SOCIAL WORK (SOWK) - SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
School of Social Work
Summit Classroom Building 201, (651) 962-5800
Aspholm, Chigbu, Hepperlen, Hill, Hollidge, Horn, Lundquist, Marrs, Fuchsel, Moua, Nesmith, Peterson, Powers, Rand, Roseborough, Solomonson, Theisen, Whitebird
the department website.
At the University of St. Thomas, social work is seen as a critical part of healthand well-being for individuals, communities and society. Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S. We prepare you to become a licensed professional, equipped to work in direct practice with children or adults, families, groups and organizations, or as an advocate for policies to advance the common good. Our graduates are committed to social justice and to helping people make positive changes in their lives.
Why Study Social Work at St. Thomas?
With an increase in jobs estimated at 16 percent or higher in the field over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), social work offers vast career opportunities. Health care social work, along with mental health and substance abuse social work are among the fastest growing areas, while opportunities to work with children, families and schools are also growing faster than average. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can begin work upon graduation or enter a master of social work (MSW) program as an “advanced standing” student, and save a year of time and investment achieving your MSW.
With our bachelor’s degree in social work, you’ll be prepared to work with diverse populations across a wide variety of settings such as schools, health systems, nonprofits, and social services agencies including child welfare agencies. You will gain real-world practice experience during 475 hours of fieldwork (internships), and graduate prepared to take the bachelors-level social work licensure exam in any state.
The curriculum is rooted in a philosophy of social responsibility and respect for individuals’ rights. Drawing from the Judeo-Christian traditions of social caring, we prepare students to use social work knowledge, values and skills to demonstrate the intrinsic value of all humankind as they serve those in need and promote social justice and human rights. Our program prepares generalist social workers committed to professional ethics and values, service, social justice and human rights. Our comprehensive program integrates theory, research, field and personal growth components. Social work majors also take courses in human biology, introduction to sociology, general psychology and lifespan developmental psychology.
Majors will expand their knowledge of social work beyond the boundaries of the classroom by completing two field education placements. During their junior and senior years, students will complete 475 hours of field practice experience (75 hours as Juniors, 400 hours as Seniors), engaging them in hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of settings. We have developed strong agency partners and guide students through the process of interviewing and placement with these agencies. Field placements include opportunities such as case management, shelter advocacy, supervised visitation, community education and organizing, school social work, medical social work, research and grant writing, and county social work.
The School of Social Work includes 18 faculty who are known for their teaching excellence and scholarship and are eager to lend their expertise concerning academic and professional issues. Our faculty members hold leadership positions in local, regional and national professional organizations and have expertise in areas such as medical social work, school social work, social policy, child welfare, social work with immigrants and refugees and counseling and mental health. Your professors will enthusiastically challenge you and encourage you to reach your full potential.
The School of Social Work is recognized as a national leader for its strong commitment to social justice. Social Work for Social Justice: Ten Principles, developed by the program and used in the baccalaureate and graduate programs, have been adopted by programs across the country. The social work program also has an active Social Work Club.
The social work program requires students to be formally admitted to the major. This process takes place in February of the junior year. Prospective majors must have a grade point average of 2.25 and must be interviewed by the School of Social Work faculty.
There are three social work minors available to all majors: Social Welfare, Chemical Dependency Counseling: Addiction and Recovery, and Social Services Management. These minors are not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and do not qualify graduates to sit for the Minnesota Board of Social Work examination for State of Minnesota licensure at the licensed social worker level.
Major in Social Work
- SOWK 181 Introduction to Social Work (4 credits)
- SOWK 240 People and the Environment: Theories of Justice, Behavior, & Impact
- SOWK 355 Communication and Interviewing Skills (4 credits)
- SOWK 375 Junior Field Placement and Integrative Seminar (2 credits)
- SOWK 380 Social Work Research (4 credits)
- SOWK 385 Group Work Skills (4 credits)
- SOWK 391 Social Policy for Social Change (4 credits)
- SOWK 401 Practice with Individuals and Families (4 credits)
- SOWK 402 Practice with Organizations and Communities (4 credits)
- SOWK 405 Senior Field Practicum & Integrated Seminar I (4 credits)
- SOWK 406 Senior Field Practicum & Integrated Seminar II (4 credits)
- Electives in SOWK (2 credits)
- SOWK 291 The Anatomy of Violence (4 credits)
- SOWK 292 Loss, Grief, Resilience, and Transformation (2 credits)
- SOWK 293 A Celebration and Critical Analysis of Race & Self, Social Work, and Social Movements (2 credits)
Allied requirements
- BIOL 101 General Biology (4 credits)
or BIOL 105 Human Biology (4 credits)
or BIOL 106 Women, Medicine and Biology (4 credits) - PSYC 111 General Psychology (4 credits)
- PSYC 202 Lifespan Development (4 credits)
- SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
Required Fieldwork Experience
Field placements, arranged by the School of Social Work, provide hands-on practice experience in social work agencies, institutions, and/or departments to complement your academic work through integration of theory and practice.
Junior year:
Approximately six hours per week off campus in a field agency setting totaling 75 hours, plus a weekly seminar course on campus. As a social work student contact your social work adviser or program director during the second semester of sophomore year to discuss the placement process.
Senior year:
Two semesters of approximately 12-16 hours per week off campus in a field agency setting totaling 400 hours, plus bi-weekly seminar course on campus.
Elective courses
Electives are updated frequently. Visit www.stthomas.edu/socialwork/undergraduate/curriculum/default.html for a current list of electives.
- SOWK 291 The Anatomy of Violence (4 credits)
- SOWK 293 A Celebration and Critical Analysis of Race and Self, Social Work, and Social Movements (2 credits)
- SOWK 295 Grief, Loss, Resiliency, and Transformation (2 credits)
- SOWK 297 Dying in America (4 credits)
Admission Process
The School of Social Work requires you to be formally admitted to theBSW rogram. This process takes place at the middle of the junior year. As a prospective major, you must have a GPA of 2.25 and be interviewed by faculty of the school. Contact your adviser for more details.
Minor in Social Welfare
A minor in social welfare is available through School of Social Work. A minor in social welfare is not accepted by the Council on Social Work Education as preparation for beginning-level generalist social work practice. A minor is offered for your own learning in the area of social welfare.
- SOWK 181 Introduction to Social Work (4 credits)
- SOWK 240 People and the Environment: Theories of Justice, Behavior, & Impact
- SOWK 391 Social Policy for Social Change (4 credits)
Plus eight credits from the following:
- PSYC 202 Lifespan Development (4 credits)
- PSYC 207 Drugs and Behavior (4 credits)
- SOCI 251 Race and Ethnicity (4 credits)
- SOWK 291 Anatomy of Violence (4 credits)
- SOWK 380 Social Work Research Methods
Chemical Health & Dependency Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHDC 435 | Co-Occurring Disorders & Pharm | 4 | |
| Description of course Co-Occurring Disorders & Pharm : | Students examine the therapeutic interventions developed for the treatment of addictions and their efficacy on the treatment of concurrent addictive behavior patterns and other mental illnesses. Special attention is focused on personality, mood, and anxiety disorders, and the following potential addictive behavior patterns: gambling, sexual activity, and eating. Students will gain an overview of the basics of pharmacology as applied to various classifications of mood altering chemicals. This will include examination of the interactions between the central nervous systems/ neurotransmitters and drugs/ alcohol, detoxification, withdrawal, pharmaceutical drug interaction and the dynamics of addiction. prerequisites: CHDC 300 and 305, PSYC 101 | ||
Social Work Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOWK 181 | Introduction to Social Work | 4 | |
| Description of course Introduction to Social Work : | This course introduces the student to the profession of social work within the context of the social welfare system. It provides an overview of an integrative approach to generalist social work practice which emphasizes intervention on individual, community and societal levels. Special emphasis is placed on values, human diversity, social justice and social work fields of practice. This course is a prerequisite for all Social Work course work or must be taken concurrently with second course taken in the major. | ||
| SOWK 240 | People and Environment | 4 | |
| Description of course People and Environment : | This a theory-driven course focusing on metacognition- training students to think about the way we think. The course takes a multidisciplinary approach to theoretical knowledge, introducing students to many ways of understanding how humans behave in, impact, and are impacted by multiple environments. Students learn to apply theories to understand human behavior in regard to their social and natural environments as well as reciprocal impact of humans and their environments. Theories are examined through a multidimensional framework constituting biological, psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, political, environmental, and economic factors. Emphasis is on these factors within and between multiple systems: individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society, including political, economic, and natural systems. The course consists of five modules: interpersonal relations and empowerment, social systems, political and economic systems, social and environmental justice, and multiculturalism. The course investigates the multiple dimensions and intersections of diversity including gender, race/ethnicity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, and global and international perspectives. Students leave the class with a holistic understanding of the human experience within the environments that surround them. Recommended prerequisite or concurrent registration: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number); Required Prerequisites: PSYC 202, or consent of the program director. | ||
| SOWK 243 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 269 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 291 | The Anatomy of Violence | 4 | |
| Description of course The Anatomy of Violence : | The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and understanding of cultural, racial and interpersonal violence and develop a commitment to promoting a violence-free society. Emphasis is on exploration of the extent,causes and effects of violence and strategies for intervention on the micro and macro levels. Specific areas of study include domestic/partner abuse, child abuse/neglect, peer/date violence, elder abuse, sexual assault/sexual harassment, cultural violence, racism and other systemic oppression. | ||
