About Us

History and Overview

Welcome to Morgan State University's School of Social Work. The school was founded in 1969 and was known as the Undergraduate Social Welfare Program in the Department of Sociology, College of Liberal Arts. It was not until 1975 that the program received departmental status, and the name was changed to Department of Social Work. The social work program received approval from the Council on Social Work Education in 1971. In 1975, it became one of the first undergraduate programs in the country to receive accreditation by this body. The department has continually received reaccreditation since then. In 2007, the department experienced new growth and expanded to add Master's and PhD programs. Both programs have adapted the rich tradition of enhancing the knowledge base of future social workers and leaders in America, with a specific focus on urban areas.  Pursuant to the department's ongoing efforts to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of academic programs, effective November 16, 2009, the Department of Social Work was restructured into a school. In 2023, Morgan State University School of Social Work launched its Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, which is the first DSW program in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, and among the first at an HBCU nationally. 

Since the first class earning the B.A. degree graduated in 1971, students completing the undergraduate degree in social work have gone on to distinguished careers in social work and other related disciplines. Social agencies located in the Baltimore-Metropolitan area employ numerous Morgan social work graduates. These agencies include Baltimore City Public Schools, hospitals, psychiatric programs, corrections facilities, child welfare agencies, and agencies that provide services to the elderly. In addition, approximately 33% of students who receive a bachelor's degree in social work from Morgan go on to pursue graduate studies in social work within 2 years of receiving the BSW.

Mission, Vision, & Values

Mission
To fully prepare urban social work leaders who are committed to the alleviation of human suffering, social justice, and the improvement of the quality of life for diverse urban populations.

Vision
The Social Work Program at Morgan State University endeavors to become a significant educational and professional labor force resource in the City of Baltimore, Maryland and other urban areas in the state of Maryland and nationally in addressing the human needs of urban individuals, families, organizations, and communities through the preparation of competent urban social workers, social work educators, policy advocates, and social work researchers.

Core Values

1. We believe in social justice and work to correct the social structures that create and perpetuate oppression.
2. We embrace advocacy, activism, and innovation through community collaboration to strengthen urban communities.
3. We value integrity, respect, and ethical behavior with all members of our internal and external community.
4. We work to create an environment of safety, support, balance, and wholeness through teamwork and consensus building.

Urban Strong-Morgan State University