Master of Social Work: Full Program

The full MSW program is available to students holding a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work (BSW). Emphasizing a strong commitment to service, social justice, integrity, and scientific inquiry, this track prepares individuals of all academic backgrounds for advanced professional social work practice and licensure.

Total credits

56

Finish in as few as

21 months

Courses

Professional Licensure

Bethel's MSW program ensures that students are well-prepared to take the professional licensure exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Field Work

Those enrolled in the full program will engage in four field seminars and 900 hours of field practicum work, providing students with practical experience and the opportunity to integrate skills and ethics essential to social work practice. Field practicum work is a comprehensive learning experience that includes:

• Immersion in a multi-service community-based agency, serving diverse populations, facilitating a firsthand understanding of the challenges and strengths within different communities.
• Emphasis on diversity, human rights, and justice, fostering a nuanced perspective and a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and fairness in social work practice.
• Development of a professional identity, encouraging students to explore and define their roles within the social work profession, aligning personal values with the ethical standards of the field.
• Social work experience in a professional setting, conducted under the supervision of a qualified field instructor, ensuring hands-on learning in a real-world context and providing valuable mentorship for professional growth.

Program Objectives

Graduates from Bethel University's justice-informed Master of Social Work program will be equipped to:

• Address social challenges, ranging from poverty, systemic violence, human neglect, trafficking, child welfare, trauma, mental health, and health disparities, to environmental racism and the reformation of social systems.
• Examine and engage with theological, racial, and equity concepts to address issues of social, economic, racial, and environmental injustice.
• Apply critical concepts related to trauma and mental health in social work practice, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and adept response to diverse individual and community needs.
• Apply acquired knowledge across all contexts, from micro to macro levels, demonstrating adaptability and skill in addressing social issues at various scales.
• Champion justice in innovative ways, actively participating in diverse professional field settings to bring about positive societal change.
• Utilize research and evidence-based practices in social work contexts and various community settings.
• Integrate inclusive and bias-free language into scholarly work and professional practice, promoting a culture of respect, diversity, and equity in social work.