Mary Gitau, 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.
Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
The Social Work Department at Clarke University prepares students for professional careers that carry out the values of the university’s mission – to promote diversity and global awareness, advocate for social justice and assist in the empowerment of individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities. With a social work degree from Clarke, you will obtain skills and hands-on experience to make a difference in the lives of others. The BSW program at Clarke University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Students must formally apply for admission to the BSW program through the Social Work Department. Students will typically apply during their sophomore year when they are enrolled in SW 231: Human Behavior and the Social Environment. The application timeline may vary for students who switch majors or transfer to Clarke. Additional application requirements are listed in the BSW Student Handbook.
Social Work Degree Specifics
In our social work degree program, classroom time is fast-paced and the work is rigorous. Students create close relationships within their cohorts and, after graduation, remain colleagues and networking teammates. In the social work major program, the academic work culminates in a 440-hour field practicum with an area agency. Clarke students graduate as competent professionals ready to work in a range of settings. With our bachelor of social work, you will become a leader in social work and a mentor to those who surround you.
Through evidence-based training, you’ll gain the insights and practical skills you need to pursue a career in a number of social work fields, from child welfare, family services, and elder care programs to mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and corrections services. You WILL make a difference with Clarke’s social work degree.
Rewarding Careers with Clarke’s Social Work Degree
Your Social Work degree opens the door to diverse employment opportunities like:
- Adoption and Foster Care Worker
- Agency Director
- Child Protective Worker
- Case Manager
- Community Organizer
- Correctional Officer
- Disability Support Worker
- Domestic Violence Advocate
- Family Service Worker
- Fundraiser/Grant Writer
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Group Worker
- Homelessness Outreach and Case Manager
- Juvenile Justice Worker
- Mental Health Assistant
- Policy Advocate
- Residential Case Worker
- Social Activist
- Youth Services Provider
Program Details
Clarke’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program focuses on helping build practical skills and knowledge needed to be an ethical and competent practitioner. Our CSWE-accredited program includes 440 hours of field practicum to help you prepare for future employment. In class, you will study topics such as social policy, research, diversity and privilege, and human behavior and the social environment.
With our BSW program, you’ll perform research for area social service agencies early in your program of study and earn eight credits working in a human service agency under the supervision of a professional social worker.
- Students spend their final one or two semesters learning and working at their field practicum.
- Students select from over 100 local agencies for their field practicum.
- Students are involved in service-learning projects each semester.
- Students with a BSW can enter graduate school with advanced standing and receive an MSW in one year.
Social Work Classes
Social Work with Individuals — Introduction to the professional practice of social work with an emphasis on development of written and oral communication skills through the use of interviewing, role plays, videotaping, and case studies.
Issues in Social Work Practice — Exploration of various social work topics including Child Welfare, Case Management, Social Justice, Spirituality in Social Work, and Family Violence.
Social Work with Communities and Organizations — Introduction to generalist practice working with large groups, communities, and organizations.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Program in Pictures
Social Work Degree students help with Hope House in Dubuque.
Clarke University Social Work Degree Graduates
Professor Rachel Daack introduces Inclusive Dubuque - Education Equity lecture to Social Work Students and Faculty members.
Clarke University Bachelors of Social Work Degree Students Studying
Social Work students describe the water crisis in Flint Michigan that started in 2014.
Social Work students were able to start a fundraising campaign for Flint Michigan.
Social Work students help with Hope House in Dubuque.
Professor Rachel Daack introduces Inclusive Dubuque - Education Equity lecture to Social Work Students and Faculty members.
Clarke University Social Work Degree Graduates
Bachelors of Social Work students help with Hope House in Dubuque.
Social Work students were able to start a fundraising campaign for Flint Michigan.
Inclusive Dubuque - Education Equity lectured to Social Work Students and Faculty members.
Social Work students help with Hope House in Dubuque.
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.
Samantha Hicks
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Director of Field Education
My love for social work expands with every student and community organization relationship I help to facilitate. Watching students grow and learn from their field education experiences excites me for the future of the social work field.
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.
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Study Abroad
Clarke University offers several faculty-sponsored study abroad experiences to destinations such as Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Study abroad trips encourage you to experience different cultures, broaden your mind, and discover your own passions.
Internships
You will learn by observation and participation at off-campus laboratories or field settings through internships and experiential education ventures. Internships often facilitate entrance into the job market and are highly recommended for acceptance into some graduate programs.
The Clarke Compass
Through your Clarke experience, you will be involved in many different activities that will guide you on your college journey. By your senior year, you will have a résumé of all your awesome involvements packaged and ready for your first interview.
Clubs & Organizations
The Social Work Club raises awareness for social justice issues and strives to alleviate social injustices through community service.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Suzie Stroud
Social Work ‘15, MSW '18
Finding my niche and having faculty support, encourage, and show genuine interest in me helped me realize, or re-discover, that I CAN accomplish things. I am currently employed at Crescent Community Health Center as a social worker and it is my passion.
Mackenzie Jaeger
Social Work '17, MSW '18
My educational experience in Clarke’s social work program greatly exceeded expectations by allowing me to learn from knowledgeable professors with years of experience. The small class sizes and individualized attention I received helped me to better develop my skill set to begin my Master of Social Work degree.
Elena Domingez
Social Work '20
My experience in working toward a bachelor’s degree in social work in Clarke’s program has been outstanding. I couldn’t ask for more qualified, professional, and knowledgeable professors from which to learn. After graduation I plan to continue to earn my MSW and will begin working locally, serving members of my community.
$50,470
Median salary for a social worker in Iowa in 2019.
13
%
Employment for social workers is projected to increase overall by 13% by 2029, and the need for health care, mental health, and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow at an even higher rate, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
9:1
Average student to faculty ratio. Intimate classroom setting and one-on-one attention from professors foster learning.
Accreditation
Clarke University’s social work program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, 1701 Duke St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Social Work for Yourself