Social Work
The primary objective of the social work major at Luther is to prepare students for employment in beginning generalist social work practice. Social work is a career where knowledge of the liberal arts serves as a base for lifelong learning. The Luther College social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The social work major is based on three closely related segments of Luther's curriculum: the basic requirements for the bachelor of arts degree, the specific coursework required for the social work major, and the elective courses chosen by the student in consultation with an academic adviser.
Through the courses that are required of all graduates, social work majors will obtain the ability to read and write well, to think clearly, and to critically examine prevailing and historical value systems. Majors will gain insight into their own identity and an understanding of other cultures. Students will be exposed to the fine arts, Paideia, other social science disciplines, religion and philosophy, a foreign language, the natural sciences, and physical education.
Within the context of the liberal arts program at Luther College, the social work major includes nine areas of emphasis:
- Social work values and ethics
- Social welfare policy and services
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Social work research
- Social work practice
- Field practicum
- Promotion of social and economic justice
- Populations at risk
- Diversity
These do not necessarily represent specific courses but, rather, clusters of facts, ideas, and skills that are needed for effective beginning generalist social work practice.
Students considering the social work major are encouraged to take advantage of the rich variety of course offerings at Luther and leave their options for change open as long as practical while they come to know more about themselves, their aptitudes, and their interests. With the help of a social work faculty member as an adviser, students are encouraged to take electives that not only explore their immediate interests but also produce a broad experience.