Social Work Student Resources

The Department of Social Work provides students with hands on learning experiences and student organizations aimed to deepen your college experience and build your resume by getting involved in a club related to your field of study. You will also build lasting relationships with fellow students and faculty.

Social Work Club-Student Organization

The Social Work Club's focus is to provide opportunities for students to assemble for social connections, networking and to participate in experiential learning activities. these activities enriched with the core values of the social work profession: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.

The club hosts a variety of educational programs, conducts fund raising activities and hosts the annual reception for graduating social work students. The club has continued to grow and has developed more opportunities for its members in the areas of social interaction, networking and learning opportunities. These areas continue to add a layer of growth which enriches the FHSU experience. The Social Work Club is open to Social Work majors and non-majors.

Phi Alpha

Students in the social work program are eligible for memberships in Phi Alpha, the social work honorary society. Its purpose is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

Social Work Scholarships

Applying and receiving scholarships during your college years can greatly ease your financial burden during and after college. Consider these scholarship opportunities provided specifically for social work students. Make sure and also check out some of the on-campus scholarships that Fort Hays State University provides to its students annually.

Careers in Social Work

Social workers are professionals who provide services to people of any age, income, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. They help people cope with complex interpersonal and social problems and assist in obtaining resources for people.

Because social work professionals spend their time helping people, they find their careers intrinsically rewarding. They get more than a paycheck out of their service - they get the satisfaction that comes with knowing they're helping vulnerable populations.

But the paycheck is nice, too. Don't believe any myth that tells you the field of social work has 'low wages.' Starting wages for social work professionals are comparable with the starting wages of many other fields. Plus, with FHSU's record of success, you won't have to wait around for that first job.

Historically, graduates of the FHSU Social Work program have attained nearly a 100% job placement record in the social work profession, and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in social work is expected to grow substantially over the next several years. Since our program is nationally accredited, our graduates don't have to spend time and money securing extra accreditation.

What can I do with a Social Work Degree?

Social work professionals work in several settings, including:

Child and family service agencies
Mental health centers
Hospitals and health care agencies
Schools
Nursing homes
Social service agencies
State and federal government
Addictions treatment centers
Community organizations
Criminal justice settings

Research Resources, Journals & Databases

JSTOR
Social Services Abstracts (via Forsyth Library)
Social Work Today Magazine
Clinical Social Work Journal
The New Social Worker Careers Magazine
Masters in Social Work Online
Social Work Career Center
Social Work Job Guide

Professional Organizations and Career Information

Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers
Clinical Social Work Association
Association of Social Work Boards
Gerontological Society of America
Bureau of Labor Statistics for Social Work
Masters in Social Work in Kansas Online Information
Best Online Guide to Essential Skills for Social Work Students
Kansas Works job site
A Day in the life of a Social Worker
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Ask an Expert

Fort Hays University Career Resources

Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center
Career Services Online Job Resources