About Us

Developed in 1971, the Social Work Program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1974.  The program was awarded re-accreditation in 1979, 1985, 1992, 2000 and most recently, 2008.  The accreditation process is accomplished through an intensive self-study evaluation by the Social Work faculty, an in-depth evaluation by Social Work educators that visit the campus, and, finally, a review and approval by the Commission. 

Mission

Prepare students for generalist social work practice that is grounded in engaged civic commitment and embraces cultural responsiveness, social and economic justice, professional ethics, active scholarship, and global interconnectedness.

Goals

With liberal arts as its foundation, by completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Identify with and practice according to the principles, values, and ethics that guide the social work profession.
2. Engage in culturally responsive evidence-based practice across micro, mezzo, and macro systems with emphasis on the geo-political, social, and the Indigenous cultural uniqueness of northern Minnesota.
3. Utilize bio-psycho-social, cultural, and spiritual models of human behavior to engage in a respectful, present, person-centered practice.
4. Become life-long learners and critical thinkers, grounded in a globally interconnected system of practice.  
5. Engage in research inquiry to develop responsive practice across systems.
6. Employ effective practices to address social inequities through policy analysis, advocacy, and implementation strategies.