Revisions to BYU's Masters of Social Work program are in motion despite that there were fewer applicants this year than in previous years.

Lisa Willey, the graduate secretary for the School of Social Work, said there might be some correlation between the lower number of applicants and "drama, events and feelings" surrounding the cancellation of the Bachelor of Social Work program.

Regardless, Willey said the masters program is alive and well.

"We're grateful for that fact, because there is such a need out there for social workers today," Willey said.

The masters program is currently in the process of revising curriculum to place a stronger emphasis on research.

Melissa Perez, who will be starting the program this fall, said the school's emphasis on clinical work was appealing to her, because of her desire to work with abused women and children. Yet, program director Gordon Limb said the faculty's focus in the clinical aspects of social work has caused them to neglect research training.

"We can help students develop better research skills and still maintain a good clinical program," Limb said.

Limb said that in the field of social work, there is a tendency for professionals to look at research as being removed from the real people and real issues.

"The whole idea of research isn't to throw out a bunch of statistics," Limb said, "It's to make sure there's a reason behind the things that you're doing."

Jesse Ellis, another recently accepted MSW student, said that this shift in focus was one of the reasons she decided to come to BYU.

"I like the fact that BYU is making an effort to advance the field of social work by producing future professionals who will be equipped to conduct research aside from their clinical practices," Ellis said.

The application deadline for the MSW program is January 15th each year. The school holds informational open houses for interested individuals every few months. Announcements about these meetings can be accessed through the School of Social Work's Website. http://fhss.byu.edu/socwork/

"There is a lot of hurt in the world," said MSW student Karissa Garr. "I'm excited to get an education that will prepare me to really make a difference and help."