Social Work

Why study social work?

Students who study social work will join a profession that seeks positive change for individuals, families, groups and communities through enhancing problem-solving and coping capacities while removing institutional policies that are barriers to those individuals and groups.

  • The Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program curriculum prepares students for generalist social work practice in both public and private settings with an array of clients.
  • The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree focuses on preparing practitioners who link individuals, families and communities with systems that provide them with resources, services and opportunities they may previously not have been able to access.
  • Students in the program are provided with two semesters of real-world field practicum experience in preparation for their transition to the social work profession.
Sharon Lust School of Education
Social Work Majors

BSW at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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FACULTY

Related Programs of Study

Contact Us

Dr. Bart W. Miles, program director

Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program, Sharon Lust School of Education

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Latest News

MSW Launch
Augustana University Launches Master of Social Work Program, Offers Certificate Option for Clinicians

Housed in the Sharon Lust School of Education, Augustana University will begin offering courses for a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Fall 2025 as part of its Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program. The MSW program at Augustana is one of only two MSW programs in South Dakota. This comes after the university began offering a minor in social work in Fall 2023 and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Fall 2024.

Jaida Haynes ‘25
Beyond the Books: Business Administration Major Addresses Community Needs With The Foster Network Internship

Jaida Haynes ‘25, of Philip, South Dakota, is a business administration major with minors in social work and sign language studies. This summer, she utilized her skills off campus and interned with The Foster Network in Sioux Falls — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who care for children placed through a licensing agency.

BSW Program
Augustana Offering Social Work Minor this Fall, Bachelor of Social Work in Fall 2024

Augustana University is offering social work as a minor this fall, followed by all Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) courses for the major beginning in the fall of 2024 — part of Augustana’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan to establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students. 

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Related Programs of Study

Highlights

Social Work

Careers

Graduates establish diverse career paths that include school social work, substance abuse treatment, wraparound programs, medical social work, child protective services, supportive housing, community organizing and activism, as well as policy analysis. Students who pursue a graduate-level degree are able to attain advanced practice positions, such as a play therapist, private clinical practitioner, substance abuse counselor, public officer, grant specialist or executive director.

Hands-On Learning

Field practicum opportunities may include:

  • Community Mental Health
  • Domestic Violence Shelter
  • Substance Abuse Program
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Policy Advocacy
  • Child Protective Services
  • Group Home/Residential settings

Social work students study away in:

  • Washington, D.C. — with the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS)
  • Norway — focusing on international social work with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Students majoring in social work have considerable flexibility to take electives that allow them to tailor their education to their career goals. Social work also pairs well with a variety of other majors. Many students choose to complete a double major, particularly in psychology and sociology. The social work major pairs well with a minor in aging studies, gender studies or children & youth.

Social work students may participate in:

  • Serving and Learning Together (SALT)
  • Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
  • Augie Green
  • Peace Club
  • Encompass Humanity
  • Augie Feminist Equality Movement (FEM)
  • Phi Alpha Honor Society