Master of Social Work Assessment Results

• Mission Statement

  The master of social work (MSW) program at Weber State University was designed to be consistent with the mission of the institution, the unique demands of WSU students, local and regional needs for social service and social welfare providers, the purpose and values of the social work profession, the educational policy and accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education, and expected knowledge, skills, and ethics of professional social workers. The program is guided by this mission, its specific goals, and core social work competencies.

  MSW Program Mission Statement:

  The WSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Program is grounded in principles of harm reduction, a set of practical strategies, practices, and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with all types of human behavior, and a movement for social justice, built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of all people. With this as its foundation, the program prepares students for advanced clinical practice with diverse people and systems in a wide variety of settings and contexts, with special focus on the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities in northern Utah and the broader intermountain region. Particular attention is given to clinical practice skills that are relevant to the culture and needs of the area's growing Latinx population. Emphasis is place on interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of knowledge, skills, and ethics required of masters-level practitioners. The Program also emphasizes an underlying value of service to individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, and institutions. Graduates of the MSW Program are charged with commitment to the development of human well-being, to social justice, and to the alleviation of poverty and oppression.

• Student Learning Outcomes
  • Associate Degree (Not Applicable)
     
  • Certificate (Not Applicable)
     
  • Master's Degree

    The following information is provided from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation, Commission on Educational Policy, 2015. 

    The Master of Social Work Program was developed to provide students with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), which are the required learning outcomes established by the Council on Social Work Education to meet accreditation expectations. The MSW faculty at Weber State University has adopted these core competencies, which serve as a framework for operationalizing the curriculum and assessing the program. “A competency-based approach refers to identifying and assessing what students demonstrate in practice...this approach involves assessing students’ ability to demonstrate the competencies identified in the educational policy” (Council on Social Work Education, 2015, p. 6).

    Graduates of the WSU Master of Social Work Program will demonstrate the ability to:

    1. Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior. Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. Social workers: 

    • make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context; 
    • use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations; 
    • demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication; 
    • use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and 
    • use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
       

    2. Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice. Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Social workers: 

    •  apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels; 
    • present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and 
    • apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
       

    3. Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice. Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected. Social workers:

    • apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels; and • engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
       

    4. Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice. Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. Social workers: 

    • use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research; 
    • apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and 
    • use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery. 
       

    5. Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice. Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers: 

    • identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services; 
    • assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services; 
    • apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
       

    6. Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. Social workers: 

    • apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and 
    • use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
       

    7. Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Social workers: 

    • collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies; 
    • apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies; 
    • develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and 
    • select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
       

    8. Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the importance of inter professional teamwork and communication in interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, inter professional, and inter-organizational collaboration. Social workers: 

    • critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies; 
    • apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies; 
    • use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes; 
    • negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies; and 
    • facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals. 
       

    9. Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers: 

    • select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes; 
    • apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes; 
    • critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and 
    • apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
• Curriculum Grid

  Update in Progress
  We are currently transitioning to a different format. Please contact oie@weber.edu to request a copy of the current curriculum grid for this program.

• Assessment Plan

  The following two measures, (1) MSW Field Practicum Evaluation Form and (2) Portfolio, are used for ongoing assessment of student outcomes for all nine identified 2015 EPAS competencies in the generalist and specialized levels of practice within WSU’s MSW programs (traditional 2-year, and second year of initial cohort, and advanced standing students beginning in fall 2022). It is worth noting that both measures are directly overseen by the MSW Field Director. However, field supervisors are responsible for completing the practicum evaluation form. For measure 2, portfolio, the MSW Field Director is responsible for evaluating each student’s submitted portfolio at the end of each semester.  
  
  Assessment of Competence for Measure #1 Conducted By: MSW Field Practicum Evaluation Form (formative)

  The MSW Field Practicum Evaluation form assesses students' achievement of the Core Competencies and the development of related practice behaviors. Field practicum supervisors complete this assessment at the midpoint and just prior to the completion of the generalist field experience (two-year program) and the specialized field experience (two-year program, advanced standing program). All items are assessed individually, with a benchmark at the end of each practicum experience of 100% being rated as “good” or “excellent” by the field supervisor in the Field Evaluation Assessment.

