Social Work
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
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.
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.
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.
Jefferson College Social Work Advisory Committee Members:
 | Susan Welch, Chair, MSW, LCSWAssociate Professor of Sociology & Social Work |
 | Jama Anthony-Petter, MSW, LCSWFamily Therapist |
 | Gayle Beck, BSWRetired |
 | Judson R. Bliss, LPC, LCSW, PhDRegional Office Director |
 | Angela Brumfield, BSWCommunity Support Specialist |
 | Katie Dalton, MSW, LCSWExecutive Director |
 | Melanie Gowdy, MSWSocial Worker, Public Health Coordinator |
| Sharon Jackson, MSW, LCSW, BCDSocial Worker |
| Shellie Knuckles, MSWChildren's Services Supervisor |
 | Mary DeClue, MSWOwner |
| Ryan Humphres, MSWSocial Worker/Analyst |
| Carol Newmark, MSW, LCSWCase Management Social Worker |
 | Sherry Snoke, MSW, LCSWRenal Social Worker |
 | Debbie Wolf, MSW, LCSWRetired |
