Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In all our social work programs, you’ll be able to explore numerous opportunities to apply what you’re learning and gain experience through practicums, study abroad, internships, and more. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career.

And you’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community present opportunities for you to get involved from your first day on campus. 

Hands-on learning and field experience

In addition to the classroom, you’ll complete two field practicum experiences to develop your confidence and competence. In your junior year, you’ll do 180 hours to build general social work experience in a multi-service, community-based agency serving an ethnically diverse population. In your senior year, you’ll do 400 hours in a setting tailored to your passions, interests and career goals. These provide an opportunity to network with over 600 alums and other social workers in the community, often obtaining a job immediately after graduation.

A few locations Bethel students have gained practicum experience:

• St Paul Public School
• Guild Incorporated
• Family Alternatives
• Rape and Sexual Assault Center
• MN Council of Churches Refugee Resettlement Program
• Alexandra House
• Minneapolis Veterans Administration
• Minneapolis Crisis Nursery

Student clubs

As you learn in Bethel’s vibrant, Christ-centered community, you’ll have the chance to 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

In the social work program, you’ll have the opportunity to study in an international setting and pursue opportunities to learn from other cultures for a full semester, January session, or summer. You’ll gain a broader understanding of social justice issues, global social structures, and international justice initiatives. Most students study abroad spring semester of their sophomore or junior years in order to accommodate social work practicum hours. The following programs have been approved by the Department of Social Work:

• MN Social Work Consortium Program offers Social Work in the Latin American Context (CGE) in Mexico
• Uganda Studies Program (CCCU) offers the Social Work Emphasis (SWE) semester. Social work majors will develop primary cross-cultural relationships through their social work internship in addition to their involvement in campus life at Uganda Christian University.
• Bridge Connect Act (BCA) Study Abroad offers a social work semester in Chennai, India.
• American Institute for Foreign Study offers London Internship Program offers courses in social work study.