The Graduate Only Debate in Social Work Education, 1931–1959, and its Consequences for the Profession

Abstract

Until 1974, professional education for social work was defined as graduate-only, although before 1974, baccalaureate education had advocates as entry-level practice certification for social work. Historically, social work's quest for professional status, particularly since 1915, was a major barrier to considering undergraduate education as an acceptable professional credential This article reviews 1931–1959, a central period in the history of social work education. The author concludes that professional status, so actively sought, in fact was undermined significantly by not incorporating the baccalaureate degree into the original concept of professional education in social work.