Social Work Education in a Hostile Environment: Programs under Academic Attack

This paper examines the various administrative and structural positions of undergraduate social work programs vis a vis other academic disciplines in liberal arts colleges. Causes of departmental dissension both indicating and contraindicating separation are examined. Special emphasis is placed on those programs that find themselves operating in a hostile atmosphere or in one that places them at a disadvantage in their efforts to achieve and maintain program excellence. As undergraduate social work programs move toward greater structural autonomy and healthier educational environments, procedures for dealing with the academic hostility and attack are outlined.