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Frequently Asked Questions for students can be found here.
As a social worker at heart, you possess the dream and drive to provide compassionate services that help change lives. The lives of people in your community can become difficult for many reasons. No matter your focus, a social work degree from Clarke University will help you lead change for individuals, families, and communities. With a Clarke social work degree, you’ll obtain tangible skills and hands-on experience to make a difference in the lives of others. Clarke’s social work major requires understanding in psychology, sociology, biology, and spirituality. In Clarke’s school of social work, you’ll learn theory, research, and practice skills from a diverse group of experienced faculty members. This background serves as a foundation for the many fields of professional social work. Please visit Clarke’s campus in Dubuque, Iowa, to see for yourself how outstanding our social work program truly is.
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.
Jet Setter
There are many angles when you ask yourself to consider how to become a social worker. In addition to serving locally in Iowa and nationally, travel abroad or service learning is an integral part of the Clarke social work degree experience. You’ll be able to arrange your schedule to travel abroad, an experience that enlightens you to different cultures and broadens your mind. Previous travel programs have included Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. You will gain knowledge of other less advantaged areas and how to help those individuals within their reach. Nothing is as invaluable as hands-on, interactive, in-the-field research and service. You will get that with Clarke’s bachelor of social work.
Clarke’s Bachelor of Social Work program focuses on helping you build the practical skills and knowledge needed to be an ethical and competent practitioner. Our CSWE-accredited program includes 400+ hours of field experience and invaluable face-to-face interaction to help you prepare for the real-world practice and state license. You’ll study topics such as policy and advocacy, diversity, human behavior in the social environment, and crisis management.
With our BSW deree, you’ll perform research for area social service agencies early in your program of study and earn your final eight credits working in a human service agency under the supervision of professional, close-knit staff.
The use of technology is an important vehicle to offer in the school of social work services. The Clarke’s BSW degree program teaches the use of technology to help you provide enhanced services through multiple formats and geographic locations, expanding the reach and effectiveness of social service programs.
Cool classes
Social Work with Individuals — Introduction to the professional practice of social work with an emphasis development of written and oral communication skills through the use of interviewing, role plays, videotaping, and case studies.
Issues in Social Work Practice — An analysis of various social work topic areas including Child Welfare, Death and Dying, Social Work in Health, and Social Work in Older Adults.
Community Organization — Exploration of the aspect of generalist practice involving proactive responding to large groups, communities, and organizations.
Rewarding careers
Careers available in social work in Iowa, nationally, and worldwide:
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Master of Social Work Degree (MSW)
Think ahead beyond your BSW degree. Clarke offers both a bachelor of social work degree and a master of social work degree. Students with a bachelor of social work degree can enter graduate school with advanced standing and receive a master of social work degree In just one year. This is one of the many qualities that makes Clarke’s social work major one of the best schools for social work.
MSW Pathways
Clarke University offers multiple high quality pathways to a Master of Social Work degree, making our program one of the best social work programs available. Our MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is focused on integrated health social work practice with particular attention to rural areas. Clarke’s MSW program develops mindful, engaged social workers who are prepared to competently serve their communities, responsibly engage in advocacy, and compassionately bend the arc of the universe towards justice. Clarke’s social work degree program prepares students through academically rigorous coursework and provides rich field experiences in a wide variety of settings. The MSW offers flexibility in scheduling to work with your needs as a student whether you need part-time, full-time, weekdays, or weekends.
MSW Pathway Options:
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.
It is a privilege to teach, to walk briefly with students on their journey through Clarke. I believe it must begin with the student’s reality. My responsibility is to listen carefully to each student, teach, and guide. In all things I strive to be consistent in my expectations and my presence emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.
I am always prepared to share knowledge, to facilitate discussion and activities, to provide learning opportunities, and to evaluate the course and students’ effort.
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.
I strive to create a classroom environment built upon respect and dignity.
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.
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.
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.
The Social Work Club raises awareness for social justice issues and strives to alleviate social injustices through community service.
What can I do with a degree in this major?
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.
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.
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.
Average salary for a social worker in 2018.
Employment for social workers is projected to increase overall by 11% by 2028, 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.
The one-to-one learning that happens at Clarke means students succeed at securing internships and career opportunities.
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.
