Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function as effectively as possible within their environment, be it a context such as a family, a group, an organization such as a job, or a community.  The UNC Charlotte BSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work education programs.  The BSW degree prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Generalist practice relates to utilizing multiple types of interventions that would be useful for different types of social systems and client populations.  BSW graduates provide services such as assessment and intervention, counseling, crisis intervention, referral, mediation, and advocacy with diverse populations across all age groups.  BSW graduates work in a broad array of settings including:  hospitals; group homes; mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, youth and family service agencies; nursing homes; and schools.  The degree is centered in professional social work values and ethics within an increasingly global environment and is designed to affirm the human rights of diverse groups of people, especially populations-at-risk and groups which have historically been oppressed due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability. BSW education also provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to pursue graduate study in social work.