Do you have a passion for working with people and advancing social justice? Are you interested in preparing for one of the fastest growing careers in the nation? Then the social work major is the program for you! You'll learn to promote social justice and social change while recognizing and honoring differences in our local, national, and global communities.
Program Details
Get Hands-On Experience and Teaching Grounded in Social Justice
Our social work curriculum is grounded in social justice.
Field education is where social work theory meets practice in real-world settings. As a junior and senior with a major in social work, you’ll gain hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of settings, including case management, community education and organizing, crisis intervention, policy and planning, group counseling — and more — with children, adults, families, groups, and communities.
Through social work coursework, you will develop knowledge and skills in social welfare policy and advocacy, community outreach, communication and interviewing skills, case management and basic counseling, social work research, group work, strengths-based intervention, and support for individuals, families, and communities.

Social work is a licensed profession. Our Bachelor of Social Work students gain real-world experience with a licensed social worker during 400 hours of field placement and graduate prepared to take the licensure exam required to practice social work in Minnesota. We prepare generalist social workers committed to professional ethics and values, service, social justice, and human rights. You will be prepared for careers in
- child, family, and school social work
- social work within hospitals and clinics
- community organizing and social justice
- social action organizations
- gerontological social work
- hospice and palliative care
- justice and corrections
- community mental health
- social services administration
- work with military, veterans, and their families
- chemical dependency and substance abuse
- crisis intervention
- the private sector
Program Accreditation
St. Kate's bachelor of social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.