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Social Work

Students enrolled in OLC’s social work program will become a part of social change and making life better for the Lakota people.

An Overview of the Department of Social Work

Accredited under the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Oglala Lakota College’s Department of Social Work seeks to educate students to be part of social change processes that more equitably distribute scarce economic and social resources as part of making life better for the Lakota People, and any other marginalized or oppressed groups. Grounded in Lakota culture and liberal arts, the Department of Social Work is proud to provide OLC’s students with the foundational opportunities they need to learn, grow, and cultivate a future career in social work, post-graduation.

Immerse yourself in the diverse world of Social Work at Oglala Lakota College as you pursue a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Work. Ingrained in every fiber of community life, you’ll explore the varied applications of social work and gain real world experience as you work toward your degree.

As one of the fastest growing careers, you will learn the ins and outs of social work alongside faculty with professional background in the social work field. From learning the history of social work, its critical importance in society today, and the diverse methodology that form the foundation of a successful, informed career in social work to exploring the vast societal impact of addiction and abuse, you’ll leave OLC with an informed education rooted in knowledge and skills to prepare you for a career in entry level social work.

Moreover, students pursuing a B.S. in Social Work can expect to graduate with the exceptional tools and understanding needed to integrate Lakota and diverse cultures into their professional practice.

Note: To begin the social work sequence you need to take SOWK 203 which is offered ONLY IN THE SPRING SEMESTER each year. You should organize your schedule so you have most of the OLC Core done by the time you are ready to enter the junior year. Contact Monique Apple , Chairperson, for a program of study based on courses you have taken and courses you should take.

Vision Statement

In line with the OLC vision, the Department of Social Work seeks to educate students to be part of social change processes that more equitably distribute scarce economic and social resources as part of making life better for the Lakota People, and any other marginalized or oppressed groups.

Mission Statement

The Oglala Lakota College Department of Social Work’s mission is to empower students in the development of both social work and Lakota ethics, skills, and knowledge to be prepared for leadership roles within tribal, state, federal, and global communities. Using the Strengths Based Perspective, students will be educated in both social work and Lakota research, theory, values, policy, and practices to address social, economic, and environmental justice.

Graduates of the BSW program are expected to learn the following social work competencies:

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
  3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

9 Core Competencies from the 2015 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

CSWE Form AS 4(B) Thumbnail

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Option 1: Social Work Plan of Study
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring
SpCm 103 Science Elective Math 103 LSoc 103 SOWK 213 SOWK 203 SOWK 303 SOWK 433 SOWK 403 SOWK 443
Engl 103 Engl 113 Literature Elective Psy 103 Free Elective Upper Division Elective SOWK 313 SOWK 323 SOWK 413 SOWK 423
Lak 103 Lak 233 Humanities Elective Lakota Studies Elective Upper Division Elective Upper Division Elective SOWK 333 SOWK 343 SOWK 406
FP I
SOWK 416
FP II
MIS 113 SoSc Course CD 103 LHist 203 Lakota Studies Elective SoSc 313 Free Elective Upper Division Elective

12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits
Download BSW - Option 1 - Social Work Plan of Study

Option 2: Chemical Dependency Emphasis
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring
SpCm 103 Science Elective Math 103 LSoc 103 SOWK 213 SOWK 203 SOWK 303 SOWK 433 SOWK 403 SOWK 443
Engl 103 Engl 113 Literature Elective Psy 103 CD 233 CD 203 SOWK 313 SOWK 323 SOWK 413 SOWK 423
Lak 103 Lak 233 Humanities Elective Lak Studies Elective CD 223 LHist 203 SOWK 333 SOWK 343 SOWK 406
FP I
SOWK 416
FP II
MIS 113 SoSc Course CD 103 CD 113 Lak Studies Elective SoSc 313 CD 313 CD 343

12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits 12 Credits
Download BSW - Option 2 - Chemical Dependency Emphasis Plan of Study

Social Work Jobs & Fields of Practice

  • Case management
  • Prevention services
  • Community organization
  • Schools
  • Corrections
  • Probation & parole
  • Restorative justice
  • Substance abuse
  • Children’s services
  • Hospitals
  • Mental health
  • Tribal, local, state, and federal government services
  • Elder services
  • Health and welfare
  • Family services
  • Veterans’ services
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Physical disabilities

Chemical Dependency Counselor Career Areas & Jobs

  • OST Addiction Treatment Provider Network
    • Employee Assistance Programs
    • Case management
    • Prevention services
    • Corrections
    • Probation & parole
    • General and psychiatric hospitals
    • Substance abuse treatment facilities
    • Outpatient treatment centers
    • Social service agencies
    • Private practice
    • K—12 School Prevention Programs

Resources

Apply Now Course Listings Meet The Faculty DocumentsScholarships CSWE Accreditation