The College of St. Scholastica launched its social work program on the Mesa Community College campus last fall and administrators already see enough demand to open a spring cohort starting in January. The deadline to apply is Nov. 19 and scholarships are available.

The college’s B.A. in Social Work program will meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning Jan. 17, 2017.

Marcia Runnberg-Valadez, undergraduate Arizona Social Work program faculty and program director, will manage the spring cohort. Runnberg-Valadez has been a social work professor at St. Scholastica for more than 20 years.

St. Scholastica offers one of the only bachelor of arts in social work programs in Greater Phoenix that’s designed to meet the needs of working adults. With 570 hours of field experience and a curriculum that emphasizes professional documentation, the program is ranked well above the national average.

College of St. Scholastica

(623) 694-0984 or online

Courses are also offered at Phoenix College

“We are happy to strengthen our partnership with Mesa Community College and fulfill the need for social work education in the Phoenix community,” said Runnberg-Valadez. “It is apparent in these times of poverty, violence, fear, and neglect, that the social work profession is needed now more than ever. It’s one of the fastest-growing professions and one of the most versatile. The work certainly promises a life with purpose and of great value.”

Students can apply for the Arizona Social Work Scholarship for 15 percent off tuition costs. Pairs of students who enroll together could qualify for the College’s $1,000 Study Buddy Scholarship.