Admission to the Social Work Major
Students apply to formally enter the program during the fall term of their third year at Wartburg.  Those who transfer to Wartburg as third or fourth-year students complete one term before applying.  Criteria for admission to the program include:

• Third-year standing
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00
• A grade of C- or higher in each course required for the social work major and in EN112: Intermediate Composition.
• Satisfactory completion of SW 181: Beginning Field Experience
• Demonstration of professional comportment (integrity, work habits, professional conduct)
• Submission of an application for admission to the major and required attachments.

Graduate SchoolsWartburg social work graduates have attended graduate schools across the U.S. Since 2015, they have been accepted into MSW programs at:

• St. Ambrose University
• Saint Louis University
• University of Denver
• College of Saint Catherine/University of Saint Thomas
• University of Northern Iowa
• University of Iowa
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Loyola University, Chicago
• Metropolitan State University, Denver

Social Work Club 
Open to all Wartburg students, the Social Work Club provides opportunities to socialize, learn about social work careers, explore issues of interest to social workers, and participate in campus and community service activities.  

Holiday Shoppe
For more than 20 years, social work students have sponsored this holiday tradition that provides donated Christmas gifts to the children of families receiving public assistance in Bremer County.  Throughout the fall term students raise funds, collect donations, recruit volunteers, and work with the IA Department of Human Services to identify and invite eligible families.  During two days each December, families come to “shop” for gifts at Waverly’s Redeemer Lutheran Church that include new toys, books, clothing, and toiletry items.  The Shoppe teaches students how to organize a major community event and puts smiles on the faces of hundreds of children each year.

NASW Legislative Day
Each February, third-year social work students travel to Des Moines at the invitation of the National Association of Social Workers to join with participants from other colleges and universities to speak directly to state legislators about bills and laws related to social work and social welfare.  This event underscores the importance of advocacy and social justice in the lives of social workers and the people we serve.

Phi Alpha Honor Society
Wartburg’s chapter of the national Phi Alpha Honor Society recognizes superior academic achievement among social work students and promotes humanitarian goals and ideals.  Eligible students are formally inducted to Phi Alpha each spring.

With so many activities including athletics, student government, musical groups, and campus ministry, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and to participate in service-learning activities.