At the University of South Dakota, the Master of Social Work 3+2 program provides an undergraduate foundation in sociology with graduate-level social work education, preparing students for careers supporting individuals, families and communities. The accelerated program, which was introduced in fall 2023, allows students to earn both degrees in five years instead of the traditional six by having 12 credit hours count towards both their undergraduate and master’s degree.

“Students who weren’t sure what to do with a sociology degree after graduation but knew they wanted to work with people, now see a clear path to becoming licensed social workers with their master’s degree while cutting out a whole year of expenses and time,” said Cheryl Hartman, Ph.D., M.A. ’97, senior lecturer at USD – Sioux Falls and sociology coordinator in the Department of Anthropology & Sociology. “Studying sociology gives students a foundation for social work, as it teaches them to see individual experiences within the larger social environments that shape those experiences. It’s rewarding to see students immerse themselves in the MSW 3+2 program, which leads them to a career they care about—working with people.”

USD students Morgan St. Aubin, Lyndsey Sutherland and Ruby Ferreria are developing the knowledge and perspectives they hope to carry into their future careers through the MSW 3+2 program.

We sat down with them to hear about their experience and to learn more about how sociology education connects with professional social work preparation.

What initially drew you to the MSW 3+2 program, and what made you decide this was the right path for you?

Ruby: I have a goal to get my master’s degree in social work and decided this program was the right path for me, solely based on my understanding that, in order to work with people, I need to know more and understand different people.

Morgan: What initially drew me to the MSW 3+2 program was that I could shave off a year of my master’s program, which was financially beneficial. This program allowed me to dedicate my time and credit hours to courses that were interesting to me while working towards an advanced degree that I would eventually need.

Lyndsey: What initially drew me to the MSW 3+2 program was that it would save me a whole year of schooling while working toward my graduate degree. I decided this was the right path for me when I saw that I could stay at USD – Sioux Falls for the entire program or complete it online if I wished. I also knew that I wanted to pursue social work, so combining my sociology education with an MSW felt like the right fit.

What have you enjoyed most about studying sociology and/or social work?

Ruby: I loved learning about sociology. All of the different classes available are so intriguing and so helpful; it’s interesting how they all connect in some way.

Morgan: What I enjoyed most about studying sociology was learning more about different populations and cultures. In terms of social work, I have loved continuing to learn more about different populations, while also learning more about therapeutic techniques, advocacy and learning to challenge myself to think more deeply about a person’s personal and environmental influences impacting their well-being.

Lyndsey: I have enjoyed how much I get to search for the answer to “why?” I love taking what I have learned and observing the world around me from a sociological viewpoint, asking questions like, “Why are more people choosing not to have children?” or “Why are people who are economically disadvantaged more prone to certain diseases?”

How has your sociology coursework influenced the way you think about social work and the communities you hope to serve?

Ruby: Sociology has influenced me to really look and think differently about people and groups, keep my mind open and notice how everything and everyone is different.

Morgan: My sociology coursework has benefitted me greatly in terms of learning social work values and courses. I have been able to apply past sociology knowledge to my social work classes and provide another perspective or elaborate on topics unknown to students now joining the MSW program.

Lyndsey: The courses have taught me to look at someone not only for who they are as a person, but also for how the world around them has shaped who they are. It has proven to me time after time that someone’s circumstances are greatly shaped by their relationships, occupation, class, race, education and so much more, making me realize that there are many people and communities that need support.

How do you think having both a sociology background and social work education will shape the kind of social worker you hope to become?

Ruby: It will help show that I understand and know how to be with people. With a social work education, I would know the inner workings and how to follow certain structures.

Morgan: Having a background in these fields of study will shape me into a well-rounded social worker with a deeper understanding of different populations and cultural considerations.

Lyndsey: A background in sociology and social work education will allow me to understand people from different perspectives and give me a deeper understanding of how their experiences and the world around them shape their lives. I will be able to use my sociological viewpoint to better understand the people I work with and my social work education to know how to best support them. I hope to carry both of these perspectives with me wherever my career takes me and use them to help people from every path of life.

How has being a student at USD prepared you for the next step, whether that’s continuing into the MSW program or entering the social work field?

Ruby: Being a student at USD has prepared me for the next step by giving me many skills that I can use in my day-to-day life and not just in the classroom. I have grown more communicative and trusting of myself on critical thinking skills.

Morgan: Being a USD MSW student has provided me with many opportunities to explore internships and future careers that I am interested in. My professors have also guided me on next steps, whether that is my Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice CSW-PIP license or if I continue to work for another organization. 

Lyndsey: USD has prepared me for the next step by teaching me to question what I see and think more critically about why people and situations are the way they are. My sociology education has given me a different way of looking at people and the world around them, and I know that perspective will follow me into the MSW program and throughout my career in social work.

What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned through the program that you think will stay with you in your career?

Ruby: I think, after completing year one, the most valuable thing I’ve learned is just that we as individuals are all capable of so much. We get to choose our own paths, and I think that is so powerful. It really makes me reflect and focus on the present, rather than stressing about what I cannot control.

Morgan: The most valuable thing I have learned is to meet clients where they’re at and to look at situations from all sides. Building rapport and truly seeing the whole picture is when healing and appropriate intervention begins.

Lyndsey: The most valuable thing I have learned is that sometimes it only takes one person to recognize and help someone get out of a tough situation. Whether it is bringing attention to a violent situation they are in, being the person who listens or advocates for them or simply helping them find appropriate resources, that support can make a huge difference. Knowing that I can and will be that one person will stay with me and drive me throughout my career.

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