Lewis-Clark State College

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines general education, social work foundations and practice courses with an extended supervised field practicum. Early coursework introduces social work values and ethics, human behaviour in the social environment, and basic helping skills. Core modules typically include social welfare policy, research methods for social work, diversity and cultural competence, assessment and intervention across the lifespan, case management, and practice with families and groups.

As you progress you study specialised topics such as child and family services, gerontological practice, substance misuse and recovery, trauma‑informed practice, and community organisation. The programme culminates in an upper‑level practicum or internship in a community agency, where students apply classroom learning in supervised client work and programme development.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical preparation includes coursework in English and social sciences (for example psychology or sociology). Candidates for the professional sequence are usually required to meet minimum GPA standards, submit a personal statement, and provide academic references; some courses or clinical placements may also require background checks and proof of immunisations.

Transfer students from community colleges are welcome and may transfer general education and elective credits; students transferring into the major will normally need to complete specified prerequisite courses before beginning upper‑division social work classes. Specific requirements and application procedures for the professional major are available from the college's social work department.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW are prepared for entry‑level positions in a variety of human service settings, including child welfare agencies, community mental health centres, hospitals and clinics, schools, substance‑use treatment programmes, corrections and non‑profit organisations. Common job titles include caseworker, community support specialist, client advocate, residential counsellor and programme coordinator.

Many BSW graduates also choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to qualify for clinical licensure, advanced practice roles and specialised positions. The degree also provides a strong foundation for roles in programme development, policy advocacy and community organising.

Why study at Lewis‑Clark State College

Lewis‑Clark State College offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which supports practical skill development and reflective practice. The college maintains partnerships with regional agencies across the Inland Northwest, creating local practicum and employment opportunities for students.

The programme emphasises applied learning through supervised field placements and community engagement, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse rural and urban populations. Students benefit from accessible campus resources and career services to help transition from study to social work practice or further graduate training.