About This Program
The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program is a professional program that prepares you for immediate entry into generalist social work practice in a variety of human service settings. The curriculum has a special focus on social justice and services to American Indians and their communities. Graduates are prepared to work with a variety of different groups in a culturally responsive manner.
Initially admitted as pre-social work, you complete a secondary application to enroll in upper-level courses. Much of the BSW program can be completed in a hybrid format. You must be on campus for a portion of your social work courses and to satisfy your liberal education requirements.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Prepares you for practice in a variety of human service settings such as schools, mental health, tribal and county agencies, child welfare, healthcare, and community organizing
- Graduates can complete a Masterof Social Work degree in one calendar year
- Emphasis on working with American Indian communities.
- Dynamic practicum opportunities
- Associate Professor Nomi Ostrander received the 2025 Paul & Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice Research & Experiential Learning
Research & Experiential Learning
- Community mental health services
- Interaction of LGBTQIA+ communities and law enforcement
- Political polarization in social work
- Intersection of social workers’ values, beliefs, and ethics
- Sex research (e.g., sexual debut, sex practices)
- Transgender health services (e.g., gender affirming care, clinical approaches for transgender individuals and their families)
- Faculty facilitate student-centered learning in the classroom and in community field agency settings
Student Internships
- St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services
- Human Development Center
- Duluth Public Schools
- Cloquet Public Schools
- Life House
- Northwood Children’s Services
- Boys & Girls Club
- Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center
Potential Careers
- Child protection services
- Crisis intervention
- Hospice coordinator
- Victim advocate
- School social worker
- Youth program coordinator
Mental health social worker
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Services to aging populations
- Social and community service manager
- Clinical therapist/mental health clinician
- Executive director
- Veterans affairs social worker
Scholarships
The Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program promotes the development of generalist social workers to become leaders who are committed to pursuing culturally responsive practice as they serve children and families through county, state and tribal child welfare agencies, focusing on Northern Minnesota.
Get Involved
The Bachelor of Social Work Student Association (BSWSA) strives to build community within the social work program and provide outreach to the campus and local community through volunteering efforts and partnerships with other on-campus groups.
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.