Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Work

Earn a Social Work Degree from Loras and seek to improve the functioning and life satisfaction of people throughout the life span, primarily through individual and social advocacy. Work with individuals and groups, and focus on improving communities and the larger environments in which people perform their jobs and function.

The Loras Social Work program is certified by both academic and social work accrediting agencies. Many graduates go on to master’s programs in Social Work and related fields.

Student Experience

The Loras social work program provides a supportive learning community that graduates competent, ethical, value-based, generalist social work practitioners who critically use their liberal arts background in service to others. Working with and in partnering agencies, students, grounded in empowerment, actively learn knowledge values and skills, reflect upon those through opportunities in and outside the classroom, adopt and adhere to ethical approaches with diverse populations, and contribute responsibly to an ever-growing and changing world.

When Social Work majors complete their undergraduate education, they can be employed as a school social worker, a probation officer, a child abuse investigator, a domestic violence advocate, a hospital worker, an elder in-home worker, and others. Social Work majors will tell you they find their education meaningful and rewarding because they are able to make the world a better place for us all.

The Loras Social Work program emphasizes both classroom and experiential learning. In the classroom, professors use active learning processes to teach essential theories, principles, and skills.

Practicum placements in a wide variety of agencies and organizations such as residential treatment centers for children and adolescents, nursing homes, probation departments, domestic violence, and foster care agencies provide opportunities for students to apply those principles and practices while expanding their professional networks. The experiences students have in practicum also assist students in designing their career goals.

Students run a highly active Social Work Club, which sponsors activities designed to raise awareness about important social issues such as domestic violence and homelessness. They also effectively raise funds and create resources to aid those in need. The Social Work Club at Loras is recognized as one of the most active and successful student organizations.