Bachelor of Social Work
If you believe that empowerment is a path for change and seek to be a force within social justice, gain the skills and confidence to address social issues on all levels in our BSW program. Yes, you can make an impact, spark transformation, and move your community forward.
BSW graduates work in human services, hospitals, schools, mental health, aging services, policy advocacy, community organizing, and so much more.
BSW Student Handbook (pdf)
Ambrose Advantages
- Focus on Social Justice & Empowerment
- Seamless Dual Degree Program
- Hundreds of Fieldwork Opportunities
As a Social Work major, you'll gain skills to work in diverse settings, whether serving clients one-on-one or acting as a change agent in your community. Best of all, you earn not one degree, but two, and can qualify for our advanced standing MSW program. You'll save a year of time and tuition.
More Information on the Bachelor of Social Work Program
St. Ambrose has a strong tradition of preparing holistic social workers grounded in liberal arts and social justice traditions to enrich lives, empower others, and advocate for a just society. Through that generalist lens, the BSW program cultivates the desire to change society at multiple levels by equipping students with knowledge, skills, and values indicative of ethical social work practice.
In our 32-credit hour program, you'll gain skills to practice in hospitals, schools, social service agencies, clinical settings, and more.
You'll learn about human behavior, social welfare policy, research, social work ethics, diverse populations, and more. You'll build skills based on the empowerment philosophy which allows you to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
You'll explore your interests and discover your strengths within this diverse field. All students complete a culminating experience and internship. You get apply what you've learned in the classroom and continue to build your skills during 400 hours of fieldwork.
The BSW Dual Degree program allows you to earn a second degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies. These programs challenge you to think critically, complete complex analysis, and build strong communication skills. They complement and connect to your social work education so you become a better practitioner. Click on each program to see the degree plan.
- At SAU, you'll gain a wider foundation of knowledge, perspective and breath of skills. We created our program so you earn a BSW and a second degree in Psychology, WGS, or Sociology.
- You may be eligible for early acceptance into our BSW program. Most SAU students will formally enter the program during their junior year, but if you meet certain academic qualifications, you can start your first year on campus with guaranteed placement in the program. Contact an admissions representative for more information.
- Get involved on campus or in the community, now. We have more than 80 student clubs and organizations, and many of those focus on human rights, community action, and diversity. Our Campus Ministry programs are open to all students, no matter your religious affiliation, and you can take part in activities that promote social justice.
- We have community connections with more than 400 regional agencies and organizations. Our Director of Field Education will help coordinate a placement that fits your goals.
- Throughout the year, SAU hosts community presentations, events, town hall meetings, and other activities on topics that are closely tied to social justice. You can attend many of these events for free.
- Your BSW could lead to advanced standing in our accredited MSW program, which means you could earn your graduate degree in one year, instead of two. That makes your education more accelerated and affordable.
- If service is included in your future plans, we one of few universities in Iowa offering Peace Corps Prep, a program that can make you a stronger candidate for volunteer positions within the Peace Corps or other service programs. Most students can earn the certificate – awarded by the Peace Corps – without taking extra courses. Talk to your advisor if you're interested.
A BSW degree is one of the most useful and flexible degrees for many careers aimed toward helping others. It prepares you for direct-service positions in casework, mental health, aging service support, and community advocacy and organizing.
The job outlook for social workers is strong and has a faster than average growth rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work positions are projected to grow 16% between 2016-2026, and the number of healthcare social workers alone is expected to increase by 20% to meet the needs of the aging population and their families.
More than 70% of BSW students continue their education at some point, and this degree can provide an accelerated pathway to an MSW.
St. Ambrose was the first university in the U.S. to offer an accredited MSW program with an empowerment specialization. Twenty years later, we boast more than 500 graduates who are actively improving lives, communities, policy and advocating for social justice.
St. Ambrose was the first university in the U.S. to offer an accredited MSW program with an empowerment specialization. In our BSW program, you'll build skills based on the empowerment philosophy, which can be a powerful tool whether you are working one-on-one with a client or to embolden community-wide change. Our School of Social Work alumni value our focus on empowerment.
Jennifer Pielak '18 MSW says she expanded her skills and confidence in our classrooms and during field placements. Today she is an adult clinical therapist at Transitions Mental Health Services, in Moline, Ill. Watch this video about Jennifer.
Shannon Werhane '16 MSW says her education was about personal discovery, finding her niche, and how she can have the biggest impact. She is a clinical therapist at Transitions Mental Health Services, in Moline, Ill. Watch this video about Shannon.
Stephany (Robinson) Schroeder '08, LCSW, is a powerful advocate for veterans and their caregivers. Her holistic and empowering approach to behavioral healthcare earned her a high honor from the Association of VA (Veteran Affairs) Social Workers. Read Stephany's story.
Kristi Lohmeier, PhD, Professor and BSW Director; Director of SAU School of Social Work
Johny Augustine, PhD, Professor
Kyle Bennett, PhD, Asst. Professor
Jennifer Boedeker, MSW, Director of Field Education and Clinical Asst. Professor
Lisa Fortner, Online Program Coordinator
Jennifer Green, Administrative Assistant
Kathryn Lally, Clinical Instructor
Chris Martin, PhD, Assoc. Professor and MSW Director
Andrew Repp, PhD, Asst. Professor
Elizabeth Byram, PhD, Asst. Professor
Professors Emeriti
Pamela Long, ACSW, LISW, LCSW, Professor Emerita
Michael Jerin, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Michael O'Melia, MSW, Professor Emeritus
Adjunct Instructors
Kayla Behrens, LMSW, Case Management-Social Worker, Unity Point
Tesha Dobling, LMSW, Linn County Mental Health/Development Disability Central Point Coordination
Chelsey Haley, LMSW, BSBA, Black Hawk Area Special Education District
Lauren Gil Hayes, LMSW, Director of Supportive Services, The Project of the Quad Cities
Breann Hirst, LMSW, Family Therapist, Youth Service Bureau
Anne M. McNelis, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services, Transitions Mental Health Services
Angela Moody, MSW, Retired CEO, Arrowhead Youth and Family Services
Melanie Rice, MSW, School Social Worker, Geneseo Community School District #228
Nicholas Swanson, LMSW, School Social Worker, Mississippi Bend AEA
Katie Van Blair, PhD, MSW, Dean of Innovation, Adult, and Graduate Studies
Degree Requirements
The School of Social Work is in the process of developing a Bachelor of Social Work program. Admittance of juniors into the program began in the Fall 2019 semester.
We are now accepting applications for the Fall cohort. Any current or transferring student with at least 45 credit hours may apply.
Once you are admitted to the BSW program, you'll start taking classes toward the BSW in your junior year. Courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
View Social Work courses and descriptions on the online course catalog
Required
Fall term, junior year:
- SWK 320 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
- SWK 330 Generalist Practice I: Interpersonal Practice Skills with Individuals
- SWK 360 Diversity
Spring term, junior year:
- SWK 310 Social Welfare and Policy
- SWK 325 Human Behavior in Social Environment II
- SWK 333 Generalist Practice II: Empowering Processes with Families and Groups
Fall term, senior year:
- WI-SWK 340 Social Work Research
- SWK 400 Field Instruction I (~200 hours per semester in field agency placement arranged by SSW)
- SWK 402 Field Seminar I, 1 credit
Spring term, senior year:
- SWK 336 Generalist Practice III: Transformative Practice with Organizations and Communities
- SWK 401 Field Instruction II (~200 hours per semester in same field agency)
- SWK 403 Field Seminar II, 1 credit
Total credit hours: 32
Dual Degree – Plan to Graduate
Psychology is one of three majors you can pair with your Bachelor of Social Work degree.
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a BSW degree and a major in Psychology. This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Read course descriptions in the online catalog
First Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSS New Student Seminar | 1 | STAT 213 Applied Statistics Reasoning for the Sciences | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elem. Functions | 3 | SWK 201 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | IL 101 Information Literacy | 1 |
| THEO/PHIL | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | COMM 129, 132, 203, 228, or 329 | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101+Lab | 4 | PSYC 324 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 215 Research Methods | 3 | Political Science 101 | 3 |
| PSYC 255 Brain and Behavior | 3 | Psyc (Category 1) Social/Developmental Category Course | 3 |
| THEO/PHIL | 3 | PSYC elective - 300 or 400 level | 3 |
| CIT | 3 | KIN 149 | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 13 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWK 320 Human Behavior in the Social Environemt I | 3 | SWK 325 HBSE II | 3 |
| SWK 330 Generalist Practice I | 3 | SWK 333 Generalist Practice II | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 | THEO/PHIL 300-Level | 3 |
| SWK 360 Diversity | 3 | AD 190 Digital Photography | 3 |
| WI-PSYC 342 Theories of Counseling | 3 | SWK 310 Social Welfare and Policy | 3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWK 400 Field Instruction I | 3 | SWK 336 Generalist Practice III | 3 |
| SWK 402 Field Seminar I | 1 | SWK 401 Field Instruction II | 3 |
| WI-SWK 340 Social Work Research | 3 | SWK 403 Field Seminar II | 1 |
| PSYC (Category 3) Cognitive/Experimental Category Course | 3 | PSYC (Category 4) Applied Category Course | 3 |
| Psychology Major Field Test | 3 | PSYC 425 (Capstone) | 4 |
| Total | 13 | Total | 16 |
Total Credits: 121
WI=writing intensive
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with BA in PSYCHOLOGY & General Education Requirements Plan of Study Draft can also be found here.
Sociology is one of three majors you can pair with your Bachelor of Social Work degree.
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a BSW degree with a major in Sociology. This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
First Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 | SOC 220 Self and Society | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elem. Functions | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| SOC 101 Intro to Sociology | 3 | IL 101 Info Lit | 1 |
| THEO/PHIL 100-200 | 3 | PSCI American Gov't | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | COMM 129, 132, 203, 228, or 329 | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101+Lab Principles of Biology | 4 | SOC 430+Lab Data Analysis in Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 200 Research Methods | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| SOC 260 Social Organization | 3 | SOC Elective | 3 |
| SWK 201 Intro to Social Work | 3 | SOC 340 Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| THEO/PHIL 100-200 | 3 | THEO/PHIL/Catholic Studies/Peace & Justice | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 15 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elective | 3 | SWK 310 Social Welfare and Policy | 3 |
| SWK 330 Generalist Practice I: Individuals | 3 | SWK 333 Generalist Practice II | 3 |
| SOC Elective | 3 | THEO/PHIL/Cath Studies/Peace & Justice 300-Level | 3 |
| SWK 360 Diversity | 3 | Creative Arts | 3 |
| SWK 320 HBSE I: Birth to Adolescence | 3 | SWK 325 HBSE II: Families and Groups | 3 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWK 400 Field Instruction I | 3 | SWK 336 Generalist Practice III | 3 |
| SWK 402 Field Seminar I | 1 | SWK 401 Field Instruction II | 3 |
| WI-SWK 340 Social Work Research | 3 | SWK 403 Field Seminar II | 1 |
| WI-SOC 301 Sociological Theory | 3 | WI-SOC 407 Seminar | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total | 14 | Total | 13 |
Total Credits: 121
WI=writing intensive
The BA Sociology and BSW Dual Degree Plan can also be found here.
Women and Gender Studies is one of three majors you can pair with your Bachelor of Social Work degree.
This is the suggested Plan to Graduate in four years with a BSW degree with a major in Women and Gender Studies. This plan assumes you haven't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
First Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 | SOC 101 Intro to Sociology | 3 |
| MATH 171 Elementary Functions | 3 | PHIL/THEO 100-200 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| JDG 201 Cross-Cultural Intro to WGS | 3 | COMM 203 Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| New Student Seminar | 1 | IL 101 Information Literacy | 1 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | PSCI 101 American Gov't | 3 |
| THEO/PHIL 100-200 | 3 | ||
| Total | 17 | Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101+L Principles of Biology | 4 | SOC 430+Lab Data Analysis in Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 200 Research Methods | 3 | ENGL 222 Women's Literature | 3 |
| KIN 273 Women's Health Issues | 3 | SOC 323 Marriage and Family | 3 |
| SWK 201 Intro to Social Work | 3 | JDG 310 Topics in WGS | 3 |
| THEO/PHIL 100-200 | 3 | THEO/PHIL/Cath Studies/P&J Two courses - one at 300 level | 3 |
| Total | 16 | Total | 15 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| JDG 325 Feminist Theory | 3 | SWK 310 Social Welfare & Policy | 3 |
| SWK 330 Generalist Practice I | 3 | SWK 333 Generalist Practice II | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 | SWK 325 HBSE II | 3 |
| SWK 360 Diversity | 3 | JDG 333 Gender Based Violence/Survivor Advocacy | 1 |
| SWK 320 HBSE I: Birth to Adolescence | 3 | ENGL 223 Minority Voices | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1 | ||
| Total | 15 | Total | 16 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWK 400 Field Instruction I | 3 | SWK 336 Generalist Practice III | 3 |
| SWK 402 Field Seminar I | 1 | SWK 401 Field Instruction II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | SWK 403 Field Seminar II | 1 |
| WI-JDG 400 JDG Major Seminar | 3 | JDG 340 Women and Madness | 3 |
| WI-SWK 340 Social Work Research | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| THEO 324 Theology, Sex, and Gender | 3 | ||
| Total | 13 | Total | 16 |
Total Credits: 124
WI=writing intensive
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) & BA Justice, Diversity, and Gender Studies (JDG) Plan of Study can also be found here.
Social Work Scholarships
Established in honor of the dedication and passion that Fr. Dawson had for social justice.
This scholarship will be awarded to one student who will be entering their second year of the St. Ambrose BSW Program and is a one-time award of $2,000.
Application Deadline: April 15
Award Announcement: May 1
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
To qualify, you must file a FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 15 and you must qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Josh Breeden '21
Josh's high school experience – combined with a military tour in Iraq – showed him the many ways people use differences as weapons. Josh sought an education that teaches him how to bring people together and move the world forward. He found it at St. Ambrose. "Not everyone who walks this earth has shoes to put their feet into, and that is one of the important lessons social justice has to teach us. I was wondering how I could help the world be a better place and social work came into frame. It was one of the best gateways I could find."
Read Josh's Story
Josh Breeden
Bachelor of Social Work,Class of 2021
Josh's high school experience – combined with a military tour in Iraq – showed him the many ways people use differences as weapons. Josh sought an education that teaches him how to bring people together and move the world forward. He found it at St. Ambrose.
Contact
Kristi Lohmeier, PhD, Director
Bachelor of Social Work
Higgins Hall room 121
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-5889
LawKristiL@sau.edu