Social Work Major
Our social work major focuses on applied sociology and sociological theories. Students can expect to apply those theories to help solve human problems in a practical setting. We focus on bettering the world around us through improving the lives of those around us.
Program Details
Program Overview
The Social work major involves the application of sociological research, theories and evaluation tools, as well as specific courses geared toward working with individuals and communities. This major is designed for you if you are interested in careers in community organization and social services, or in preparing for graduate study. Social work studies are highly compatible with majors or minors in other disciplines such as business, criminal justice, nursing, and psychology and also offer you opportunities for real-world applications through field experience.
Program Concentrations
This program is made up of the following concentrations. Learn more about concentrations.Concentration Overview
This concentration focuses on how intersections of race, gender, class, and other significant social locations shape social identity and inequality. Students in this concentration area learn to interrogate the complicated ways that human behavior is shaped by both structure and agency through a variety of theoretical vantage points with an emphasis on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and gender.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentration Overview
The Social Work concentration involves the application of sociological research, theories, and evaluation tools, as well as specific courses geared toward working with individuals and communities. This major concentration is appropriate for students interested in future work in public and private agencies, as preparation for work as a licensed social worker, for graduate studies in social work, or work in public and/or business administration.
Concentrations on this page are required for this program. Additional courses or concentrations may need to be added to meet program or credit requirements.
Program Coursework
- Applied Statistics
- Black and Latinx Identities in Pop Culture
- Social Psychology
- Racial and Ethnic Groups
- Sociology of the Body
- Special Areas in Sociology
- Social Welfare Policy and Social Welfare
- Social Work Practice Methods I
- Social Work Practice Methods II
- Social Work Practice Methods III
- Sociology Field Experience (Internship)
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Liberal Arts Core
LEADERSHIP: 4 credits
- Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
- Spiritual & Ethical Literacy (3 cr.)
- Personal Branding Communication (3 cr.)
- Writing for the 21st Century (3 cr.)*
- Quantitative Problem Solving (3 cr.)*
- Language & Culture (3 cr.)
CORE LITERACIES: 15 credits – Choose one (1) course from each broad theme. Course options can be found in the course catalog or on the academic advising page. Broad themes are:
- Narratives of Identity (3 cr.)
- Science, Environment & Culture (3 cr.)
- Social Tensions (3 cr.)
- The American Experience (3 cr.)
- Approving the Better Things (3 cr.)
Professional Core
Culminating Experience
- Pre-Internship
- Internship
- Capstone
Experiential Learning
Our program offers the unique opportunity to have in depth knowledge and experience through internships.
All applications are focused around creating a caring community.
Internship sites may include:
- Civitas Law Group, INC
- Dismas Ministry
- Milwaukee Justice Center
- Olympus Group
- Pathfinders
- Sojourner Family Peace Center
- United Community Center
- Wisconsin Early Autism Project
- Walker's Point Youth and Family Center
Job Opportunities
Interested in improving the lives of others?
Social work is a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% employment growth rate for all social workers from 2019-29, outpacing the average employment estimates for other fields.
Source: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Earning a bachelor or associate degree in social work can open entry-level opportunities and specialties' such as:
- Child and Family Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Social Worker
Other programs to consider:
Contact admissions or the program faculty with questions about this program.
Amber S. Tucker
Faculty - Sociology
