Department of Social Work
Gain the skills to help shape a better world through service, advocacy, and compassion.
Start your journey
Experience Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.
Meaningful preparation
Program highlights
All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.
Learning opportunities
As you study social work, you’ll find numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experiences that will help you learn to recognize strengths, assess needs, and provide intervention and resources in a supportive yet challenging environment.
- Practicum study. You’ll gain real-world social work experience through hands-on fieldwork that prepares you for licensing and immediate entry into the job market upon graduation.
- Small class sizes. You’ll join a supportive community of peers with close collaboration with faculty that allow for exploration of your personal passions and interests.
Faith integration
You’ll study the core concepts of social work from a Christian perspective, and develop a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and human rights.
Preparation for grad school
You’ll be equipped for graduate-level social work education, including one-year Advanced Standing MSW programs.
Real-world impact
Career outcomes
A degree in social work prepares you for diverse career paths and further education.
Skills
You'll learn:
- Critical thinking
- Empathetic listening and communication
- Cultural competence and diversity awareness
- Advocacy and social justice promotion
- Case management and intervention strategies
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
- Community organization and leadership
Careers
You’ll be prepared to work as a:
- Community organizer
- Counselor
- Social policy maker
- Administrator
- Case manager
- Educator
- Public health worker
- Advocate
- Researcher
Graduate school
You can go on to study:
- Social work
- Counseling
- Psychology
- Special education
Our Community
Alumni spotlight
Alise Ostercamp
Degree: Social Work
For Alise, diving into the world of social work at Bethel is more than just a career path—it's a calling deeply rooted in her faith and desire to serve. She sees her journey in social work as a means to connect with and serve God's people.
Recent news
Students explore issues and human experiences through stories
March 26, 2024 | Noon
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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.
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.