  Assessment of Competence for Measure #2 Done By: Portfolio (summative)

  Throughout their participation in the WSU MSW program, students will collect artifacts from their courses that demonstrate learning and mastery of core competencies and practice behaviors (specified assignments, papers, and projects) and create a professional portfolio. This portfolio will include a summary paper that synthesizes subject matter and experiences from their MSW courses and field practicum, describing individual learning and professional development centered around the core competencies and related practice behaviors. The portfolio is submitted as an assignment at the end of each generalist field experience in MSW 6760/61 Generalist Field I and II (2-year program). The portfolio is also submitted during the Specialized year (for second-year and advanced standing students) and at the end of each semester as an assignment in MSW 6860/61, Advanced Field I and II. In each case, it is graded based on content and personal assessment of competency. The benchmark for this project is that 85% of students will complete the portfolio with a grade of “C” or better.

  It should be noted that the MSW faculty are reviewing how the portfolio is assessed as we seek to alleviate some of the workload from our MSW Field Director. The faculty are in discussions on how best to assist, as the portfolio was initially designed to have professors identify an assignment (artifact) from each of their courses, to include in students’ portfolios at the end of each semester. Currently, students are permitted to choose the artifacts they consider most relevant to their learning experience to include in their portfolio. While each artifact has been graded prior to inclusion, our field director must still review each artifact and assign a grade accordingly. As discussions continue to determine the best way to assist with the portfolio assessment, we will update the process once it is determined and pilot-tested for efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Program and Contact Information

  Profession’s Purpose
  
  “The purpose of the social work profession is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, the purpose of social work is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally.” (pg. 5, 2015 EPAS)

  The WSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Program reflects and supports the profession’s purpose. The program is guided by a person-in-environment perspective and prepares students for “advanced clinical practice with diverse people and systems in a wide variety of settings and contexts.” The curriculum is collaborative and relies on scientific inquiry, investigation, and evidence-based practice. The program’s explicit attention to the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities in the local region, particularly the area’s Latinx population, takes a broader global perspective and gives it specific relevance to social work practice in the local community. While the Utah experience may be somewhat unique, the fundamental issues and challenges faced in the local population (e.g., mental illness, addiction, disparities in health care, poverty, disabilities, homelessness, relationship conflict and abuse, environmental concerns, etc.) are universal and can be extrapolated globally. With roots in harm reduction thinking, the program’s mission is built on a belief in and respect for all people and is firmly grounded in a movement for social justice, the protection and preservation of basic human rights, and the elimination of poverty. Graduates of the MSW Program are committed to promoting human well-being, advancing social justice, and alleviating poverty and oppression.
  
  Profession’s Values
  
  “Service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry are among the core values of social work. These values underpin the explicit and implicit curriculum and frame the profession’s commitment to respect for all people and the quest for social and economic justice.” (EP 1.0, 2015 EPAS)

  The WSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Program reflects and supports the profession’s values. The program’s mission expresses a recognition of the value of human relationships. The program “emphasizes an underlying value of service to individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, and institutions” and was designed explicitly to serve the community and help address the growing gap between local service needs and the availability of trained and credentialed social work professionals. A significant part of the program’s mission is to prepare students for “advanced clinical practice with diverse people and systems in a wide variety of settings and contexts” and produce social workers who recognize, respect, and celebrate human diversity. As reflected in its harm reduction framework, the WSU MSW program aims to produce graduates who value social justice, who fight for the rights of all people, and who are committed “to the alleviation of poverty and oppression.” Emphasis is placed on “interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of knowledge, skills, and ethics required of masters-level practitioners,” reflecting social work values of integrity, competence, and scientific inquiry.

  Contact Information

  Dr. Corina D Segovia-Tadehara
  MSW Program Director/Professor
  Weber State University
  Social Work & Gerontology Department
  1299 Edvalson Street, Dept. 1211
  Ogden, UT  84408-1211
  Lindquist Hall, Room 336
  (801)626-6935
  
  Master of Social Work Program Website

• Assessment Report Submissions

  To view assessment report submissions prior to April 2026, please visit our assessment archive here. 

• Program Review

  2023-24

This information is part of the cyclical program review process. Details such as mission statements, learning outcomes, etc., are updated as part of the biennial assessment reporting process, an integral component of program review.