| SOWK 292 | Loss, Grief, Resil, & Transf | 2 | |
| Description of course Loss, Grief, Resil, & Transf : | Loss and grief, though painful, are a universal part of human experience and yet also profoundly unique. Service professionals across areas of practice will inevitably encounter people who are experiencing grief in reaction to some type of loss whether it is a relationship, an ability, a community, a culture, and/or the sense of a just world. This course will explore these varied forms of loss and the many ways individuals, families and communities grieve those losses. We will discuss resilience as nurtured and sustained through connection and examine the enormous positive societal impact those who are grieving have made and continue to make in our community, in our nation, and across the globe. | ||
| SOWK 293 | Race, Self & Social Work | 2 | |
| Description of course Race, Self & Social Work : | As a socially constructed membership-based identity, race in the Americas is both false and true. Needless to say, it’s complicated. As such, social workers need to not only better understand our racialized selves, but also better understand the history of race and racism, as well as its role in the profession. To this end, this course will both celebrate and interrogate. We will also explore a selection of popular social movements and critically reflect upon their own racialized living and learning experiences. | ||
| SOWK 295 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 296 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 297 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule * Only offered at UST | ||
| SOWK 298 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule * Only offered at UST | ||
| SOWK 355 | Comm/Interviewing Skills | 4 | |
| Description of course Comm/Interviewing Skills : | This course is the first of a four-course practice sequence. The primary focus is on communication theory and skills as applied to social work with individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations. There is an emphasis on self-awareness, beginning assessment skills and diversity issues. An integrative approach to generalist social work practice provides the context for intervention on individual, environmental and societal levels. SOWK 355 is taken with SOWK 375 (or 378) in the fall. Prerequisites or concurrent registration with: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) or consent of the program director. | ||
| SOWK 375 | Jr Field Practicum & Integ Sem | 2 | |
| Description of course Jr Field Practicum & Integ Sem : | In this course, students will complete a 75-hour practicum in a social service agency under the supervision of a licensed social worker. While in the host agency, students will engage in observation, beginning social service tasks, and group supervision. Students participate in a weekly on-campus seminar that helps students integrate essential practice concepts with this first experiential learning in the field. Open to social work majors only. Prerequisites: SOWK 181. Prerequisite or concurrent with SOWK 355 or SOWK 385. | ||
| SOWK 376 | Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar : | Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for students taking a semester abroad in their junior year. It combines SOWK 375 and SOWK 376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the program director before registering for this course. Prerequisites: SOWK 375 must be taken before SOWK 376. Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 375: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and SOWK 355. | ||
| SOWK 378 | Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar | 4 | |
| Description of course Jr Field Place & Integ Seminar : | Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for students taking a semester abroad in their junior year. It combines SOWK 375 and SOWK 376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the program director before registering for this course. Prerequisites: SOWK 375 must be taken before SOWK 376. Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 375: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and SOWK 355. | ||
| SOWK 380 | Social Work Research | 4 | |
| Description of course Social Work Research : | This course fosters competence in the research skills needed for generalist social work practice. Students will gain knowledge in the steps of conducting research; practice evaluation; conducting research with vulnerable participants; locating and critically evaluating relevant research to inform practice; and evidence-based practice. They will learn values of ethical research practice, using the Belmont Report and the NASW Code of Ethics as guidelines. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable research participants. Students will also gain skills in writing and presenting a literature review, developing a research proposal, and applying relevant research to practice. Prerequisites: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) and junior status or consent of the program director. | ||
| SOWK 385 | Group Work Skills | 4 | |
