PROGRAM MISSION
The social work program mission is to prepare liberally educated professional social workers to ethically serve diverse populations and to promote a lifelong commitment to a just global community. Our social workers will be guided by our professional social work values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competency.
Social Work prepares students:
- for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities of diverse backgrounds;
- to understand and appreciate a scientific approach to knowledge building and practice;
- to reflect on and be responsible for their own ethical conduct;
- for lives of service and leadership in the global community.
Social work is a growing profession, with social workers holding about 682,100 jobs in 2016. U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, and Working Woman have listed social work as one of the 25 best jobs for the future. Employment of social workers is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be due to an increase in demand for health care and social services but will vary by specialty. Learn more here.
Admission to the Program
To prepare for social work, students take courses in psychology, sociology, and biology. Study of social and cultural diversity, especially relative to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and geographic location, is required. Students in good standing who have completed prerequisite courses make application to the program and are formally notified of admission during the junior year (see the St. Olaf College Academic Catalog and Social Work Program Manual Student Handbook). The program welcomes transfer students who come into the program prior to the beginning of the junior year and is pleased to include non-traditional students returning to college. Students are expected to maintain a G.P.A. of 2.0 and receive grades of “C” or higher in major courses to remain in the program.
Celebration of Diversity
Social workers are diverse themselves and serve diverse clients, so the program actively seeks and encourages students from diverse backgrounds to consider a Social Work major. Social Work faculty and staff encourage diversity at St. Olaf and in the program by working with Admissions, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Multicultural Affairs, Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever (GLOW!), and the International and Off-Campus Studies department. The program does not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
International Study Opportunities
Diverse global traditions, histories, and methods of helping are increasingly crucial for social workers to understand and apply. Graduates from the St. Olaf Social Work Program work both domestically and internationally with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Content on international social welfare and social work is integrated throughout the social work courses. In order to study abroad for a semester, students need to plan early and carefully. Of particular interest to majors with Spanish language is the spring semester program Social Work in a Latin American Context which meets junior level requirements for the social work major. Students can arrange for independent study or academic internships abroad with sufficient planning.
Definition of Generalist Practice
Generalist practice is multilevel intervention with clients (individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities) of diverse backgrounds. It uses the social systems framework, planned change process, empowerment perspective and strengths-based approach to practice. It is grounded in the liberal arts, scientifically informed and ethical.
Advising
High-quality individualized advising is a strength of the program. Any student interested in working with people in relation to their social environment is welcome to talk with faculty about course and career options. Liberal education is at the heart of the Social Work major, and all courses available at St. Olaf can contribute to the preparation of excellent social workers and other professionals.
Practicum Education
A required practicum (400 hours minimum) is completed in one full-time block placement in the fall semester of the senior year. This valuable preparatory experience with clients may be in the Twin Cities, other communities close to campus, or at a greater distance by individual arrangement.
Scholarships and Awards
Social Work students are eligible to apply for two scholarships. The Amy Jahren Scholarship is provided to a candidate who “demonstrates through course selection, internship choices, participation in off-campus study, independent study, research or tutorial topics, and/or volunteer work an interest in and dedication to a career of serving others.” The Amanda Kimer Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate particular interest in working with oppressed communities, especially communities of color. These awards are part of the financial aid package for the students selected.
Activities
Social Work and the Greater Good (SWAGG) is the student organization for majors and others interested in social work and family studies. The club sponsors volunteer activities and programs of general interest during the school year.
Each year, students have the opportunity to attend the Day at the Capitol, an advocacy and education day sponsored by NASW Minnesota Chapter.
Social work seniors participate in a Senior Reflection Retreat each Spring, planned by social work faculty, with funding from the Kimer Endowment.