Social Work, an action-oriented profession, helps individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities identify and develop strengths and resources to address personal, social and societal (political) problems. Social work focuses on the "person-in-the-environment," a unique perspective that allows the social worker to not only address the negative effects of social problems on individuals, but to also work to change those social conditions and systems that contribute to human suffering. Social workers make a fundamental difference. Social work is the creative blending of the cognitive (thinking), affective (feeling), and behavioral (doing) abilities of the worker which enables the social worker to create positive change in the people, groups, and institutions that we serve.

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The Lamar University Social Work Program prepares graduates for generalist social work practice.  The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education which entitles the BSW graduate to apply for licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).  The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.  Social workers promote social justice and social change with, and on behalf of, individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities (National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, 2003).  The research / training interests of Lamar's social work faculty include family violence, child welfare, multicultural practice, developmental disabilities, social work education and social welfare policy.