Social Work at Brescia University: Preparation for a Lifetime of Rewards

Helping people help themselves -- it's a task that requires perseverance and patience, but that brings ultimate satisfaction.  This endeavor taken on daily by social workers is immeasurably appreciated, as it affects every corner of the country and every facet of a community.

It also involves continual efforts on the part of social workers to learn and grow in their specialized, ever-changing field. To best assist these giving, ambitious individuals, Brescia University (www.brescia.edu) launched its Social Work Education Program in a blended format, w here the flexibility of the online environment is combined with the core structure of the face-to face classroom.  

Education is integral to the social work field. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral social work programs are available throughout the United States and are designed to train and prepare individuals who choose to dedicate their lives to helping others. Brescia launched a blended online/on-campus program, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, to meet the needs of busy working adults.

The history of this degree at Brescia stretches back 15 years. In fact, the Social Work Program arose during a period when a lack of local social work education became apparent. The Brescia administration moved forward to address this issue through the launch of an entirely new program.

"We began offering online courses about four years ago," explained Nancy Keeton, professor of social work at the university, "when we determined that there were students who wanted a degree in social work, but who, for various reasons, could not come to campus for traditional course work."  The institution plans to expand the program, building up to the eventual goal of an entirely online social work degree program.

Keeton is quick to add, though, that "Online learning is not for the faint of heart." With more time management responsibilities and effort, it can be a challenge for many students. "The advantages, of course, are for the student with family and work obligations -- the course work can be completed at the convenience of the student."

And for individuals who feel called to enter the field of social work, committing themselves to the lives of others, often times sacrifices must be made.  Brescia University's online Social Work Education Program exists to make the juggling of learning and outside obligations easier, allowing more people to become well-trained social workers.

"We produce graduates who are eligible for advanced standing in master's programs in social work," explained Keeton.  Through Brescia's social work program, graduates gain enough credits to continue on and complete a master's degree in only three semesters, as opposed to the usual two years.

Once they leave the traditional or online campus, Keeton feels confident that former students are well-equipped for the demanding job ahead.  In fact, Keeton is happy to clarify a common misconception about the social work profession.  While the average salary for a social worker can vary greatly, Keeton is proud to note that graduates of Brescia University "are often salaried at levels comparable to, if not higher than, other entry level professionals."

The most daunting challenge for a social work professional, Keeton hypothesizes, is "burnout."  "The social work professional," Keeton remarks, " must constantly be on guard for the stress and strain that come from helping people in our society who are most in need -- children, the abused and the elderly."

But this is one profession in which the gifts of the job truly keep on giving. Beyond any material gain, Keeton says, "the knowledge that one is making the world a better place, one person at a time," is enough inspiration to keep going.

For more information about the blended (online/on-campus) social work program at Brescia University, please visit its Web site or place an information request by clicking here.