Social Work

Rachel Henry
507-786-3127

wp.stolaf.edu/socialwork

St. Olaf students prepare for lives of service as responsible and knowledgeable people. Those who study social work are committed to enhancing human well-being and promoting social justice. Social work, a major in the Department of Social Work and Family Studies, builds on students’ liberal education by enabling them critically to examine need, illumine inherent human strengths, reflect on their ethical conduct, and explore policies and programs that address social problems. The social work mission is to prepare students ethically to serve diverse populations and to promote a lifelong commitment to a just global community. Completing a bachelor of arts degree in social work prepares students for beginning professional generalist practice with diverse clients, both rural and urban. The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the program since 1990. Graduates meet educational requirements for the national BSW licensure examination at the baccalaureate level and are eligible to apply for advanced standing in social work graduate programs.

Courses are appropriate for students who are interested in social welfare policy and practice and/or related areas like family studies/therapy, education, and human resources. Level III and some level II courses are reserved for majors only.

Overview of the Major

Social work education builds on the liberal arts with professional foundation courses. It prepares students for generalist practice, students who understand scientific approaches to knowledge building and practice, are reflective of and responsible for their own ethical conduct and are committed to lives of service and leadership in the global community. Courses are sequential, culminating with the 400-hour field practicum - SWRK 380 Field Practicum (3.0) and a capstone professional development course - SWRK 381 Social Worker as Professional. Students gain experience with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in settings as diverse as child welfare, health, and corrections. Practicum sites are in local communities; placement elsewhere can be arranged with advance preparation.

Distinction

See Academic Honors

Special Programs

The St. Olaf social work program encourages student participation in study abroad and away programs. Majors can conveniently schedule a January term abroad, as there are no required social work courses during January. To participate in a semester program abroad or away and complete the major requirements in four years, students must plan in the first year with the help of social work faculty. St. Olaf co-sponsors Social Work in a Latin American Context (Mexico) for social work majors, which fulfills major requirements, in the spring semester of the junior year.

Students often count social work courses for other interdisciplinary majors and concentrations including family studies, race and ethnic studies, and gender and sexuality studies. Social work majors are eligible for student-rate membership in the National Association of Social Workers and to receive its publications.

Social work faculty occasionally supervise students doing independent study/research in social welfare and social service after the student has completed at least one social work course. Completing the social work major is possible only through regular coursework, however.

Recommendations for Graduate Study

Students considering social work graduate school are strongly encouraged to consult faculty about appropriate undergraduate courses. Human biology and statistics are usually required for admission to social work graduate programs. Department offerings provide preparation for graduate study in marriage and family therapy, non-profit management, public policy, ministry, special education, law, and related fields. Students who excel in the social work major are often eligible for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.