| Description of course Group Work Skills : | This course is the second of the four-course practice sequence. The primary focus of the course is on the study of human behavior in groups with emphasis on the use of groups in generalist social work practice to accomplish individual, family, organizational and/or community goals. This course provides experiential learning opportunities to integrate knowledge, values, and skills as both a group leader and a group member. The effects of diversity on group interaction are stressed. SOWK 385 is taken with 376 or 378 for students in the spring semester. Prerequisite: SOWK 355 or consent of the Program Director. | ||
| SOWK 389 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 391 | Social Policy for Change | 4 | |
| Description of course Social Policy for Change : | This course equips students to understand and critically analyze current and past social policies. Policy alternatives are explored with a focus on the values and attitudes as well as the societal, economic and political dynamics from which they originate. Roles and responsibilities of citizens and professionals in formulating and implementing policies responsive to actual social needs are addressed. Prerequisite: SOWK 181 (or 281 under the old course number) or consent of the Program Director. | ||
| SOWK 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 401 | Practice with Indiv & Fam | 4 | |
| Description of course Practice with Indiv & Fam : | This is the third course in the four-part practice sequence. This course prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families and groups in the context of their social environments with emphasis on aspects of diversity. A primary focus is the application of social work knowledge through increased development of skills. The overall goal of the course is integration and application of the stages of the generalist social work method. SOWK 401 is taken with 405 in the fall by seniors. Prerequisites: SOWK 355 and SOWK 385. | ||
| SOWK 402 | Practice with Organ & Comm | 4 | |
| Description of course Practice with Organ & Comm : | This course is a continuation of SOWK 401 and the final of four courses in the practice sequence of the social work curriculum. The focus is on prevention/intervention methods based on generalist social work knowledge that can be applied to client systems of all sizes. A special emphasis is placed on effecting planned change in groups, organizations, communities, and national and global society toward the pursuit of social justice. A combination of lecture, discussion, experiential learning, and small group activities provides students with knowledge and skills for client advocacy and social change. SOWK 402 is taken with 406 in the spring semester. Prerequisites: SOWK 401. | ||
| SOWK 405 | Sr Field Pract & Integ Sem I | 4 | |
| Description of course Sr Field Pract & Integ Sem I : | Senior Fieldwork complements the student’s academic work through practical experiences in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other senior social work majors while in placement. The placement is approximately 15-20 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters). Concurrent registration in SOWK 401 is required. SOWK 405 is the fall course. | ||
| SOWK 406 | Sr Field Pract & Integ Sem II | 4 | |
| Description of course Sr Field Pract & Integ Sem II : | See description for SOWK 405. SOWK 406 is the spring course. Concurrent registration in SOWK 402 is required. | ||
| SOWK 416 | Child Welfare Policy | 4 | |
| Description of course Child Welfare Policy : | This course is designed to give students an overview of important topics in child welfare practice and policy. Students will be asked to examine their own values about orientations toward child welfare, children’s rights and responsibilities, the nature of maltreatment, and other issues facing the field today, as they affect diverse families. Additionally, students will be given tools to advocate for children, and an opportunity to exercise new advocacy skills. *Only offered at St. Thomas. | ||
| SOWK 430 | Ldrshp, Advocacy & Fundraising | 4 | |
| Description of course Ldrshp, Advocacy & Fundraising : | The purpose of this class is to provide students with an overview of key elements of supporting and expanding programs in nonprofit agencies. Topics covered include nonprofit governance and administrative structures, fundraising, program design and development, philanthropy, supervision of paid staff and volunteers, and grant-writing and program evaluation. An emphasis will be placed on linking agency work and agency mission. The course will emphasize application and synthesis of course concepts through community-based projects. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing | ||
| SOWK 476 | Experiential Learning | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Experiential Learning : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 483 | Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Seminar : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 484 | Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Seminar : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 485 | Seminar | 4 | |
| Description of course Seminar : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 486 | Seminar | 4 | |
| Description of course Seminar : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 487 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 488 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 489 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 490 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| SOWK 491 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||
| SOWK 495 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | See the description of these courses at the beginning of the “Curricula” section of this catalog. | ||