About The Program
As a social worker, you’ll support children and families, advocating for fair treatment and assuring their needs are met. While pre-social work is not a major itself, we’ll match you with a degree and the necessary coursework required to prepare you for admission into a social work program.
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are compassionate
- Enjoy working with individuals and groups
- Are open to life experiences
- Are a good listener
With a social work degree, you could also work as a:
- Healthcare social worker
- Youth worker
- Nurse
- Non-profit staff member
At Northern, we believe getting you out of the classroom and into a real-world workplace setting is a critical part of your education. You'll have several opportunities for internships and other forms of experiential learning throughout your time at Northern. Learn more at Student Experiences!
The NSU WolfPACT is the highest guaranteed, four-year scholarship in the region. But that isn't the only scholarship available at Northern. Visit Arts and Sciences Scholarships to learn about other scholarship opportunities!
Plan of Study (coming soon)
Students in our social work program often major in:
And they often minor in:
Experience the world while earning your degree through NSU Study Abroad! With hundreds of opportunities available around the globe, Northern can make your study abroad dream become a reality. Learn more at Study Abroad!
At Northern, you'll have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research that can have real-world impacts - while still an undergraduate student. Now with our brand new, state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center, the sky is truly the limit. Learn more at Undergraduate Research!
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:
- Pre-Social Work Academic Advisor: Rhonda Carda, 605-626-2267, 626-7900 or rhonda.carda@northern.edu
- Pre-Social Work Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kristi Brownfield, 605-626-7797 or kristi.brownfield@northern.edu
Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!
Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.
Our Faculty
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Dr. Brownfield joined the NSU faculty in 2015. Her current research looks at deviance and “bad behavior” in online forums devoted to support networks. She recently has published articles on depictions of prisons in film and rural policing on television.
Research Interests/Areas of Expertise
Popular culture
New media research methods
Online phenomena
Race/class/gender
Social psychology, identity, narrative, and deviance