2035
By 2035 Minnesota will have more adults over age 65 than children.
Source: 2017 Statewide Health Assessment
Social Welfare
The Social Welfare Minor work will give you an understanding of the important role social programs, policies, and systems play in social services provided in the U.S. You’ll explore how components of race and ethnicity impact social welfare at the individual, community, national and international levels. You’ll also learn basic advocacy skills that will allow you to draw attention to issues of social policy and welfare in communities.
Minor Objectives:
- Gain a broad understanding of social work and social services in the United States
- Understand the specific impacts of race and ethnicity and other aspects of diversity on social welfare at all levels of society
- Recognize the impact of social policies and government programs on the scope of and provision of social services in the United States
Note: A minor in social welfare is not accepted by the Council on Social Work Education as preparation for beginning-level generalist social work practice, nor is it accepted by Master of Social Work (MSW) programs to qualify for Advanced Standing status.
- SOWK 181: Introduction to Social Work
- SOWK 240: People and Environment: Theories
- SOWK 391: Social Policy for Change
Plus eight credits from the following:
- PSYC 202: Lifespan Development (4 cr)
- PSYC 207: Alcohol, Other Drugs and Behavior (4 cr)
- SOCI 251: Race and Ethnicity (4 cr)
- SOWK 380: Social Research: Designs and Statistical Application (4 cr)
Required Courses
- SOWK 181: Introduction to Social Work
- SOWK 240: People and Environment: Theories
- SOWK 391: Social Policy for Change
Plus eight credits from the following:
- PSYC 202: Lifespan Development (4 cr)
- PSYC 207: Alcohol, Other Drugs and Behavior (4 cr)
- SOCI 251: Race and Ethnicity (4 cr)
- SOWK 380: Social Research: Designs and Statistical Application (4 cr)
Career Paths
- Human services
- Public health
- Nonprofit work
- Health professions
- Volunteer Management
- Community Outreach & Communications
The state of Minnesota is changing: The growing, myriad diversities of our state – class, race, age, sexual identity – mean the need for systems-level understanding of social welfare will only grow.
Quick Facts
25%
The population of people of color is estimated to grow by 25% between 2005 and 2035
Source: 2017 Statewide Health Assessment
10,370
10,370 nonprofit employers in Minnesota (2022–23)
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.