Social work is defined as work carried out by trained professionals with the aim of helping people who have social disadvantages or personal problems. It is a profession that promotes social change, community empowerment, human rights, and collective justice. Beyond counseling, social workers are employed in positions within nonprofits, hospitals, governments, schools, corporations, and more.
The Minor program is relevant to students across all majors, particularly within the Schools of Liberal Arts, Business, Public Health, and Science and Engineering. It can provide an edge in the search for jobs and advanced degrees, particularly pertaining to ethics- and human-focused sectors such as medicine and management.
Tulane’s Undergraduate Minor in Social Work provides:
- An interdisciplinary, evidence-based curriculum
- An understanding of human services, social justice, and trauma within communities
- Access to Tulane School of Social Work faculty and fellows respected as global experts in their fields
- A focus on a holistic introduction to the multifaceted field of social work
- A supportive and cooperative academic environment
Social work is applicable to almost every career. If you want to chat about how the minor might fit into your academic, personal, and professional goals, reach out to Program Director Dr. Fred Buttell.
Tulane students who graduate with both a Social Work Minor and a 3.0 overall GPA will receive priority consideration for admission to and merit scholarships for Tulane's Master of Social Work program.
Our mission is to enhance the well-being and equitable treatment of diverse individuals and communities through transformative education, generations of knowledge, service and community engagement.
Students in the Social Work Minor will:
- Demonstrate understanding about ethical and professional behavior expected in social work practice
- Understand concepts of human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) conversations and seek new practices to incorporate ADEI at the university, community, personal, and professional levels
- Analyze research and data-informed practices in relation to theories and systems impacting individuals, families, and communities
- Understand impacts of public policy and funding on individuals, families, and communities
The Social Work Minor will begin to introduce students to the knowledge, skills, and values that are required for work in the human services sector. Courses will address the fields of social work and mental health, social policy and its human implications, systems of oppression, and trauma.
The Social Work Minor requires 18 credit hours, or 6 classes total.
