate professor and director, Master of Social Work program, Indiana State University, 812-237-8786 or peggy.weber@indstate.edu

Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu