Young male social worker meeting with an elderly man in his home
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.S.
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Positively impact the lives of those in need. Prepare for a challenging, rewarding career that’s in demand.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn how to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Your research will inform the development of your professional practice as a caring, ethical servant leader. 

Gain real-world experience.

You’ll have hands-on learning opportunities in human services settings under the guidance of professionals in the field.

Enhance your leadership skills.

Participate in an educational leadership conference and the Emerging Leaders Academy, a four-year program in educational leadership.

Prepare for professional licensure.

When you successfully complete the program, you’ll qualify to take the social work license exam.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of social workers to grow by 13% through 2029, more than twice the average of all occupations. Demand will be driven by increased demand for health care and social services, and will vary by specialization.

Career Paths

  • Social worker
  • Clinical social worker 
  • Case manager
  • Social service specialist
  • Educator
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Policy advisor 
  • Rehabilitation case worker  

The University of Mary has helped me to develop into a more holistic person and has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to become a professional social worker who will greatly impact lives.

Keyona Pratt ’15

Featured Faculty

Katie Krukenberg, MSW, LMSW

Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences, Director of Social Work Field Education

I teach classes on social work theory, generalist practice, practice with families, and working with diverse populations. I also oversee the Social Work field program. In addition to the classes that I teach, I am an advisor in the social work program, teach First Year Experience, am one of the faculty advisors for the student organization for behavioral science students (PACS). I also work with students in the LFSEBS Emerging Leaders Academy.

Heidi J. Nieuwsma, MSW, LCSW

Chair of Behavioral Sciences, Director of Social Work Program, Assistant Professor of Behavorial Sciences

I am the Chair of Behavioral Sciences which includes the undergraduate programs of Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Work. I work closely with programs directors, faculty, and students within all of these programs. I am also the Social Work Program Director and work collaboratively with the social work faculty, students, the Council of Social Work Examiners, and our local and national community partners. These relationships contribute to successful learning outcomes for our students and our community partners.

Take Your Next Step in Social Work