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Make a difference in your community and the world. Join a profession committed to advancing human flourishing, and serving individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

Join the social work program, a community of learners dedicated to service, justice, and promotion of wellbeing for individuals, families, groups, and communities. In our program, you will develop skills in ethical and justice-informed social work practice, knowledge regarding societal systems impacting human flourishing, and learn to impact change in the lives of others. Our program is built on a deeply rooted Christian perspective that seeks to advance justice, reconciliation, ethical practices, and human rights, honoring the dignity and worth of all people.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Social Welfare Studies Minor Minor
Social Work Major

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.

Promote Wellbeing and Work Toward Healing, Hope, and Justice

The social work program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. Through coursework and hands-on experience, you’ll learn to recognize strengths, assess needs, and provide intervention and resources in a supportive yet challenging environment. Practicum study will give you real-world social work experience, preparing you for immediate entry into the social work field upon graduation. This program also equips you for graduate-level social work education, including 1-year Advanced Standing MSW programs. You’ll acquire social work knowledge, values, and skills that promote the wellbeing of people and communities. You’ll also integrate a Christian faith and justice perspective that energizes you to work toward bringing healing, hope, and justice.

Bethel students talking

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"

Program Highlights

Professional practice experience

Practicum study gives you real-world social work experience that prepares you for licensing and immediate entry into the job market upon graduation.

Critical thinking skills

Develop the skills for prioritizing needs, following best practices, applying research to your practice, and successful preparation for further education.

Incorporation of diversity

Build leaderships skills to promote reconciliation in advocating for human rights and social and economic justice.

Preparation for grad school

You’ll be equipped for graduate-level social work education, including 1-year Advanced Standing MSW programs.

Christian worldview

Integrate a Christian faith and justice perspective that honors the dignity and worth of all persons. Incorporate ethics and compassion with strength and resiliency as you work with client systems.

Small class sizes

Gain support through learning with a community of peers and faculty that allow for exploration and connection to your personal passions and interests as you develop your career.

Liberal arts perspective

Study a broad, well-rounded framework of biological, social, and behavioral sciences for an informed social work perspective.

What can I do with a social work major?

Social Work graduates work in schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, international settings, and adoption agencies.

Careers

Our social work graduates work as:

  • Community organizers
  • Case managers
  • Counselors
  • Social policy makers and researchers
  • Administrators and managers
  • Residential treatment counselors
  • Homeless shelter staff members
  • Child and family welfare personnel
  • Public health workers
  • Educators in special education
  • Domestic violence program advocates

Graduate Schools

Graduate schools our alumni have attended:

  • University of Minnesota
  • University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University
  • Augsburg College
  • University of Michigan
  • Washington University, George Warren School of Social Work

Graduate Fields

Our alumni study:

  • Social work
  • Special education
  • Counseling
  • Psychology