With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, you’ll become a dedicated advocate for justice, working towards impactful change that honors each individual's dignity and worth.
At a glance
Delivery
Online
Finish in as few as
12-21 months*
Estimated tuition
$27,300-43,680*
*depends on your prior degree
Contact us
Request information
Interested in learning more about Bethel's MSW program? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Meet Your Counselor
Lauren Whalen
At Bethel, we're committed to helping you get the most out of your education. Your enrollment counselor is here to help you balance your program with your personal life and career goals.Program highlights
Faith integration
Guided by our principles of faith, Bethel University’s MSW graduates are recognized as influential agents of change, possessing a robust foundation in direct clinical practice and a steadfast dedication to advancing universal human rights, solidarity, and justice.
Flexibility
Our flexible program is designed to fit your life as you manage work, family, and community commitments. And you can tailor your educational journey to fit your goals.
Advanced Standing option
If you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution, you can complete your master's degree in social work in as few as 12 months. If you have a bachelor’s degree other than a BSW, you can complete the full MSW in as few as 20 months.
Support for your next step
Whether you’re starting a new career or seeing career development, you’ll find support and guidance from our dedicated faculty and staff. They’re dedicated to your success and helping you find all the resources you need.
Distinctive emphases
You’ll study ecological systems theory, focusing on the advancement of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Your learning will be deeply rooted in the principles of justice and liberation that define contemporary social work practice and theory.
Scholarships up to $25,000
To qualify, commit to at least one year of work in a Minnesota school providing essential social work services. Scholarships are available for Spring and Summer 2025 cohorts.
New scholarships of up to $25,000 available for Master of Social Work students aspiring to work in Minnesota schools
Bethel University’s MSW program announces new scholarship opportunities, providing substantial financial support for students committed to delivering essential clinical and mental health services in Minnesota schools.
October 02, 2024 | 9:10 a.m.
Bethel’s Master in Social Work Program Receives CSWE Accreditation
Bethel’s MSW program secures prestigious CSWE accreditation, signaling a top-notch education and unlocking fresh avenues for students’ professional paths.
March 14, 2024 | 4 p.m.
Social Work Students Take First Place in National Conference
Four senior social work students presented at a national conference for their discipline and two of the four received first-place honors for their work.
May 22, 2019 | 1:30 p.m.
JAN 24 2025
Antiracist Supervision Training Series - Session #1
9 a.m. CT
Join us in learning how antiracism principles can be applied in your supervision relationships through this professional development training series.
FEB 7 2025
Antiracist Supervision Training Series - Session #2
9 a.m. CT
Join us in learning how antiracism principles can be applied in your supervision relationships through this professional development training series.
FEB 21 2025
Antiracist Supervision Training Series - Session #3
9 a.m. CT
Join us in learning how antiracism principles can be applied in your supervision relationships through this professional development training series.
MAR 7 2025
Antiracist Supervision Training Series - Session #4
9 a.m. CT
Join us in learning how antiracism principles can be applied in your supervision relationships through this professional development training series.
Strong clinical emphasis
Through MSW courses designed around evidence-based models for clinical interventions, you’ll be equipped to address crisis, trauma, and marginalization in clinical practice. And your courses will encompass all essential clinical content mandated by the Minnesota Board of Social Work for clinical licensure. This includes but is not limited to differential diagnosis, clinical treatment planning, intervention methods, evaluation methodologies, social work values, and ethics with a focus on cultural diversity. Additionally, culturally specific assessment and intervention techniques are thoroughly covered.
Top 20
online social work master's program nationwide
- University HQ20%
department students double major
2.1%
Unemployment rate of recent graduate alumni
- 2015 Bethel Graduate School Alumni SurveyCareer Outcomes
Wondering what you can do with an MSW?
The Master of Social Work program will prepare you to sit for the professional licensure exam. Program structure allows students to complete the clinical clock hour requirements established by the Board of Social Work. You’ll be prepared to advocate for hope and justice in a broad range of social work professions.
Employers
Our graduates can work at places like:
- Public schools
- Hospice
- Domestic violence shelters
- Adoption agencies
- Child/adult protection
- Health systems
- Mental health clinics
- Trauma centers
- Agencies supporting refugees, the homeless, and youth
- Nonprofit and for-profit agencies
Skills
Learn how to:
- Address complex social issues such as poverty, systemic violence, human neglect, trafficking, child welfare, trauma, mental health, environmental racism, and social systems reform
- Explore concepts of theology, race, and equity to address injustice
- Apply critical concepts related to trauma and mental health to social work practice
- Apply your training in micro to macro contexts
- Seek justice in innovative ways
- Apply research and evidence-based practice to impact sustainable change
- Integrate inclusive and bias-free language in your scholarly work and professional practice
Careers
Our graduates work as:
- Substance use and recovery treatment counselors
- Mental health counselors
- Marriage and family therapists
- Medical social workers
- School social workers
- Foster care social workers
- Child and family therapists
- Social and community service managers
- Social work teachers
- Policy analysts
- School and career counselors
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
- CBT, DBT, SE therapists
- Health educators
- Hospice workers
- Domestic violence advocates
- Child protection workers
- Adult protection workers
Start your journey
Apply now
You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.
Explore related programs
- A Master's in Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level program focused on preparing individuals for licensure and advanced roles in the social work profession. Bethel’s fully online Master of Social Work program provides comprehensive training for justice-informed, ethical, and professional social work practice, equipping you to become an advocate for hope and change in the areas of social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
- Upon completing the MSW program, you’ll have a diverse range of career opportunities. This includes roles in areas such as clinical social work, healthcare settings, schools, counseling, non-profit organizations, and more. Our graduates work as substance use and recovery treatment counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, medical social workers, and school social workers, just to name a few.
-
Yes, fieldwork is an integral component and requirement of Bethel’s MSW program. Field seminars throughout our MSW program provide practical experience and the opportunity to integrate knowledge, skills, values, critical thinking, and applied ethics for social work practice.
-
In our MSW program, there is a distinctive emphasis on ecological systems theory, focusing on the advancement of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
-
The duration of the degree program varies. You’ll complete your master's degree in social work in as few as 12 months if you have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution. If you have a bachelor’s degree other than a BSW, complete the full MSW in as few as 21 months.
-
Yes, Bethel’s Office of Career Development and Calling is dedicated to supporting MSW students and alumni in their career endeavors. We offer career counseling, networking opportunities, and connections with social work professionals. Our commitment extends beyond graduation, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed for a successful career in the social work profession.
-
For detailed information on tuition fees and financial aid options for our MSW program, please visit our graduate tuition and cost of attendance website. We understand the importance of making education accessible, and our team is available to guide you through the financial aspects, including scholarship opportunities, grants, and other financial aid resources.
