Alyssa Tyler editor in chief
Pittsburg State will now offer a master’s in social work beginning in the Fall of 2024. In past years there has been a partnership between Pittsburg State and the University of Kansas. Now, students will be able to stay at Pittsburg State and receive their Masters.
Pittsburg State has offered a bachelors of social work for over 60 years, however, Chris Childers, director of the school of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences said that there is a severe lack of clinical social workers in Southeast Kansas who are trained at the master’s level.
“We have had a bachelor’s degree in social work here for over 60 years,” Childers said. “But in recent years we have wanted to expand into graduate education because southeast Kansas has a severe lack of clinical social workers who are trained at the master’s level. And that having that master’s level training unlocks other career opportunities and clinical settings.”
Those who have a bachelor’s in social work can complete the master’s program in one year. While those entering the master’s program with a different bachelors, such as criminal justice, can complete the degree in two years. The program is designed and specifically geared for students who plan on receiving a clinical license in social work.
“Clinical social workers are in many aspects, the first line (and) first responder workers in terms of mental health services and social services,” Childers said. “So clinical social workers provide mental health care. They provide support for people who have disabilities. They, department of children and families, as an example, would hire social workers to help children who are in difficult circumstances.”
Kristen Humphrey, director of Social Work said that receiving a master’s in social work opens many doors. Humphrey said that the degree is very broad, and social workers can be found everywhere.
“You may find social workers in positions all over the place where you might not know that they are a social worker because they might have a title that isn’t social work,” Humphrey said. “But they’re working in all kinds of areas like addictions, mental health, long-term care, like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, things like that.”
Humphrey said that she believes that there are many advantages to having the masters program located in Pittsburg, from the location of classes to knowing the surrounding area outside of campus.
Well, I think one of the advantages to the students is having faculty who are here on campus,” Humphrey said. “And this is our full-time gig to be here on campus offering the classes to our students. And of course the affordability of Pitt State when comparing to other universities. And so that really helps students a lot. And since we are in the community, we know the community’s needs very well. We’re really very familiar with all of the area agencies in a more direct and intimate way.”
More information about the master’s in social work can be found at the link: pittstate.edu/msw