Social Work Major

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1982, the B.A. in Social Work (B.S.W.) provides eligibility to practice as a licensed social worker, serving individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Our 63-credit major includes classroom and field courses along with select biological, social, and behavioral science foundational support courses.

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Why should I study social work?

The social work program's mission is to prepare students for professional generalist social work practice, equipping them to be advocates of hope and change. Students learn to practice social work within a diverse world through scholarship, service, justice, and leadership, all in the context of a Christian liberal arts learning community.

After graduation, you'll have ample opportunities to apply you education. Employment for social workers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What can I do with this degree?

Employment opportunities include case management, counseling, and advocacy positions 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
Children’s and adult mental health
Corrections
Emergency services

Our graduates also gain employment in positions of:

Social policy and research
Administration and management
Human trafficking prevention
Community organizing
Violence and abuse prevention
Crisis intervention

Our program prepares you to easily transition to graduate-level social work education. Many graduates go on to MSW programs, receiving advanced-standing to complete their MSW in as little as one year of full-time study.

What skills will I develop?

Bethel social work graduates are prepared for immediate entry into careers in social work.

social work knowledge, values, and skills to promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations
leadership skills to promote reconciliation and advocacy for human rights, and social and economic justice
incorporate Christian faith and justice perspective that honors the dignity and worth of all persons to make a positive impact on the world

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

In-depth Internship Experience

Students complete more than 600 hours in community-based agencies and organizations, applying classroom knowledge and theory. The field practicum equips students to enter the workforce with confidence and competence and gain experience in a wide range of social work areas including: homelessness, poverty, mental health, abuse, illness, and family stress.

Join the Bethel Student Social Work Association

Participate and learn alongside your peers in additional ways outside the classroom. This club will connect you with ways to live out social work practices on-campus and in the community.

Experience Social Work Abroad

Bethel is one of the only programs to offer undergraduate international social work study opportunities. Travel to and live in Guatemala, Mexico, Uganda, or London to gain a global perspective on the needs and challenges of international work and increase your cultural intelligence. Visit the Off-campus Programs site for more information.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

See plans

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"

Upcoming Events

APR 24 2024

Launching Your Private Practice: A Comprehensive Guide for Therapists

8:30 a.m. Brushaber Commons (BC) Room 468

This learning experience will provide information to Bethel students, faculty, staff, and the general public about beginning a private psychotherapy practice.

While abroad, God broke my heart for the injustices happening in the lives of women. The support and mentoring I received from the department taught me to speak and act strongly against injustice, offering healing hope to the hurting.

Emily Defenbaugh '13
Current job: Women's Advocate at 360 Communities, Lewis Home

The faculty encouraged and challenged me to not settle for good enough. They fostered strong personal character alongside becoming a strong social worker. Their approach to persevere through challenges impacted my work ethic in all levels of social work.

Stephen Horn '10
Current job: Case Management Supervisor at Pinnacle Services

My faith grew immensely during my time at Bethel, in part from being surrounded by so many wonderful friends and mentors who encouraged me to dig deeper. I have been challenged to ask more difficult questions while reconciling my faith with a world filled with so much injustice. Entering into dialogue with others about the messiness in life has really led me to grow closer to God.

Katie Cudo '19

The Social Work program at Bethel helped me combine my passions for learning about society and culture at a global level, and for helping individuals by coming alongside them in purposeful ways. It is so meaningful to be a partner in people's stories and lives.

Katy (Stemler) Radloff '11
Current job: Program Supervisor, New American Services at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis