With the spring 2027 launch of Trevecca’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program approaching, program director Dr. Wes Furlong discusses his career experience and what students can expect in the MSW.
How did you discover your calling in the field of social work?
I'm a graduate of Trevecca. I went on to Nazarene Theological Seminary and became really involved in the child welfare system while serving as a pastor. We started child welfare initiatives with our congregation and built partnerships with many different agencies, and my wife and I were foster parents for a long time. We eventually opened a clinic for working uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive medical care. I wanted to understand community impact, the systemic influences on flourishing and obstacles to flourishing, so I ended up going back to get my master's in social work and eventually my Ph.D. It's been great to return to Trevecca after 25 years; it's a bit of a homecoming.
What makes social work a great career option?
It's a great time to go into social work because there's such a need for caring professionals in the field. Tennessee is one of many states putting funding and scholarship opportunities into these MSW programs because we need more social workers. There's so much flexibility in the profession. You can go be a counselor or work in a social service agency with any age group or any practice area. You can do one role for a season and then change and do something different. If you want to serve people and want to keep doors open, you can choose your pathway.
What is the role of faith in social work, and in this program specifically?
We're very interested in equipping students to have an integrative perspective on faith and practice. Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians by reminding us to praise the God who walks beside us in our suffering and our affliction. We can walk with others in their suffering and affliction with all of the comforts that we receive from God. This is such a beautiful description of what we get to do as social workers. We get to walk with people with humility, dignity, respect and meaningful support through their transitions and hardships.
What can students expect to learn in their coursework?
The curriculum introduces you to a foundation for macro, mezzo and micro practice in social work. Classes cover social welfare; history; policy; human rights; how to work with individuals and family systems; and working in community practice settings. Students will do a field placement, and we can help them find the right fit once we know their interests. We want them to find a placement that aligns with their passions and career goals.
What’s one thing that sets Trevecca’s MSW apart?
When our students graduate and launch into a wide variety of careers, they have an incredibly vibrant support network for their entire career. We have had an established BSW program for years on campus. When it comes to field placements and supervisors, there's already a lot of incredible Trevecca social workers and a growing alumni network. So our hope is that we will send out graduates who are compassionate and competent in every area of social work practice.