Oglala Lakota College | Academics | Social Work
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Social Work
Students enrolled in OLC’s social work program will become a part of social change and making life better for the Lakota people.
Current Students
Degree Programs / Areas of Study
Social Work
An Overview of the Department of Social Work
Accredited under the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Oglala Lakota College’s Department of Social Work seeks to educate students to be part of social change processes that more equitably distribute scarce economic and social resources as part of making life better for the Lakota People, and any other marginalized or oppressed groups. Grounded in Lakota culture and liberal arts, the Department of Social Work is proud to provide OLC’s students with the foundational opportunities they need to learn, grow, and cultivate a future career in social work, post-graduation.
Immerse yourself in the diverse world of Social Work at Oglala Lakota College as you pursue a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Work. Ingrained in every fiber of community life, you’ll explore the varied applications of social work and gain real world experience as you work toward your degree.
As one of the fastest growing careers, you will learn the ins and outs of social work alongside faculty with professional background in the social work field. From learning the history of social work, its critical importance in society today, and the diverse methodology that form the foundation of a successful, informed career in social work to exploring the vast societal impact of addiction and abuse, you’ll leave OLC with an informed education rooted in knowledge and skills to prepare you for a career in entry level social work.
Moreover, students pursuing a B.S. in Social Work can expect to graduate with the exceptional tools and understanding needed to integrate Lakota and diverse cultures into their professional practice.
Note: To begin the social work sequence you need to take SOWK 203 which is offered ONLY IN THE SPRING SEMESTER each year. You should organize your schedule so you have most of the OLC Core done by the time you are ready to enter the junior year. Contact
Jeremy Vu
, Chairperson, for a program of study based on courses you have taken and courses you should take.
Vision Statement
In line with the OLC vision, the Department of Social Work seeks to educate students to be part of social change processes that more equitably distribute scarce economic and social resources as part of making life better for the Lakota People, and any other marginalized or oppressed groups.
Mission Statement
The Oglala Lakota College Department of Social Work’s mission is to empower students in the development of both social work and Lakota ethics, skills, and knowledge to be prepared for leadership roles within tribal, state, federal, and global communities. Using the Strengths Based Perspective, students will be educated in both social work and Lakota research, theory, values, policy, and practices to address social, economic, and environmental justice.
Graduates of the BSW program are expected to learn the following social work competencies:
Comptency 1:
Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Comptency 2:
Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Comptency 3:
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Comptency 4:
Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Comptency 5:
Engage in Policy Practice
Comptency 6:
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Comptency 7:
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Comptency 8:
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Comptency 9:
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9 Core Competencies (20 behaviors) from the 2022 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Option 1: Social Work Plan of Study
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
SpCm 103
Science Elective
Math 103
LSoc 103
SOWK 213
SOWK 203
SOWK 303
SOWK 433
SOWK 403
SOWK 443
Engl 103
Engl 113
Literature Elective
Psy 103
Free Elective
Upper Division Elective
SOWK 313
SOWK 323
SOWK 413
SOWK 423
Lak 103
Lak 233
Humanities Elective
Lakota Studies Elective
Upper Division Elective
Upper Division Elective
SOWK 333
SOWK 343
SOWK 406
FP I
SOWK 416
FP II
MIS 113
SoSc Course
CD 103
LHist 203
Lakota Studies Elective
SoSc 313
Free Elective
Upper Division Elective
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
Download BSW - Option 1 - Social Work Plan of Study
Option 2: Chemical Dependency Emphasis
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
Fall
Spring
SpCm 103
Science Elective
Math 103
LSoc 103
SOWK 213
SOWK 203
SOWK 303
SOWK 433
SOWK 403
SOWK 443
Engl 103
Engl 113
Literature Elective
Psy 103
CD 233
CD 203
SOWK 313
SOWK 323
SOWK 413
SOWK 423
Lak 103
Lak 233
Humanities Elective
Lak Studies Elective
CD 223
LHist 203
SOWK 333
SOWK 343
SOWK 406
FP I
SOWK 416
FP II
MIS 113
SoSc Course
CD 103
CD 113
Lak Studies Elective
SoSc 313
CD 313
CD 343
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
12 Credits
Download BSW - Option 2 - Chemical Dependency Emphasis Plan of Study
2025-2026 BSW of Social Work
2024-2025 BSW of Social Work
2023-2024 BSW of Social Work
2022-2023 BSW of Social Work
2021-2022 BSW of Social Work
2020-2021 BSW of Social Work
2019-2020 BSW of Social Work
2018-2019 BSW of Social Work
2017-2018 BSW of Social Work
2016-2017 BSW of Social Work
2015-2016 BSW of Social Work
Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board
Monument Health
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Oaye Luta Okolakiciye
He Sapa Friends of the Children
Oglala Sioux Tribe
Oglala Lakota County Schools
Indian Health Service
South Dakota Department of Health-
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Oglala Sioux Tribe Child Protective Services
Oglala Lakota Children's Justice Center
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Native Healing Program
Missouri Breaks Research Center
Social Work Jobs & Fields of Practice
Case management
Prevention services
Community organization
Schools
Corrections
Probation & parole
Restorative justice
Substance abuse
Children’s services
Hospitals
Mental health
Tribal, local, state, and federal government services
Elder services
Health and welfare
Family services
Veterans’ services
Developmental disabilities
Physical disabilities
Chemical Dependency Counselor Career Areas & Jobs
OST Addiction Treatment Provider Network
Employee Assistance Programs
Case management
Prevention services
Corrections
Probation & parole
General and psychiatric hospitals
Substance abuse treatment facilities
Outpatient treatment centers
Social service agencies
Private practice
K—12 School Prevention Programs
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