The University of South Dakota

Overview

• Our social work program is the only accredited Social Work program in public higher education in South Dakota
• The program emphasizes social work in rural settings resulting in graduates who are well-prepared for rural and indigenous populations
• The undergraduate program prepares students for entry-level professional practice and provides educational preparation for graduate education
• The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced, autonomous social work practice

Student Organizations

• Social Work Student Club is open to all social work majors and other interested students. This group sponsors social work student activities such as, food drives, clothing drives, speaker's bureau, Social Work Month, internship/job fairs and other activities
• NASW (National Association of Social Workers) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. Two students are elected each year to serve on the South Dakota Chapter of NASW

Beyond The Classroom

• Field trips provide opportunities for observation in real-world settings and the opportunity to learn about the profession in a number of activities and organizations
• Volunteer experiences during the sophomore year

Mission

• Our mission is to prepare students with critical thinking, knowledge, values, ethics, and skills for professional and competent generalist practice and advance practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Graduates are prepared for entry level and advanced professional social work positions and for graduate social work programs

Accreditation

• The program received accreditation at the baccalaureate level from the Council on Social Work Education in 1974 and has been reaccredited continually since that time