Title

Social Work Department

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Subtitle

In-Demand Career that Makes an Impact

Intro text

If you want to solve problems, advocate for others, and improve the lives of individuals, families, groups, and societies, the UW-Eau Claire BSW program is for you.

You will build a foundation rooted in the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, human relationships, integrity, and competence. While being challenged to think critically and act compassionately.

Through practical, hands-on learning, you will gain the real-world skills to prepare you to make a meaningful impact.

By graduation, you’ll be ready to move into your career with confidence, compassion, and the tools to succeed.

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Intro Text

Majors, Minors, and Certificates in the Social Work Department

Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974, this social work major prepares you for generalist practice while opening the door to pursue certification, licensure, or graduate study.

As a comprehensive major, your UW-Eau Claire BSW degree will give you everything you need to graduate - no additional minors or certifications are required.

You can choose to personalize your education with our sought-after minors and certificates. These minors and certificates have been curated to give you specialized knowledge to build a strong foundation for a meaningful, impactful career.

Students pose in front of a sign that reads "Cape of Good Hope"

Child Advocacy

Minor

student working with community youth outdoors

Child Welfare

Certificate

attendees at 2019 Senior Americans Day event

Gerontology

Certificate | Minor

Mental Health and Well-Being

Certificate

Josh Potter-Efron teaching social work class

Navigating Health Systems

Certificate

Social Work

Major

Meet the Faculty

Alisha Meinen, MSW, CSW

Social Work Department

Assistant Professor

Jessica O'Neel, MSW, CSW

Social Work Department

Lecturer

Randi Goettl, MSW, APSW

Social Work Department

Assistant Professor

Meet all the Social Work Department faculty

Hallmarks

Paige Kurtz, social work grad, military alumna

Compelling Career Paths

A Social Work degree from UW–Eau Claire prepares you for meaningful, in‑demand careers across a range of fields. The undergraduate program equips students to become ethical, competent, and evidence‑informed generalist practitioners ready to enter the workforce after graduation.

With preparation for undergraduate‑level licensure, graduates pursue careers in mental health, substance use services, child welfare, healthcare, and aging services, while many continue into accelerated graduate programs. Whether you enter the workforce or pursue advanced study, a UW–Eau Claire Social Work degree offers flexibility and lasting career.

Guided Internship Experience

Your BSW degree at UW-Eau Claire culminates in a hands-on internship designed to bridge classroom knowledge and skills with real-world practice.

A dedicated Internship Coordinator from the Social Work Department will support you in securing an internship that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Guided by the nationally recognized Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) educational policy and accreditation standards, you will complete an internship at an approved site, working alongside experienced professionals to gain confidence and workforce readiness.

Theresa Guth, social work major, child welfare certificate

Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program

UW-Eau Claire is one of just four Universities of Wisconsin System institutions offering access to this program.

Funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, this program provides tuition and stipends to students admitted to the Title IV-E program in exchange for a commitment to work at least one year after graduation in Wisconsin public child welfare.

This is a powerful way to reduce college costs while gaining direct entry into a high-impact, in-demand field serving children and families.

Facts List

Just
The
Facts

Tailored Education

A variety of minors and certificates offer flexible, career‑enhancing options to build practical skills and strengthen your impact in any field.

Job Outlook Growth

Growth in the social work profession is 6% - growing faster than the national average of 3%.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Compassion with Career Potential

The median annual salary for social workers in 2024 was $61,330 annually.

In-Demand Jobs

There is a projected 89,000 position increase in the social work field before 2030.

U.S. Dept of Labor 2023

Direct Access to Internship Opportunities

UWEC's Social Work department has connections to over 100 field placement sites in Eau Claire and the surrounding areas.

Student Opportunities

Instructional Assistant

As a social work student at UW–Eau Claire, you have an opportunity to build leadership experience by serving as Instructional Assistant. In this role, you work closely with faculty to support classroom learning, facilitate small‑group discussions, and serve as an additional resource for your peers.

This hands-on experience helps you strengthen your communication, leadership, and mentoring skills while offering valuable insight into teaching and professional collaboration.

Serving as an Instructional Assistant is a meaningful way for you to stay engaged, grow in confidence, and enhance your undergraduate experience as a future social work professional.

Student-Faculty Collaborative Research

See research in action – not just how research is done, but the real change it creates. By collaborating with faculty on a research topic, you will experience what it means to conduct research from its earliest stages through meaningful outcomes.

Students have presented their research contributions at local, regional, and national conferences such as CERCA, Research in the Rotunda hosted at the state Capitol, Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors conference, and National Conference on Undergraduate Research,

Recent student-faculty collaborative research projects have focused on mental health and well-being, substance use and recovery, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), psychosocial outcomes, gender-based stigma, and community policies and implementation.

Student Organizations

Student organizations will offer you opportunities to build connections, develop professionally, and actively engage in experiences that strengthen your skills and prepare you for real-world practice.

Association of Student Social Workers (ASSW) - The Association of Student Social Workers is a student-led organization designed to support your social, academic, and professional interests as a social work students. Through regular meetings and events, you will connect with practicing social workers, explore social work specialties, and build relationships through community-building activities.
Macro Student Networking Group - With guidance from a social work faculty member passionate about social justice and advocacy work, the Macro Student Networking Group is a student‑led organization focused on addressing large‑scale social and systemic issues.

In this group, you will engage in advocacy, policy work, community organizing, voter mobilization, and social justice initiatives. You may also take part in Social Justice Film Festival projects and fundraising activities to support local nonprofit organizations.

Learn more about involvement opportunities through Blugold Connect+.

Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program

UW-Eau Claire is one of just four Universities of Wisconsin System institutions offering access to this program.

Funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, this program provides tuition and stipends in exchange for a commitment to work at least one year after graduation in Wisconsin public child welfare.

This is a powerful way to reduce college costs while gaining direct entry into a high-impact, in-demand field serving children and families.

Social Work Scholarships

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Blugold Stories

Learning in Action

Learning in Action

Graduates of UW-Eau Claire earn life-changing degrees at Stanley Correctional Institution

Eight graduates of UW-Eau Claire will accept their bachelor’s degrees in professional studies — graduates who have earned their degrees through in-person classes while incarcerated at the Stanley Correctional Institution.

A view from Table Mountain in South Africa, overlooking Cape Town and its surrounding landscape, with the cityscape stretching towards the horizon and the ocean in the background.

Here You Can

Explore Social Change and Justice in South Africa

This 18-day immersion will introduce you to the culture, race relations, and history of South Africa. A relevant experience for any major interested in learning more about social change in action.

Learn more about immersion experiences at UWEC

Blugold Proud

UW-Eau Claire has challenged me to become the best version of myself, while still allowing me to grow, create friendships, and discover what truly inspires me.

Mariah Thums

Social Work

blond female student in front of Schneider Hall, smiling

Exceptional Support

Exceptional Support

UW-Eau Claire student succeeds in advocacy for pedestrian safety

Becca Roth, a social work major at UW-Eau Claire, appealed to the city of Eau Claire to improve pedestrian safety at the Water Street intersection near her residence hall. Find out how she got a flashing light signal set for spring 2026 installation.

A picture showing student walking in front of the Human Science and Service hall surrounded by trees

Find Your Flock

Join the Association of Student Social Workers

Increase your familiarity and expertise within the field of social work and get to know fellow students and faculty. This student org provides ample opportunities for you to volunteer, expand your knowledge, and make impactful, lifelong connections.

Learn more about student orgs at UWEC