Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees

The population of people of immigrants and refugee backgrounds is on the rise in the U.S. and yet they remain largely underserved. Our nation is becoming increasingly diverse, and social workers will find themselves working with people of immigrant and refugee backgrounds in most professional settings. These communities have unique needs and challenges which can be effectively addressed by social workers who are knowledgeable, sensitive and responsive to their needs..

Clinical practice with people of immigrant and refugee backgrounds takes into consideration the factors associated with voluntary and forced immigration. These factors include grief and trauma associated with the loss of homeland, loss of identity and loss of family members, among others. It also includes mental health distress such as anxiety and depression. It recognizes the cultural factors that contribute to mental health among immigrants and refugees.

Priority application deadline: March 15*
All newly admitted Advanced Standing (AS) and Regular Standing (RS) MSW students are eligible to apply. Admitted students can access the application, when available, through OneStThomas.
*Applications submitted after March 15 will be reviewed on a space available basis.