Professional programs like the BSW and MSW Programs at the University of Montana utilize many terms and professional language, some confusing and difficult to understand. This dictionary offers students and faculty a common definition of professional terms in a readily understood and organized structure for cross-referencing 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, reflecting the ongoing development of knowledge in the social work profession. Try not to let this confuse you, and use this resource to provide a conceptual framework for your critical profession.

For PDF access to the Social Work Dictionary, please click on the link of your choice:

• Standard (single page per sheet)
• Booklet (two pages per sheet)