Bachelor of Social Work
Our social work program uses Christian service, quality research, and hands-on learning to grow you as a competent professional.
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Using your God-given gifts to help those in need
If you have a heart for helping those in need, then consider becoming a social worker who gives hope, serves others and changes lives. The Social Work Program at CUAA will prepare you to make a difference with communities, families and individuals. Concordia's BSW integrates faith with service and provides an opportunity to use your God-given gifts to serve God and neighbor, and have a fulfilling career.
$1000s in new scholarships available for this program.
View ScholarshipsOnline Courses Available
Please note: this program is offered online through our sister campus at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Let’s talk about the long term. Upon graduation you’ll have acquired the skills and knowledge and a year of practice experience to immediately enter into generalist professional practice. So, how do you get there? Everything that you learn will be centered around the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) nine competencies. They include: demonstrating professional behavior, advancing human rights, using practice-informed research and research-informed practice, and engaging with a diverse range of people.
What makes us unique? Simple. Our philosophy of education. We believe that Christian service, quality research, and hands-on learning are the best ingredients for your growth as a competent professional. You’ll learn comprehensive methods in providing support and counsel to individuals, families, and groups, communities and organizations in need.
The Concordia University BSW mission is to prepare graduates for baccalaureate level, generalist social work practice and graduate level education. Our program is delivered within the context of Christian faith, in which we hold all people to be created equally in the image of God, while honoring our professional social work values of advocacy, service, justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.
Graduates will be prepared to work inter-professionally with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels from an anti-oppressive and person-in-environment framework. Our graduates will be strengths-based, ethically-grounded, culturally-responsive, equity-driven, and human rights-centered.
To fulfill this mission, the CUW Social Work program is based on CSWE’s nine competencies:
- Demonstrate Ethical & Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Areas of Practice
BSW’s are valued by employers. The BSW program educates students for professional Social Work practice and prepares them for entry level positions in all areas of Social Work and social service professions.
- Addictions
- Aging
- Criminal Justice
- Probation services
- Police and government agencies
- Juvenile Justice programs
- Family & Children Services
- Children & youth services
- Child welfare agencies
- Domestic violence programs
- Family services
- Human trafficking services
- Health Care
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Public Health
- Inter-Professional Health Education and Services
- Hospitals
- Medical care
- Psychological care
- Emergency Care
- Rehabilitation Services
- Mental Health
- Mental health services
- Developmental Disabilities
- Community Mental Health Services
- Schools
- School Social Work (elementary & secondary)
- Day Care Centers
- Special Education
- Social Welfare
- Community action agencies
- Homeless Shelters and Services
- Residential Treatment Programs
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is all about applying what you learn in the classroom to real life. You will participate in a year-long, professionally-supervised internship experience and complete 450 hours. We encourage you to explore many options for your field experience and remain open to the unknown. Field experience is an integral part of becoming a social worker. It not only allows you to explore the diverse opportunities that are offered in social work practice, but it allows you to discover your strengths, assets and passion. As a CUW student intern, you get to develop and demonstrate your abilities under the supervision of professionals. To heighten this experience, you’ll participate in weekly mentoring seminars with experienced faculty to debrief and analyze specific events. Learn more about field work in our manual and potential fieldwork experience locations.
Complementary Majors/Minors
Social work majors have the option of working creatively with their advisors to design individualized degree options for double majors and/or minors. Some of the options have included:- Public Health
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Lay Ministry Certification
- Music
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Science
- Spanish
FIVE YEAR BSW TO MSW
Students who graduate from CUW with a BSW can apply for advanced standing in our Master in Social Work program. This progam is primarily online allowing you maximum flexibility. Learn more today!
Program Format
To better serve our students, we have two types of BSW program formats and admission processes.
- Our traditional undergraduate program is for a student who is looking for an academic experience on campus and during the day.
- Our online program is created to offer flexibility for working adults who are looking for a non-traditional format to continue their education.
Hear from our faculty:
Your classes will consist of understanding human behavior, policy, ethics, the use of theory in practice, research and how to build relationships with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Guess what? That is exactly what you’ll be further developing through your field experience/internship. This significant requirement helps you prepare for your first professional position by allowing you to apply your knowledge, values and skills in a real-world setting. Our faculty will give you the tools needed for generalist, social work practice within the context of faith and service to others.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Ann Arbor
- Online
Please note: this program is offered online through our sister campus at Concordia University Wisconsin.
To better serve our students we have two types of BSW program formats and admission processes.
- Our traditional undergraduate program is for a student who is looking for an academic experience on campus and during the day.
- Our online program is created to offer flexibility for working adults who are looking for a non-traditional format to continue their education.
