Mission
The mission of the Northwestern State University BSW Program is, within the scope of the University’s mission and liberal arts foundation, to graduate competent and ethical generalist social work professionals prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, locally to globally. Our teaching, advising, and student engagement focus on a responsive student-centered approach, both on campus and online, that encourages and develops life-long learners and critical thinkers. Students and faculty engage in service and leadership that enhances human well-being, embraces human diversity, promotes human rights, and advances social and economic justice. The program’s foundational perspectives include person-in-environment, strengths, research-informed practice, scientific inquiry and the values and ethics of the social work profession.
Accreditation & Licensure
The Northwestern State University Bachelor of Social Work Program is accredited at the Baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education.
The following is the contact information for CSWE:
Council on Social Work Education 1701 Duke Street, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Phone: (703) 683-8080
Fax: (703) 683-8099
http://www.cswe.org
Email: info@cswe.org
Many students choose to study with us from all over the United States and recognized territories. Applicants and students are encouraged to refer to their state licensing board for more information about current licensure requirements. State licensing boards can be found by visiting the link below. Students living in states whose licensing requirements differ from the School’s curriculum and field education standards must notify the Field Education Office immediately.
We annually assess our program to determine efficacy in instruction regarding the nine competencies of a CSWE accredited baccalaureate social work program. This document provides annual student outcomes.
Master of Social Work
NSU’s Master of Social Work empowers you with clinical skills, research experience, and hands-on training to create real change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Have questions about NSU’s Master of Social Work program? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers and helpful details.
To affirm the importance of integrity, both as students and professionals, the Master of Social Work department at Northwestern State University of Louisiana has adopted an honor code.
Bachelor of Social Work
NSU’s Bachelor of Social Work gives you the knowledge, field experience, and hands-on training to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Child Welfare Scholars
The Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars program prepares social work students for careers in child welfare through specialized courses, hands-on fieldwork, and research opportunities. Students who commit to field work and a year of employment with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) may qualify for a $7,500 stipend and receive three years of professional support after employment. For details, contact Mrs. Lisa Mount, MSW, LCSW-BACS at childwelfare@nsula.edu or 318-357-4638.
Field Placement
It is in the field placement that the overall educational goal of preparation of students for practice at the professional entry level is most fully realized. Students bring personal values, classroom knowledge and theory, and a beginning philosophy of social work to the field setting. During the field placement they are expected to integrate these with new knowledge and skills gained from direct interaction with clients and professionals. Field education is the final step in demonstrating competency for entry level social work practice.
Current Students
Social Work Club
A student-led organization that builds community and professional identity while raising awareness of social issues on campus and beyond. Members gain knowledge about the major and profession, plus volunteer opportunities, leadership experience, career exploration, and fellowship with peers and faculty. Open to all majors. Meets Mondays (times vary by semester).
Faculty sponsors: Lisa Mount (mountl@nsula.edu) and Randy Hoffpauir (hoffpauirr@nsula.edu).
Phi Alpha – Pi Delta Chapter (Social Work Honor Society)
Invitation-only national honor society recognizing academic excellence and commitment to social work values. Eligibility for NSU invitation:
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Accepted into the professional Social Work program
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Completed ≥ 37.5% of total BSW credit hours
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Completed 9 required Social Work credit hours
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Overall GPA in the top 35% of Social Work majors
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3.25 GPA in required Social Work courses
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Demonstrated commitment to professional standards and ethics
Advisor contact: Dr. Susan Campbell (campbellsu@nsula.edu).
At Northwestern State University, we develop community of practice environments to help students connect, whether they live near campus or afar. We aim to provide students with regular and substantive opportunities for engagement. Below are volunteer opportunities across the state in which students can volunteer in child welfare.
The Social Work Department Scholarship
In 2020 the Northwestern State University Department of Social Work developed the Social Work Department Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded, by committee, based on a variety of criteria including grade point average, service to the university and community, outside activities and employment and a written essay.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
In an effort to support all individuals pursuing a social work degree we are providing a link that identifies scholarship opportunities. We understand that every student in the Northwestern State University social work department might not be eligible to apply due to individual scholarship requirements, read the requirements carefully to determine eligibility. Please note that the Northwestern State University Department of Social Work neither created, maintains, nor endorses this list or the scholarship granting bodies. This list will be updated as updated information is made available.
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