What is the purpose of the Social Work Dictionary?

Professional programs like the BSW and MSW Programs at the University of Montana utilize many terms and professional language, some of which can be confusing and difficult to understand. This dictionary offers students and faculty a common definition of professional terms in a structure that is readily understood and organized for cross referencing of overlapping ideas and terms.

This dictionary will help you integrate terms into your understanding of academic material as well as help you apply what you are learning in the practicum experience. It will also help you as you prepare your BSW Capstone Project and your MSW Professional Portfolio.

There may be times when terms used in textbooks, journals and the classroom are not in sync with each other, which reflects the ongoing development of knowledge in the profession of social work. Try not to let this confuse you, and use this resource as a
way of providing a conceptual framework for your very important profession.

To access the Social Work Dictionary, click on a link below:

• standard (single page per sheet)
• booklet (two pages per sheet)