College of Public Programs

Social Work

Purpose

The College of Public Programs offers graduate students professional research and scholarship opportunities to strengthen capacities in social work, public administration, nonprofit leadership and management, and resources for recreation and tourism management. The college prepares graduate students for career progression and leadership in government, nonprofit agencies, politics, social services, public administration and public management, education, business and industry, and international service.

Established in 1979, the college is home to the School of Social Work, School of Public Affairs, and School of Community Resources and Development. The college was established to bring together academic disciplines that have a focus on public enterprise, community leadership and partnership, and civic engagement. Transdisciplinary degree and certificate programs incorporate the spirit of leadership, scholarship, accountability, and professionalism.

Graduate students benefit from the location and resources of the university to address urban issues, cultural diversity, globalization, and shifting demographics. Academic programs integrate professional training, social science research, community engagement, and the very latest social theories. Academic and student support staff are responsive to graduate student needs and are committed to providing student support services to ensure academic success.

Organization

The college is composed of three academic units, each administered by a director. The three academic units are the School of Community Resources and Development, School of Public Affairs, and School of Social Work. Centers and institutes include the Advanced Public Executive Program, Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Center for Urban Inquiry, Morrison Institute for Public Policy, and Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center.

The general administration of the college is the responsibility of the dean, who reports to the senior vice president and provost. For more information, access the college’s Web site at copp.asu.edu.

School of Community Resources and Development

The faculty in the School of Community Resources and Development offer a graduate program leading to the MS degree in Recreation. The program focuses both on building professional knowledge and developing the ability to analyze topics and issues related to the recreation and tourism fields. Students choose between pursuing a more academic, focused thesis option or the more professionally applied nonthesis option. Each student takes graduate core courses in the school and then can pursue individual interests with related course work and a research project.

School of Public Affairs.

The School of Public Affairs pursues its mission through these programs: the Bachelor of Urban and Metropolitan Studies, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in public administration and public management, the Master of Public Administration (MPA), the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the interdisciplinary PhD in Public Administration, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, and the Advanced Public Executive Program. In addition, the school participates in the graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management.

Graduate courses are offered both in the evenings and in intensive formats to fit the scheduling needs of working students. The diversity of the school’s programs accommodates both pre-service students and mid-career public administrators. Public and nonprofit internships are available. Students also work with faculty on the school’s active research and publications programs, including public policy reports and other community-service projects for state and local governments and nonprofits in Arizona.

School of Social Work.

The faculty in the School of Social Work offer programs leading to the Master of Social Work degree and the PhD degree in Social Work. The mission and the goals of the school are consistent with the university’s mission and overall objectives, as can be seen in the school’s focus on excellence in professional instruction; the advancement of social work research; the understanding of social issues; and public/community service. Central to the mission of the school is the emphasis on the understanding of and respect for the unique cultural diversity of the Southwest and the promotion of social and economic justice.

Graduate Programs

Graduate degree programs as shown in the See College of Public Programs Graduate Degrees and Majors table, below, are offered by the faculty within the college. One of the unique features of an interdisciplinary program is that it uses faculty research and teaching interests from a large number of academic units. Students may tailor a course of study to fit individual needs and goals.

 

College of Public Programs Graduate Degrees and Majors
Major	Degree	Concentration*	Administered By
Public Administration	MPA PhD	Optional: nonprofit administration* —	School of Public Affairs School of Public Affairs
Public Policy	MPP	—	School of Public Affairs
Recreation	MS	—	School of Community Resources and Development
Social Work	MSW     PhD	Advanced direct practice or planning, administration, and community practice —	School of Social Work     School of Social Work
* If a major offers concentrations, one must be selected unless noted as optional.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements of all advanced degree programs within the college are connected with those required by the Division of Graduate Studies. In addition, individual units may require further supporting materials, such as letters of recommendation, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, statements of educational and career goals, and writing samples. Applicants should refer to requirements specified by the academic unit under each degree program in this catalog .

Advising

Advising is usually handled by graduate faculty or a committee. Once admitted, students are typically assigned a temporary faculty advisor in the potential areas of specialization who assists in planning a course of study. For those degree programs requiring the completion of a thesis, a chair and thesis supervisory committee are selected by the director of graduate studies, in consultation with the student, and appointed by the dean of graduate studies.

Accreditation

The Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.