For first-time freshmen and transfer students:
- Submit your online application
- Send Official High School Transcripts (College Transcripts if Applicable).
- Send your official ACT or SAT scores
For those that would like to be considered as test optional in the admissions process, please contact your Admission Counselor. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an ACT/SAT. You will receive an email and a phone call from your dedicated Admission Counselor. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions regarding the application process. We review each application on an individual basis using a holistic approach.
Declaring Social Work as a Major
Students cannot enroll in upper division Social Work courses or begin a field placement until they have completed the application (below) and been accepted into the upper division program.
Prior to official acceptance into Upper Division Status, students are expected to take the two introductory social work courses, SW 1110 (Social Work & Social Welfare) and SW 1200 (Introduction to Child Welfare) during their freshman and sophomore years. Students must receive at least a "B-" in all social work courses. Students who receive at least a “B” in all Social Work courses may be eligible for advanced standing in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Complete an Application for Admission into Upper Division Status in the Social Work Major. A completed application includes:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a B- or better in all social work classes
- A completed Upper Division Application (information should be as of fall semester)
- A completed Personal Narrative
- Ability to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication
- Provide a copy of current academic transcript from CU Portal and spring schedule
- A completed resume reviewed and signed off by your Academic and Career Advisor
- An interview with the BSW Program Director and/or Admissions Committee if needed
Application materials are due the first Friday in February of the sophomore year. Upper Division classes will begin the fall semester of junior year and will take four semesters to complete.
Entrance Requirements
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required
- If Undergraduate GPA is less than 2.5, an essay is required
- If less than 60 transferrable Undergraduate credits, an official high school transcript or proof of GED must also be submitted
- If high school GPA is less than 2.5, an essay is required
Admission Process for Accelerated Programs
- Application form available at: www.cuw.edu/apply
- Select Adult Accelerated Undergraduate option
-
One page essay describing your reason for obtaining this degree
-
Essay should include your reason for obtaining this degree and why you choose to pursue your degree at Concordia University
-
Acceptance into the program
- An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number
- An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details
- Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to Blackboard, Concordia Email and your student portal
- Academic Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the CUW student portal, and assist with registering for classes
Please Note:
- ACT and SAT scores are not required.
- Complete application for Uncommon Scholarship if you qualify
Contact us
Accelerated Admissions
For additional information, please contact admission@cuw.edu or call 262-243-4300
Our Social Work program at CUW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Why is this important? Graduating from a CSWE accredited school is necessary for you to take the exam for Social Work licensing. Being a licensed social worker allows you to practice as a professional with the title of Social Worker and allows you to gain Advanced Standing in future social work graduate programs. In other words, accreditation ought to be a weighty factor when selecting a school. It is worth noting that CUW is one of only two schools in the Concordia University system with an accredited social work program.
The Department of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Department will, under no circumstances, give credit for prior work or life experiences. This is in compliance with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standard 3.1.5.r
Click here to view our Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes and our Student Handbook.States have established standards of practice for the social work profession. While at the present time, we cannot provide a particular state’s educational requirements for licensing, we can assure you that we will provide you with the contact information for the state licensing board for the state in which you are doing study.
Wisconsin Social Work licensing requirements can be found here:
Lisa Adams-Qualls
Ph.D., SAC
Assistant Professor
Office: Regents' Hall 002B
Phone: (262) 243-2207
Education
- Ph D - Social Work, Capella University (2003)
- BS - Social Work, Tennessee State University (1998)
- Social Work, University of Kentucky (1999)
Research Interests
- School Based Mental Health Clinics
Teaching Interests
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
Sara E. Casali
DSW, MSW, CSW
Director - Field Education & MSW Field Coordinator, Associate Professor
Office: Health Services H 210
Phone: (262) 243-2189
Bio
Dr. Sara Casali is an Associate Professor, Director of Field Education, and MSW Field Coordinator for the Department of Social Work. She has over 25 years of direct social work experience and almost twenty years experience working in child welfare. Dr. Casali completed her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from the University of St. Thomas. Her teaching and research interests include Intersectionality, Field Seminar, child welfare, and custody and placement studies for family courts. Dr. Casali is married with twin sons and enjoys cooking, gardening, practicing yoga, and golf.
Education
- DSW - Social Work, University of St. Thomas (2022)
- BA - Social Work, Marquette University (1997)
- Masters of Social Work, University Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2001)
Contributions
- Casali, S. (2022). MSW Field Syllabi Analysis: The Crossroads of Intersectionality and Social Work Field Education. In Amy Skeen (Ed.), (Fall 2022 ed.,vol. 12.2,pp. 18). Boston, MA: Field Educator. https://fieldeduc...
Presentations
- Casali, S. (2023). Intersectionality: Why it Should Matter to Social Work Education. Oral Presentation. WCSWE Fall Conference. Wisconsin Dells.
