Social work faculty members are active in a number of areas of research, regularly publishing their findings in journals or sharing their contributions to the field at national conferences. Students can get involved in research projects in the department to find answers to their questions, gain mentorship opportunities and expand their research skills. Grants and travel funding are available through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Students also have the opportunity to present their research and posters at the Annual Social Work Symposium at the University of Memphis.

The Department of Social Work offers a number of opportunities for students to learn from experts beyond our campus and network with peers. Here are some examples of the conferences, trainings and trips that enhance your education:

• Division of Behavioral Health Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Training
• Division of Child Protection Mandatory Reporting
• Interprofessional Education Training Day
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Certificate
• South Dakota Helpline Trainings: Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Welcome Table
• National Association of Social Workers - South Dakota chapter's annual conference

An important part of your social work program is field education. 

Field practicum is a critical component, recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), for integrating knowledge from the classroom with hands-on experience in the practice setting. The Department of Social Work collaborates with an array of professional agencies. Collaboration with placement agencies and field instructors provides students with quality enhanced field experience. Additionally, CSWE requires students to complete a field education experience that allows students to learn and demonstrate core competencies. These guidelines ensure that, regardless of where students are earning their degree, they receive a consistent quality experience in their social work training.

Students are placed under the supervision of a CSWE accredited social worker with qualifications in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Department of Social Work. The field supervisor has a minimum of two years of post-graduate experience in social work and holds a degree equal to or above the student’s educational level. The instructor is responsible for providing a minimum of one hour per week of direct, educational-focused supervision to support the integration of classroom learning.

Participation in field seminars is an integral part of field education. Students at the M.S.W. level are required to enroll in a seminar course and expected to play an active role in the planning and implementation of learning experiences to model integration of academic and practicum learning while enabling the development of their professional skills.

Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable skills for professional careers or continuing academic work.

Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or administrative assistantships within support offices are available at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate chair of the department.

For more information and to apply for a graduate assistantship, visit the Graduate Assistantship webpage.