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Social Welfare Studies Minor

Minor

With a minor in social welfare studies, you’ll expand your understanding of social services and community impact, complementing your major with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in social and behavioral sciences.

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By adding a flexible minor in social welfare studies, you can easily add another area of study for a well-balanced education. This minor would be a great complement to those majoring in psychology. It’s also a great fit if you’re passionate about social justice and are also interested in studying politics, law, journalismministry, or healthcare.

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Why should I study social welfare at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Social Work, where you’ll learn alongside fellow students from professors who will know you by name. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Ground your social work education in Christian values and ethics, preparing you to serve with compassion and integrity.

  • Close faculty mentorship
    Benefit from personalized mentorship and guidance from experienced faculty who are invested in your success.

Contact us

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

While exploring social welfare studies, you’ll gain a strong foundation in policy-making and social services that can serve you in your career.

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Understanding of policy and community impact

Explore the complexities of social policies and their effects on communities, gaining insights into social welfare systems and their implications for society.

Reconciliation and social justice

Learn about strategies for promoting reconciliation, social justice, and equity, examining issues of diversity, inclusion, and social change from micro and macro perspectives.

Critical thinking

Develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of social problems and the evaluation of policy solutions, honing your ability to assess issues from multiple viewpoints and propose informed solutions.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong.

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Faith-integrated learning

Ground your social welfare studies in a Christ-centered environment, preparing you to engage with issues of social justice and service from a Christian perspective

Interdisciplinary exploration

Engage in interdisciplinary discussions and projects, collaborating with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds to address social challenges and promote community well-being.

Applied learning experiences

Apply your knowledge through internships, service-learning projects, and community-based initiatives, gaining practical experience and making meaningful contributions to social welfare efforts.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

The social welfare studies minor enhances your understanding of social issues and equips you with valuable skills that are applicable across various fields.

Enhance your major

Tailor your education and major to your goals by gaining insights into social services and community dynamics.

Advocacy and service

Pursue careers in fields like social work, nonprofit management, public policy, law, healthcare, or ministry, advocating for social justice and serving marginalized populations.

Leadership and change-making

Develop leadership skills and strategies for promoting positive social change in local communities, nonprofits, government agencies, and global initiatives.

Graduate studies

Prepare for further education in fields like social work, public administration, law, counseling, or public health.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of Social Work


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 201

Contact

Eydie Dyke-Shypulski

Eydie Dyke-Shypulski

Eydie Dyke-Shypulski

Professor of Social Work

Bio >

Stacy Hepburn

Stacy Hepburn

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Bio >

Minyoung Lim

Minyoung Lim

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Bio >

Nick Zeimet

Nick Zeimet

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Bio >

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Tiana Krueger

Adjunct Professor of Social Work

Bio >

Corey Tolliver Sr.

Corey Tolliver Sr.

Adjunct Instructor of Social Work

Bio >

Jennifer Henson

Jennifer Henson

Adjunct Instructor of Social Work

Bio >

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John Bower

Professor of Social Work Emeritus

Bio >

Samuel Zalanga

Samuel Zalanga

Professor of Social Work Emeritus

Bio >

100+

agency contacts in the Twin Cities

10th

in Social Work Degree Guide's "20 High-value BSW Degrees in Metro Areas with Top Salaries for Social Workers"

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements