Social Work

The Pre-Social Work Program at Jefferson College offers a structured pathway for students aiming to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW). It emphasizes effective preparation through required courses and specific academic standards to ensure a successful transfer into accredited BSW programs.

Program Overview

The Pre-Social Work Program is a curriculum designed specifically to meet the needs of students preparing for eventual completion of a bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) at a Council on Social Work Education-accredited college or university. This course of study facilitates a more seamless transfer into a BSW program upon graduation from Jefferson College with an Associate of Arts degree. Required components for this endorsement include completion of SWK105 Introduction to Social Work and SWK110 Social Work Lab, with grades of "B" or better; and SOC125 Human Diversity and SOC240 Marriage and Family, with grades of "C" or better. Requirements also include a cumulative GPA of 2.5, completion of all Associate of Arts degree requirements, and a recommendation from a Jefferson College Social Work faculty member. View the Social Work brochure to learn more!

Social Work Core Values - from the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics:

Service
Social Justice
Dignity and Worth of the Person
Importance of Human Relationships
Integrity
Competence

Degree Information

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is designed for transfer to another college or university as part of a bachelor's degree.

Accredited Programs for Transfer Options:
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for Bachelor's and Master's level schools of Social Work. In order to use the title of Social Worker, you must attend an accredited school. Please check in order to ensure your next school is accredited: Directory of Accredited Programs.

Associate of Arts (A.A.)

Academic Plan

The academic plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time college-ready student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs. View the Social Work academic plan.

Course Guides

Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.

View the Social Work ICGs.

Career Opportunities

Social work is a dynamic and rewarding field that offers a variety of career opportunities, each dedicating itself to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. As the demand for social workers continues to grow, there are numerous pathways to explore within this profession, ranging from entry-level positions to specialized clinical roles.

Employment is expected to grow for child and family social workers, health care social workers, and mental health and substance abuse social workers. This projected growth indicates the increasing need for skilled professionals who can address complex social issues.

Bachelor of Social Work, 2+2 Partnership Programs:

Jefferson College has established partnerships with Missouri State University and William Woods University. These transfer options allow students to earn an Associate of Arts in Pre-Social Work from Jefferson College and a Bachelor's degree.

These transfer options allow students to earn their Associate of Arts in Pre-Social Work at Jefferson College and create a clear pathway to ensure students meet necessary program requirements to earn their Bachelor's degree in Social Work at accredited schools. Through the 2+2 articulation agreements between Jefferson College and these two schools, students can be assured of course transferability. A transfer to Missouri State would allow students to transfer to the BSW program either online or on the Springfield, MO campus. Transfer to William Woods University would be to their campus in Fulton, MO (about two hours from Hillsboro, MO.)


Social Work Program Information	Social Work Program Information
Missouri State Transfer Information	William Woods University Transfer Information
	Transfer Student Degree Plan

Social Work Advisory Committee

The Social Work Advisory Committee is comprised of professionals from a variety of practice settings. The purpose of this committee is to provide a continuing forum to update and inform Jefferson College on current issues, trends, data, job opportunities, and practices in the field of Social Work.

	Susan Welch, Chair, MSW, LCSW Associate Professor of Sociology & Social Work Jefferson College
	Jama Anthony-Petter, MSW, LCSW Family Therapist A New Direction Counseling
	Gayle Beck, BSW District Social Worker Fox C-6 School District
	Judson R. Bliss, LPC, LCSW, PhD Regional Office Director Saint Louis Counseling
	Angela Brumfield, BSW Community Support Specialist BJC Behavioral Health
	Katie Dalton, MSW, LCSW Executive Director Crime Victim Center
	Melanie Gowdy, MSW Social Worker Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
	Sharon Jackson, MSW, LCSW, BCD Director of Field Education for Social Work/Assistant Professor of Social Work Maryville University
	Shellie Knuckles, MSW Children's Services Supervisor Jefferson County Children's Division
	Rebecca Mills, LMSW Social Worker II Mercy Hospital Jefferson
	Cyndi Morgan, BSW, MBA/HCM, LNHA Assistant Administrator Crystal Oaks Skilled Care, Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center
	Carol Newmark, MSW, LCSW Case Management Social Worker Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
	Sherry Snoke, MSW, LCSW Renal Social Worker DaVita Dialysis-Crystal City, Arnold & Farmington
	Debbie Wolf, MSW, LCSW Program Manager-Pregnancy and Parenting Services Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri