Become who you’re meant to be. In Bethel’s B.A. in Social Work (BSW), you’ll gain the tools for professional social work practice and learn to be an advocate for hope and change in a nationally accredited program. You’ll practice social work through scholarship, service, justice, and leadership, all within a vibrant Christian-centered learning community. You’ll gain the tools to reach your full potential as a social worker—all so you can go into the world to serve others in your community.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
In Bethel’s social work major, you’ll develop essential knowledge, values, and skills to promote the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. You'll be ready to make a meaningful impact in your community as a social worker.
Assessment and intervention techniques
You’ll be equipped with skills to support individuals, families, groups, and communities through effective strategies and interventions.
Crisis management and conflict resolution
Learn strategies to address crises and manage conflicts constructively in various social contexts.
Advocacy and leadership
You’ll be empowered to champion social and economic justice, advocating for marginalized populations and leading positive change.
Cultural competence and diversity awareness
Foster understanding and respect for diverse cultures, promoting inclusive practices in social work.
Ethical decision-making and professional conduct
You'll learn how to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with integrity and professionalism.
Program evaluation and policy analysis
Learn to critically assess programs and policies, contributing to evidence-based practices and systemic improvements.
Trauma-informed care and resilience-building
Learn to provide compassionate support and employ resilience-building approaches in trauma-affected populations.
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.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Student clubs and community
Join the Bethel Student Social Work Association. You'll be able to connect with your classmates and live out social work practices on campus and alongside your peers in additional ways outside the classroom.
Study abroad
Deepen your passion for social work by studying around the world and pursuing opportunities to learn from other cultures for a full semester, January session, or summer. You can travel to and live in places like Guatemala, Mexico, Uganda, or London to gain a global perspective on the needs and challenges of international work.
Field practicum experience
Gain over 600 hours of practical, hands-on experience in diverse social work settings, preparing you for immediate entry into the workforce.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a social work degree?
With a social work degree from Bethel, you’ll be prepared for licensing and equipped for diverse social work careers. You'll be equipped for a wide range of positions in case management, counseling, and advocacy. Our graduates work in hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, substance abuse rehab centers, disability services, foster care and adoption, public health, child and family services, domestic violence programs, geriatrics, mental health, corrections, and emergency services.
Healthcare
Engage in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, providing support to patients and families facing medical challenges.
Education
Work within educational institutions, supporting students, families, and staff members to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Social services
Serve in social service agencies, offering assistance and resources to individuals and families experiencing hardships or crises.
Community development
Contribute to community development initiatives, collaborating with local organizations to address systemic issues and promote social change.
Policy and advocacy
Advocate for social justice and policy change, working with government agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy groups to address social inequalities and promote human rights.
Research and evaluation
Conduct research and program evaluation in academic, nonprofit, or government settings to inform social work practice and policy development.
Graduate school
You’ll be ready for graduate-level social work education. Many graduates continue to MSW programs, often with advanced standing to graduate more quickly.
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.
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.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
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.
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.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently asked questions
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A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for professional social work practice. This degree provides the foundational knowledge, skills, and values necessary to support individuals, families, and communities. A BSW emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical decision-making, and advocacy for social justice. Graduates of social worker bachelor's degree programs are equipped to work in healthcare, schools, and social service settings.
- While a BSW is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, it is specifically designed for those pursuing a career in social work. Unlike a general B.A. in a related field, a BSW includes coursework accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and requires fieldwork experience. This structured curriculum ensures that graduates meet the standards for professional social work practice.
- A bachelor’s degree in social work typically takes four years to complete for full-time students. Some programs, including Bethel’s BSW, offer structured academic plans that help students stay on track for graduation. Students may also have opportunities to accelerate their studies or transfer credits to shorten their degree timeline.
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A BSW is often the first step toward becoming a licensed social worker. Licensing requirements vary by state, but many states allow graduates with a BSW to become licensed at the bachelor’s level, often as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). However, for clinical roles or advanced positions, a Master of Social Work (MSW) and additional licensing are typically required.
- A BSW provides the foundational knowledge needed for entry-level social work roles, while a Master of Social Work (MSW) offers advanced training for specialized and clinical positions. An MSW is typically required for roles in mental health counseling, therapy, and high-level administrative positions. Many BSW graduates qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs, allowing them to complete their master’s degree in as little as one year.
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BSW programs incorporate hands-on learning through fieldwork, internships, or practicum experiences. Bethel’s bachelor in social work includes over 600 hours of supervised fieldwork in diverse social work settings, such as healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. These experiences provide practical skills and networking opportunities to prepare students for professional roles. Explore fieldwork opportunities at Bethel.
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While BSW programs generally provide a broad foundation, students may have opportunities to focus on specific areas of interest through elective courses, internships, and research projects. At Bethel, students can gain specialized experience in areas like child welfare, healthcare social work, and community advocacy.
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The demand for social workers is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an overall 7% job growth from 2023 to 2033. BSW graduates can pursue careers in case management, advocacy, community outreach, and social services. Many also continue their education to expand career opportunities.
