Social Work
Explore the Social Work Major
With Marian University’s Social Work program, you will have direct client contact within your first course. You will have access to paid internships, and you’ll benefit from Marian’s strong partnerships with leading agencies and organizations that hire our graduates and partner with us for internships. You will also get to know our alumni, who often return as guest speakers. In addition, you’ll be guided by caring and experienced faculty who are deeply invested in your individual success.
Why Major in Social Work
- You will make a difference every day, helping individuals overcome challenges like poverty, mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic abuse, etc.
- Social workers are in demand.
- There are diverse career opportunities in healthcare, government agencies, human services, education, criminal justice and corrections, non-profits, etc.
- You’ll have exciting, challenging work where no two days are the same.
- You are committed to social justice. Social work is rooted in social justice and draws those who are passionate about human rights and lifting marginalized populations.
Sabres Having an Impact
“As Social Work majors and Women’s Ice Hockey team members, we helped secure funding for United Way’s ‘Ride United.’ It was a rewarding experience to contribute to such an impactful program.”
Brenna Abrahamson, ‘24 and Abby Edstrom, ’24, both Social Work majors and members of the Women’s Ice Hockey team at Marian University.
Read Brenna & Abby’s Story
Where Graduates Have Landed
Entry-level Job Titles of Recent Graduates
Entry-level social work careers provide meaningful opportunities to support individuals and communities. These roles focus on advocacy, mentorship, crisis intervention, and resource coordination, building essential skills for a successful future in the field.
Adult Protective Services Social Worker
Child Protective Services Social Worker
Care Advocate Specialist
Home Visitor
Healing Advocate
Admission Coordinator
Youth Services Mentor
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Special Education Paraprofessional
Common Industries
Social work graduates can find job opportunities in industries that focus on support, advocacy, and community well-being. These fields offer rewarding careers dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Government – Local, State & Federal
Healthcare
Social Assistance
Non-profit
Human Resources
Education
Popular Minors
Choosing the right minor to complement your social work major can enhance your skills and broaden your impact. From understanding human behavior to building leadership abilities, the right minor can help shape a meaningful career. Explore your options and find what aligns with your vision for the future.
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Spanish
Sociology
Communication
Popular Advanced Degrees
After earning your social work degree, the path to even greater impact and personal growth may lie in pursuing an advanced degree. Explore the possibilities that can deepen your expertise and elevate your ability to make a difference in the world.
Master of Social Work
Law School
Faculty Feature
Brenda Stueber’s 29-year professional career in social work and higher education has provided opportunities and exploration in the research of generational differences. From being a school social worker at an elementary and middle school to teaching young and older adults, Brenda has found her research essential to those in education, but also those in workplaces with five generations.
I want the students to remember me as connecting, relating, and helping. My mottos are ‘Meet people with where they are at,’ and ‘Every day is a gift.
Brenda Stueber, MSW, Professor and Program Director of Social Work
General Ed Courses
As a bachelor’s level student, you are required to take about 30 credits of general education courses as part of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree. General education courses are required regardless of your major.
All students take 10.5 to 17 credits in these areas: Mathematical Reasoning, Argumentative and Research Writing, Introduction to Christian Theology, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Ethical Reasoning, and First Year Studies.
Social Work Major Core Courses
Whether online or on campus, your path to making a difference starts here. Explore a sample 4-year course plan designed to shape you into a skilled, compassionate social work professional.
Semester 1
GEN 101
First Year Seminar
3
ENG 106
Argumentative and Research Writing
3
PSY 101
General Psychology
3
SWK 101
Introduction to SWK and Human Services
3
COM 115
Interpersonal Communication
1.5
Credit Hours
13.5
Semester 2
PHI 105
Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
1.5
PSY 105
Human Development
3
Gen Ed
Reasoning Course(s)
6
Electives(s)
6
Credit Hours
16.5
Create Your Future
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Bridge the Gap Between Your Degree and a Social Work Career
If you have a four-year degree in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or human services, Marian University’s bridge courses can help you meet Wisconsin’s Social Worker Degree Equivalency and Transition to Social Worker requirements. These five essential courses are an important part of earning your Social Work Training Certificate and moving closer to a rewarding career in social work.
A Proven Program with Trusted Accreditation
Marian University’s Social Work program is designed for impact—on your future and the communities you’ll serve. With decades of accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and a track record of graduate success, our program ensures you receive a high-quality education that meets professional standards. Our students leave prepared, confident, and ready to make a real difference in the world.
Learning Outcomes
The Marian University Social Work program is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, culturally responsive, and innovative generalist social work practice that addresses the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our educational experiences, research, and community outreach promote social and economic justice, program and policy change, and evidence-based strategies for the challenges facing diverse client systems of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
The Marian University Social Work program’s standards are derived from the CSWE Competencies for Social Work Practice and the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics.
Marian Social Work Graduate will Demonstrate these CSWE Core Competencies
- Demonstrate ethical and 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
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective:
- Service
- Social justice
- Dignity and worth of the person
- Importance of human relationships
- Integrity
- Competence
Program Effectiveness Data
Every day Marian University Bachelor of Social Work program graduates are making a real difference in the world. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be prepared to work in a wide range of settings, including health care, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, child and youth services, correctional facilities, agencies for the elderly, and colleges and universities.
The Marian University Bachelor of Social Work program received initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work (CSWE) in 1987 and has received continuing reaffirmation since that time.
