Master of Social Work degree coming to AWC

ASU launches first of its kind MSW program in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona State University (ASU) is launching a first of its kind Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Yuma at Arizona Western College (AWC).

With the Trump administration’s changes to immigration policies, Yuma is a region in need of masters-level social workers.

Some subject areas Northern Arizona University (NAU) students refuse to learn online.

Like working with children of families who have been impacted by deportations.

Or, navigating the challenges of transnational families.

After a demand for an on-campus MSW degree, come May 2020 a 12-month program will finally be taught at AWC.

ASU's School of Social Work believes who better to tackle issues specific to the border region than the people who live here.

David Becerra, professor and associate director at ASU's School of Social Work, said, “We need people that actually understand the region and the area, not just people coming from the outside. Now definitely there’s more of an emphasis on the border and families are more impacted by what is happening on the border. It’s something that social work students need to be prepared for. How to work with families that have been impacted by our immigration policies. “

Several ASU professors will commute from Phoenix to Yuma to teach the courses.

The program will also be hiring local social work experts as professors.

Applications for the MSW program are already open for submission.

However, in the first year, only 30 students will be accepted.

For more information, visit socialwork.asu.edu.