Department of Social Work

Professional social workers are uniquely trained to maximize the opportunity for change in both individual and environmental situations. Social workers promote social justice by creating alternatives for assessment and intervention and helping clients and communities cope effectively with external factors that affect the situation or outlook.

Professional ethics are at the core of social work. As a USD social work student, you will learn how to incorporate the values of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics into your practice.

• Help people in need.
• Address social problems.
• Challenge social injustice.
• Respect the inherent dignity and worth of a person.
• Recognize the central importance of human relationships.
• Demonstrate trustworthiness.
• Develop and enhance your professional expertise. 

Our undergraduate (B.S.S.W.) and graduate (M.S.W.) programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The M.S.W. program is the first of its kind in the state of South Dakota.