The undergraduate minor in social work requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in social work courses, including 12 s.h. in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at the University of Iowa. Students complete one required course and 12 s.h. of elective coursework. They must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework for the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass.

Social work courses required for the major are not available to students who are not admitted to the social work program.

Minors are an optional addition to a degree. A minor may relate directly to your major(s) or may reflect your interest in an area entirely different and separate from your major(s). Most students who opt to minor in social work do so because they have a related major (for example, sociology, psychology, political science, communications, American studies) and they anticipate working in a helping profession. 

Sometimes students in what may seem like unrelated fields, such as business or the sciences, see the benefit of learning more about social justice, social welfare and diverse populations in our society. Because the Social Work major is a selective admissions major, some students who are not admitted but still want to pursue their interests in helping others will take social work courses. Sometimes students become familiar with the social work field too late in their undergraduate studies to apply to the program, but want to study more in our field.

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the minor in social work, visit the UI General Catalog.