Social Work (BA)

Graduating social work students are prepared to enter the profession in various positions and employment settings. They are also prepared to continue their education at the graduate level with a master’s degree in social work.

The full-time social work faculty members have doctorates in social work, and many years of clinical practice experience in the field. This enables them to connect theory and practice in the classroom by utilizing real-life examples. Social work courses are small with much individual attention and one-on-one interaction with your professors.

The social work degree and field experience will prepare you to work immediately after graduation. Many graduates find employment with the agency where they complete their field experience. If you plan a career in social work, we highly recommend that you complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Concordia students have attended graduate school at well-regarded institutions such as Washington University (St. Louis); University of Chicago; University of Illinois; Loyola University; University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan.

Employment for social workers is experiencing a growth trend, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects are favorable.

Other courses in the curriculum address ethical issues and social work values, methods of social work practice for multiple levels of intervention, as well as knowledge and skills for work with diverse client populations. You will be able to choose from a number of social work electives to fulfill remaining coursework requirements.

All social work majors are required to participate in a 420 clock-hour social work field experience or internship. This culminating experience, together with the concurrent field experience seminar, prepares you for entry into one of the most exciting and rapidly growing professions available today.

Social Work Major (48 hours)
Required (42 hours)

For course descriptions, please reference the undergraduate course catalog.

SOW-4000 Introduction to Social Welfare
SOW-4110 Social Work Values and Ethics
SOW-4200 Social Welfare Policies and Services
SOW-4210 Cultural Sensitivity in Social Work Practice
SOW-4320 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
SOW-4325 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
SOW-4420 Social Work Practice I: Micro-Methods of Intervention
SOW-4430 Social Work Practice II: Mezzo-Methods of Intervention
SOW-4440 Social Work Practice III: Macro-Methods of Intervention
SOW-4700 Social Work Research Methods
SOW-4990 Social Work Field Experience
SOW-4991 Social Work Field Seminar

Electives (6 hours)
SOW-4310 Loss and Mourning
SOW-4350 Social Work with Abusive and Addictive Systems
SOW-4410 Child, Family, and Community
SOW-4510 Social Work with Children and Adolescents
SOW-4515 Social Work with Adults and Families
SOW-4910 Special Topics in Social Work Practice

There are opportunities for field trips, service projects and volunteer experiences, which further enrich the life and learning of our students.

Agencies and organizations that have hosted students include Hephzibah Children’s Association, Thrive Family Services, Bethesda Home, Lutherbrook, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, Proviso Family Services, Lutheran Child and Family Services and Oak Park Township Senior Services.

In addition, CUC’s Social Work Club gives students the opportunity to plan special events such as presentations and film screenings, as well as field trips and service learning projects. The Social Work Department also participates with other departments in sponsoring events that are involved with the Global Justice Series. Social work students are also eligible for initiation into Alpha Kappa Delta, the national honors society for social justice, research and service.