Social Work

Overview

Are you an individual that wants to help create society-level change? Are topics related to alcohol and drug addiction, poverty, homelessness, abuse, and racial inequalities compelling issues that tug at your heart? If so, a major in social work may be a great fit.

As a social worker, you can create policy programs, research social issues, ignite and support social movements, counsel people, or connect them to needed social services. Whether you’re working directly with individuals or creating change through policy and advocacy, you can be part of creating a more just society where people thrive and have access to the support and resources they need through the social work profession.

Social work can also be an ideal program for those interested in careers in counseling or therapy. Bachelor’s of Social Work graduates are eligible for advanced placement in any Master’s of Social Work graduate program, which means accelerated completion of the program in as little as one year. 

Accredited
Program

UW-Superior’s social work program is the only Council of Social Work Education accredited public undergraduate program in Wisconsin within a 150-mile radius of Superior, WI.

Internship
Opportunities

During their senior year, each social work student spends at least 450 hours interning under the supervision of a social work professional.

Advanced Placement

Bachelor’s of Social Work graduates qualify for advanced placement in any Master’s of Social Work program, meaning accelerated completion in as little as one year.

What You’ll Learn

The mission of the UW-Superior social work program is to prepare generalist social workers who are self-aware and ethical in practice with diverse populations, and who focus on empowerment, social justice, cultural relevance, and rejection of oppressive systems.

Through a major in social work at UW-Superior, you will be prepared for:

• Entry-level social work positions grounded in generalist practice working with individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities.
• Inclusive practice with diverse, underrepresented and vulnerable groups in society
• Ethical and principled decision-making guided by the profession’s values and standards
• Recognizing and applying social justice principles
• Life-long learning to maintain competence
• Activities that promote social justice and change

Program Outcomes/Career Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment for social workers will grow faster than average during the next decade.

Our students have found successful careers in a variety of positions including:

• Case manager
• Child welfare specialist
• Community health worker
• Family social worker
• Human services assistant
• Patient advocate
• School social worker
• Social service assistant
• Substance abuse counselor
• Youth counselor
• Clinical therapist (post-MSW)

Admissions Requriements

To seek formal admission to the program’s cohort (method courses), a student must submit an application packet to the Social Work Program Coordinator, usually during the spring semester of the sophomore year. This applies to students transferring to UW-Superior as well. Admission requirements include:

• A grade of C or better in SOW 121 Introduction to Social Work or an equivalent course of Introduction to Human Services
• A grade of C or better in either PSYC 101 or SOCI 101
• An overall grade point average of at least 2.3 at the time of admission to the cohort
• Demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession of social work according to Admission/Continuation Competencies listed in the Social Work Student Handbook and assessed in a 30-minute interview with a Social Work Faculty Review Committee

Accreditation

• UW-Superior’s social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and is the only accredited public undergraduate program within a 150-mile radius.
• During senior year, each social work student spends at least 450 hours interning under the supervision of a social work professional.
• The Social Work Student Association provides opportunities to attend social work conferences and seminars as well as other leadership opportunities.
• In addition to teaching, all of our faculty members maintain social work licensure and continue in community practice.
• The Social Work Program completes an annual evaluation to stay current and meet Council of Social Work Education requirements.
• Council on Social Work Education Program Assessment and Outcome Data 2022/2023 Form AS-4(B)