A Content Analysis of Mission Statements of Our Top 50 Schools of Social Work

Abstract

Organizational mission statements of institutions in higher education have been called into question with respect to their relevance and purpose. This study investigated mission statements of the top 50 U.S. News & World Report (2012) ranked schools of social work for their clarity and brevity, content, and relationship to the Council on Social Work Education’s core competencies. A content analysis of these statements raises concerns about their quality and overall function and poses considerable doubts about their overall relevance and usefulness. Implications are directed to all stakeholders concerned about the content and accuracy of school of social work mission statements. The study addresses a distinct void in the literature in this important subject matter.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael J. Holosko

Michael J. Holosko is the Pauline M. Berger Professor of Family and Child Welfare, Catherine Crandall received her MSW, and Harold Briggs is associate dean and professor at the University of Georgia.

Munir Winkel

Munir Winkel is a doctoral student at North Carolina State University.

Catherine Crandall

Michael J. Holosko is the Pauline M. Berger Professor of Family and Child Welfare, Catherine Crandall received her MSW, and Harold Briggs is associate dean and professor at the University of Georgia.

Harold Briggs

Michael J. Holosko is the Pauline M. Berger Professor of Family and Child Welfare, Catherine Crandall received her MSW, and Harold Briggs is associate dean and professor at the University of Georgia.