Social Work Department
- Overview
Students in social work are preparing to engage in professional practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students learn to become skilled at designing change strategies with clients that promote individual change, social justice, and empowerment. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, agency practicum, social work skills development, history of social work and social welfare in the United States, analysis of social welfare policy, and social science research. In and out of the classroom, students study privilege and oppression and engage with diverse communities. In the end, our students are prepared to practice in multi-cultural settings.
Those graduating with a social work major receive a Bachelor of Science degree in social work and are eligible to apply for licensure as a generalist social worker. Students interested in a graduate degree in social work (MSW) are encouraged to apply to our Master of Social Work program. The undergraduate degree provides transferable credits toward the foundation year of an MSW program, reducing the number of credits needed. Both the baccalaureate and graduate social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Social work graduates embody the Augsburg College motto, “Education for Service.” One example of this motto in action is the extensive service learning and practica assignments embedded in the social work curriculum. Students begin service learning early in their major and engage in over 400 hours of agency based training, supervised by licensed social workers. The Twin Cities offers a variety of innovative and professional programs and agencies. Students are encouraged to train with and learn from these local, regional, and national leaders in social work.
