Colleen Mahoney, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Social Work
My enthusiasm for my students’ ideals and potential, I hope, provides encouragement and inspiration for them to believe in themselves and begin to impact the world around them.
Social Welfare
Minor
The Social Welfare minor at Clarke University helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the social welfare system in the United States and the social issues facing social workers. The Social Welfare minor also introduces students to theories of human behavior, diversity, social justice, and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. The courses offered in the minor will acquaint students in other disciplines (e.g., sociology, psychology, health science, education, criminal justice, nursing) with the field of social work. The Social Welfare minor does not provide all the skills needed for actual social work practice but does provide a basic understanding of the profession of Social Work and provides some preparation for graduate studies in Social Work leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Individuals with a minor in Social Welfare minor have additional, highly sought-after skills that place them above their peers in the work world.
Program Details
What classes will you need?
A Social Welfare minor pairs nicely with many majors. For a minor in Social Welfare, a student completes 18 credits in the following courses with a grade of C- or better. While there are no prerequisites for these courses, the following sequence is preferred:
- SW 101 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work
- SW 225 Issues in Social Work Practice
- SW 231 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- SW 235 Diversity and Privilege
- SW 360 Practice I: Social Work with Individuals
- SW 385 Social Work with Communities and Organization
Interested in the Master of Social Work program?
Clarke University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program will accept 12 credits from the minor if students achieve a B or higher in the courses. This reduces the program’s 64 credit requirement for the MSW to 52 credits, placing you ahead of the game as a graduate student.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Tara Velez, MSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work; Director of Field Education
I strive to create a classroom environment built upon respect and dignity.
Mary Gatua, Ph.D.
Professor of Social Work
I am always prepared to share knowledge, to facilitate discussion and activities, to provide learning opportunities, and to evaluate the course and students’ effort.
Lydia Wong
Instructor of Social Work
I have found social work to be an immensely rewarding and yet significantly challenging career. My hope for students is to develop the skills and base of knowledge to find both fulfillment participating in the helping profession and the ability to overcome the challenges presented in it.
Jaimie O'Gara
Assistant Professor of Social Work
My goal as an educator is to prepare students to make a positive impact on the world. I strive to provide a supportive space where learning is student driven, diversity is celebrated, and critical thinking is required.
Experience Clarke Social Welfare for Yourself
