UW-Superior offers a Social Work major that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program uses an ethnic-sensitive, ecological approach that educates and prepares entry-level social workers for effective direct practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, institutions and communities. The program has a generalist focus, which is nationally viewed as the most suitable broad preparation for entry-level social workers. Specific areas of concern are the well being of regional Native American people and communities, elderly persons, persons with developmental disabilities, and persons with mental health issues.

Respecting and celebrating diversity is an inherent part of the mission of the UW-Superior Social Work program and is a central theme of service when social workers are working in the community. In promoting the dignity, worth and empowerment of the individual client, while working to improve and sustain the social environment, our program seeks to strengthen students' interest in, respect for, and skills in working effectively with diverse and vulnerable populations. Our program also seeks to sensitize and prepare students to help service systems toward constructive change when relating to diverse populations.

• Students gain extensive hands-on experience. During their senior year, each social work student spends at least 450 hours interning under supervision of a social work professional.
  
• Our program was first accredited in 1978 and has been regularly reaccredited since then. It is the only accredited public undergraduate program within a 150-mile radius. Graduating from an accredited program means you're ready to assume professional responsibilities and prepared for advanced placement in graduate school.
  
• Graduates of our program are eligible to take the Wisconsin Social Work Certification and the Minnesota Social Work Licensure tests.
  
• Students may have the opportunity to participate in international internship and immersion experiences.
  
• Students can participate in international internship and immersion experiences in Costa Rica, Bosnia, Sri Lanka and other areas.
  
• The ethnic-sensitive focus of our curriculum provides valuable knowledge and understanding of diversity issues.
  
• Our faculty and staff are experienced in working with transfer students -- one-third of social work students come from other schools.
  
• Students learn to recognize and apply social justice principles in practice situations calling for social change and advocacy.
  
• Students are prepared for ethical decision-making guided by the values, principles and standards of the social work profession.
  
• Many of our social work students -- including many non-traditional students -- come from this region and return to their hometowns to work.
  
• Students learn to apply critical thinking skills in problem solving with social work values and ethics, human diversity issues, the dynamics of discrimination and oppression, social and economic justice, and interactions among systems.
  
• The Social Work program supports campus, local, regional and international constituencies with research, continuing education, consultation and assistance, which promote social justice and social development.
  
• The Social Work Student Association provides opportunities to attend social work conferences and seminars as well as leadership opportunities.
  
• The program prepares students for continuing professional development, including future graduate study.

What can you do with a degree in Social Work from UW-Superior?

Social work graduates practice in a wide range of settings, including local, regional and state social service agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, church-based assistance programs, reservation human service agencies, public health organizations, schools and many more. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment for social workers will grow faster than average over the next decade. Competition for jobs is expected in cities, but opportunities should be good in rural areas. Employers seek people who can work in a variety of environments with people who have a range of personalities, backgrounds and experiences.

Find out more about the Social Work Program by talking to our faculty:

Elizabeth Blue
Phone:715-394-8131
Email: eblue@uwsuper.edu

Mimi Rappley Larson
Phone: 715-394-8436
Email: mlarson@uwsuper.edu

Lynn Amerman Goerdt
Phone: 715-394-8158
Email: lgoerdt@uwsuper.edu

Monica Roth Day
Phone: 715-394-8486
Email: mrothday@uwsuper.edu