SOCIAL WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE:

BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM TO LAUNCH IN FALL

It’s no secret that the United States faces a shortage of social workers. Social work professionals are urgently needed in healthcare, education, mental health, child welfare, criminal justice and community organizations.

The field of social work appeals to many of today’s college-age students who desire a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of others. Social work also fits perfectly within the historic mission of The University of Olivet: advocating for social justice and equality and empowering others.

This fall, the first cohort of social work students will begin their online bachelor’s degree in social work at The University of Olivet. Alumna Dr. Brittany Turner ’15, LCSW, DSW, has returned to Olivet as the director of social work and the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program. Discussions and issues surrounding socioeconomic status, race and mental health have become increasingly important, and Turner knows first-hand that well-trained social workers are in high demand. She is excited about the possibilities of the new program and how it seamlessly fits into Olivet’s culture.

“Historically, Olivet’s foundation of equity and social justice has helped students learn how to engage in solving problems and helping others,” Turner said. “We are a service university.”

That campus embodiment of service makes Olivet a great place for a social work program to thrive. Olivet has long had a social work minor but saw an opportunity to fill a need in a growing profession. The social work degree qualifies as a degree completion program, making it perfect for nontraditional students. This could include professionals already doing the work but who need an expanded educational background, transfer students or associate degree graduates who want to complete a bachelor's degree, or adults who need a license to move to the next level.

While the program is fully online, these students are still provided the necessary resources, advice and support tailored to their individual academic paths, which all Olivet students receive, including advising sessions with experienced counselors who guide them through academic requirements and potential challenges. Turner knows this personalized approach is crucial for students and expected at Olivet.

“A lot of schools talk about relationship-based learning, but Olivet truly embodies it,” she said. “Connecting with students, understanding their motivations, tailoring approaches to individuals — this was my experience at Olivet.”

Makenzie Boyd will be one of the students in the first cohort this fall. Boyd is a current student at Olivet who has already taken all the social work prerequisite classes and believes Olivet is the perfect place to pursue her career.

“Olivet is a university where building relationships is important and there are so many opportunities to help people,” she said.

Boyd has already entered the social work world as a social work assistant in a nursing home. Under the guidance of the head social worker for the facility, she helps meet the needs of the residents. “I enjoy the work,” she said. “I care a lot about helping other people.”

Traditional four-year students go through a secondary admission process after their first year. As first-year students, they complete prerequisites and take part in the social work seminar to keep them on track and prepare for their next steps. It all aligns well with Olivet’s psychology major allowing students to easily adapt their path as they learn about the field.

“Through the program, students will be equipped to empower individuals and communities,” Turner said. “Social work is about engaging with others and helping to provide self-efficiency and autonomy to vulnerable populations.”

Turner designed the curriculum to cover the competencies set out by the national governing organization and prepare its students to take the state board exam to become licensed professionals. It includes foundational courses and learning goals for advancing human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice. Students will be introduced to the different areas of social work including research, community practice, policy, ethics and counseling.

The field of social work can be broken up into three levels that cover different issues: macro (national and global), micro (individuals and families), and mezzo (communities). While some colleges only focus on one level of practice, Olivet’s courses cover all three. This allows students to better understand their field and gives them the chance to explore more professional choices. This, combined with two semesters of practicum and a capstone project, equips graduates to work in multiple areas of the field.

“Social work should serve human needs through a holistic perspective,” Turner said. “We try to improve life for all humans and solve community problems.”

Turner has a varied background in social work herself. Before returning to Olivet, she worked as a mental health professional in the corrections system and at several medical organizations, including the Mayo Clinic. She keeps herself up to date with the profession by attending the National Association of Social Work and Council on Social Work Education conferences and owns her own private practice.

Boyd sees social work as her way to give back and make a change in the world. Right now, she is considering a career working in schools with children, but she knows her Olivet education will help her regardless of where she ends up. “I will be successful no matter what path I choose because of Olivet,” she said.

The University of Olivet is preparing its students for a career path that society needs now and educating them to become leaders in what comes next. It's an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, empower others and witness positive changes as a social worker.

Right: UOlivet student Makenzie Boyd enjoys helping other people as a social work assistant in a nursing home.

Are you or someone you know interested in pursuing a career in social work?

Scan the QR code or visit UOlivet.edu/Online-BSW