Program Overview

In 1990 the Minnesota State University Board and the Minnesota State University’s Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a social work major at SMSU and the major was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1996 (retroactive to 1992). The SMSU Social Work Program prepares students to become competent entry-level social work practitioners in a wide range of settings, with emphasis on direct service. The accredited major meets one of the requirements for social work licensure, which is required to practice social work in most settings in Minnesota. The preparation of students for generalist practice to entry-level positions is the primary function of the program. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, values and skills necessary to practice on an entry-level with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of practice settings. The curriculum of the baccalaureate social work program gives students the professional foundation necessary for advanced graduate study in social work. The field education component provides opportunities for students to consider personal and professional options regarding specialization and graduate education.

The undergraduate social work curriculum provides a professional foundation that builds on a liberal arts base and interdisciplinary coursework with an intensive core of social work classes and field practice experience. Students complete a 440-hour field practicum in a social services organization. Students integrate theoretical knowledge, values exploration, and skills development in applying a generalist model of social work practice.

Information on the social work profession, social work careers, and social work licensing in Minnesota can be found on the National Association of Social Workers Web sites at http://www.naswdc.org and http://www.socialwork.state.mn.us.