Welcome

The University of Montana
School of Social Work

The University of Montana School of Social Work is committed to preparing all students at the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) level for competence in aging. The Department is also preparing gerontological social workers with specialization in the field of aging.

Although more people are living longer, there is not necessarily a simultaneous increase in the quality of life. With the increasing number of older adults, particularly the aging "baby boomers", there is an increased need to address social, psychological, spiritual and physical concerns.

Social workers need to be trained to address the complexity of physical and mental health, housing, caregiving, financial, and family needs that accompany aging. The increasing diversity of the aging population (cultural differences, gays and lesbians, financial status) calls for social workers well versed in addressing the individual and unique needs of elders.

Because of this commitment to preparing BSW students for the practice of social work in a rapidly changing world, the School of Social Work at The University of Montana is one of 67 institutions of higher education to be awarded a Geriatric Social Work Initiative grant. This grant is funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation in conjunction with the Council of Social Work Education SAGE-SW (Strengthening Aging and Gerontology Education for Social Work).