- Casali, S. (2023). Social Location: Why it Should Matter to Social Work Education.. Oral Presentation. Concordia Faculty Seminars. Mequon, WI/Online.
- Casali, S. (2022). Feminist Peer Mentorship in Doctoral Programs: Supporting the Next Generation of Students. Poster. Leading Critical Conversations: Human Rights are Global Rights. Anaheim, CA.
- Casali, S. (2022). Intersectionality and MSW Field Education and Seminar Syllabi: Opportunities for Improvement. Poster. Leading Critical Conversations: Human Rights are Global Rights. Anaheim, CA.
- Casali, S. (2021). Intersectionality: What does it mean for social work education and educators? . Poster. "Leading Critical Conversations: Racial, Economic, & Environmental Justice". Orlando, FL.
Research Interests
- Intersectionality
- Child Custody Studies in Family Court
Teaching Interests
- Intersectionality
- Field Seminar
Sarah Collins
DSW, MSW
Director - MSW Program, Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2191
Education
- DSW - Social Work, University of Thomas- St. Catherine's University (2017)
- BA - Psychology, Marquette University (1998)
- Social Work, Dominican University (2007)
Presentations
- Collins, S. (2023). From Global to Local: International Conversations on Social Work. Lecture. Wiscosnin Council on Social Work Education (WICSWE). Wisconsin Deels.
- Collins, S. & Verdegan, R. (2022). Changing Student Perceptions of Professional Stereotypes During an Interprofessional Event. Lecture. Lily Conference. Traverse City, Michigan.
- Collins, S. (2022). A Pandemic-Inspired International Social Work Education Lecture Series. Lecture. Lily Conference. Traverse City, Michigan.
- Collins, S. (2021). Exploring the Impact of Covid-19 on Social Work Students at Concordia . Poster. Faculty Scholarship Week. Mequon/Ann Arbor-Zoom.
- Collins, S. (2019). Interprofessional Education, Collaboration and Practice. Lecture. Crossroads in Social Work. Linz, Austria.
Research Interests
- Human Trafficking, International Interprofessional Education, Interprofessional Education and Practice
Teaching Interests
- Human Trafficking, Interprofessional Education and Practice, International Social Work, Child Welfare, Youth and Technology, Refugee Settlement, Social Welfare Policy
Claire Adeline Haglund
PhD, LMSW, MMT
Assistant Professor
Office: Krieger 105
Phone: (734) 995-7446
Bio
Professor Haglund earned her PhD from the Institute for Clinical Social Work. She also works in the field clinically, focusing on trauma, grief/loss, and chronic illness.
Education
- Ph D - Clinical Social Work , Institute for Clinical Social Work (2023)
- MS - Social Work , Wayne State University (2015)
- BS - Social Work, Music Therapy, Women and Gender Studies , Eastern Michigan University (2014)
Research Interests
- Psychodynamic Theory
- Music Therapy
Teaching Interests
- Research
- Clinical Social Work and Social Justice Intersections
Andrew W. Hayes
MBA, MSSW
Assistant Professor
Office: Heidelberg Hall 210
Phone: (262) 243-2159
Research Interests
- Resilience and Anti-Fragility
- Aging and Behavioral Health
Teaching Interests
- Social Services Management
- Behavioral Health
Kari Leigh Klatt
MSW, CAPSW
Coordinator - BSW Field
Office: Heidelberg Hall 210
Phone: (262) 243-4538
Education
- MS - Social Work , University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (2014)
- BA - Social Welfare and Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (1999)
- Theology, Concordia University - St. Paul (2004)
Research Interests
- Social work field instructor training and student outcomes
- Human rights based social work field education
Teaching Interests
- BSW Field Work
- Trauma
Nichole Marie Ostrowski
MSW, CAPSW
Director - BSW Program Director, Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2166
Education
- BA - Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (2002)
- Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2010)
Research Interests
- Trauma Informed Care
- Child Welfare and Out-of-Home Care
Interprofessional Education (IPE) at CUW provides opportunities for students enrolled in health and human services programs to learn and train together. The goal is for collaborative learning, where students build their IPE communication skills, as well as knowledge base and understanding of other health and human service specialties, in order to fully appreciate how interprofessional education and practice positively impacts and nurtures patient-centered care. Learn more about our program!
BSW Student Material
Other Websites
- CSWE - Council on Social Work Education
- NASW - National Association of Social Workers
- NASW - Wisconsin Chapter
- NACSW - North American Association of Christians in Social Work
- IFSW - International Federation of Social Workers
- DSPS - Department of Safety and Professional Services
- DSPS - Social Workers
- AWSB - Association of Social Work Boards