Liz Wagner, MSW
Director of BSW/Instructor of Social Work
A Social Welfare minor really adds extra quality to a myriad of degree types, from psychology to education. It provides a good base of knowledge in Social Work.
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, physical therapy) 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 225, SW 231 and SW 235 can be taken concurrently.
- 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
Minors help students acquire knowledge which supports their major and adds breadth to their education. Students generally obtain a minor by completing 21 semester hours in that field. Course descriptions can be found under the appropriate departmental heading. Consult with your advisor to apply for a minor field of study.
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
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.
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.
Amanda Greubel, DSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
As a social work educator my ultimate goal is to light a fire for social justice in my students. That fire has been stoked in me as a learner by experiences that challenge me to engage in a new way – understanding a different perspective, seeing an unexpected relevance to my own life, or exposing an unanticipated opportunity for action.
Experience Clarke Social Welfare for Yourself
