St. Thomas School of Social Work

05/27/2026

Another school year is in the books, and it wouldn't be the end of the year if we didn't highlight our Area of Emphasis in Aging Scholars!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 15 for our Annual Spring Celebration and Workshop. It was a wonderful day filled with panel speakers from a range of Palliative, Hospice, and Bereavement Care settings, and of course our AEA Scholar Clinical Portfolio presentations. 💟

04/21/2026

Our Doctor of Social Work students are defending their banded dissertation's this week.
Join us (virtually) April 21 - 23, to learn all about what Cohort 10 has been studying and researching over the course of their program.

Full Dissertation schedule and link to view:

Join Cohort 10 of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program as they present and defend their banded dissertations.

04/15/2026

Dr. Kingsley Chigbu has been teaching in our Doctor of Social Work program for 10 years and can't wait for the new specialization in Leadership, here's what he had to say:

"I’m truly encouraged by the intentional way we infused leadership into our program and by the thoughtful curriculum that grew from that work, including complex analysis. I’m excited for us to continue setting the standard as a program that inspires and prepares future doctors and leaders."

We are still accepting applications for a Fall start in our DSW program, head to our website to learn more: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/graduate/doctorate/index.html

03/24/2026

A degree in social work prepares you to work with diverse populations across a wide variety of settings such as schools, health systems, correction centers and social services agencies.

Minnesota in particular has a deficit of social workers, and we're all for filling that gap. Educating students to provide culturally responsive care with a focus on social justice is what we're all about. 💜

Our MSW application deadline for a Summer start is one week away on April 1. Head to our website to complete your application: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/graduate/masters/index.html

03/17/2026

It's the third Tuesday in March, so in addition to St. Patrick's Day, we'd like to wish our students, faculty, and alumni a Happy National Social Work Day! 💚

Huge shoutout to all the alumni who stopped by our booth last week at MSSA - it was such a joy to connect and hear about what you're up to in the field.

Our School of Social Work envisions a world that affirms and sustains the inherent dignity and worth of all humans, that distributes resources and power equitably, and where all life flourishes. We are so LUCKY you've been a part of it. 🍀

03/06/2026

Interprofessional collaboration is a core piece of our educational standards here in the College of Health. We know that the students in our different disciplines will work together after graduation. In preparation, we want to ensure their education over laps as well!

Last Friday, the Schools of Nursing and Social Work came together for a wonderful interprofessional education simulation experience. Students completed an evaluation which showed both Morrison Family College of Health and Interprofessional Education competencies gained.

Thank you to everyone who came together to learn across disciplines!

01/06/2026

📢Application Deadline Approaching📢

The priority deadline for our Master of Social Work is this Saturday, January 10. No better new year's resolution than starting your graduate degree, we hope you'll join us this year!

Complete your application here: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/admissions/masters/index.html

12/17/2025

"The Doctor of Social Work program at St. Thomas has been truly transformative. The faculty’s guidance and support, combined with the cohort model, have created a strong community that connects me with those who graduated before us and those who will follow. I feel empowered and inspired by the depth of knowledge I have gained. I am excited for the opportunities ahead to make a meaningful impact in social work."
- Amanda Thooft DSW cohort 10

Our DSW now offers a specialization in leadership, learn more about it here: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/graduate/doctorate/index.html

12/10/2025

We're one month out until our January 10 MSW priority deadline! After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis if space is available.

Complete your application here: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/admissions/masters/index.html

As an MSW student you have the opportunity to join our Area of Emphasis in Aging scholars program where you'll work with faculty, alumni and community members who focus on the field of aging to develop specialized knowledge and training for serving older adults and their families.

Learn more about the AEA program here: https://health.stthomas.edu/social-work/graduate/masters/areas-emphasis/gero/index.html

11/17/2025

Last month, Dr. Melissa Lundquist, our BSW Program Director, had the opportunity to speak on Minnesota Public Radio about the emotional challenges of coping with an empty nest.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/10/22/life-after-the-kids-move-out-how-to-cope-with-the-emotional-challenges-of-an-empty-nest