Bethel University MSW

Social Work Program

Master of Social Work

With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, you’ll be empowered to work toward systemic change that impacts the health and wellbeing of others, honoring their dignity and worth.

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At a Glance

Delivery

Online

Finish in as few as

15-24 months

Estimated tuition

$42,000

Discover what’s next. In Bethel's Master of Social Work (MSW) program, you’ll prepare for advanced professional social work practice and licensure. You’ll become an advocate for hope in the areas of social, economic, and environmental justice, working toward system change that betters the lives of individuals, families, and communities. And you’ll integrate authentic faith and theology of justice into your learning and field work.

Program Details

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program will prepare you for advanced ethical and professional social work practice and licensure, advocating for hope in the arenas of social, economic, and environmental justice. You’ll be empowered to work toward systemic change that impacts the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, honoring their dignity and worth. And you’ll integrate authentic faith and theology of justice into your learning and your field work.

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Meet Your Counselor

Alexis Baumgarn

At Bethel, we're committed to helping you get the most out of your education. Your enrollment counselor is here to help you balance your program with your personal life and career goals.

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Program Highlights

Integrated Christian perspective


You’ll develop a working theology of justice that informs your professional practice.

Strong research emphasis


You’ll combine evidence-based practices informed by scholarly research with creative strategies to foster sustainable change.

Advanced Standing option


You’ll complete your MSW degree in 15 months if you have a BSW from a CSWE accredited institution. If you have a bachelor’s degree other than a BSW, complete the full MSW in 24 months.

Distinctive emphases


You’ll study ecological systems theory, focusing on the advancement of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

Social Work Students Take First Place in National Conference

Four senior social work students presented at a national conference for their discipline and two of the four received first-place honors for their work.

May 22, 2019 | 1:30 p.m.

Closing the Gap

Hilda Davis ’20 doesn’t just want to see people be well, but to ensure they have the option to choose wellness. Through her involvement both on campus and off, she’s provided time and resources to support initiatives that focus on community health.

May 06, 2019 | 9 a.m.

Social Work Trip Challenges Students to Connect Human Rights Issues to Everyday Experience

An expedition to the Museum of Human Rights in Canada connects social work course material on human rights to real people and experiences.

March 15, 2018 | 2:15 p.m.

APR 4 2023

Primetime: Neoliberal Philosophy, Global Trends, and Transformations in Social Work Practice

11:15 a.m. University Library

Social Work professors dive deep into the consequences of neoliberalism on social work practice and education.

APR 25 2023

Admissions Quick Connect Workshops

Noon CT Online

Learn more about our adult undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs!

MAY 2 2023

Admissions Quick Connect Workshops

Noon CT Online

Learn more about our adult undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs!

MAY 9 2023

Admissions Quick Connect Workshops

Noon CT Online

Learn more about our adult undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs!

Discover what’s next.

At Bethel, you’ll grow into a compassionate, ethical leader who is empowered to advocate for systemic change. In the natural intersection of faith and justice, you’ll study the theology of justice and intentionally integrate it into learning and practice. And our academically rigorous MSW program provides opportunities for you to collaborate with faculty on research for presentation locally and nationally.

100%

students say being in The 25 has positively impacted their Bethel experience

96%

students say The 25 has helped them become more comfortable networking and speaking with new people

96%

students in The 25 say their confidence had grown after finishing their first year in The 25

Career Outcomes

Wondering what you can do with an MSW?

The Master of Social Work program will prepare you to sit for the professional licensure exam. Program structure allows students to complete the clinical clock hour requirements established by the Board of Social Work. You’ll be prepared to advocate for hope and justice in a broad range of diverse settings.

Employers

Our graduates can work at places like:

  • Public schools
  • Hospice
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Adoption agencies
  • Child/adult protection
  • Health systems
  • Mental health clinics
  • Trauma centers
  • Agencies supporting refugees, the homeless, and youth
  • Nonprofit and for-profit agencies

Skills

Learn how to:

  • Address complex social issues such as poverty, systemic violence, human neglect, trafficking, child welfare, trauma, mental health, environmental racism, and social systems reform
  • Explore concepts of theology, race, and equity to address injustice
  • Apply critical concepts related to trauma and mental health to social work practice
  • Apply your training in micro to macro contexts
  • Seek justice in innovative ways
  • Apply research and evidence-based practice to impact sustainable change
  • Integrate inclusive and bias-free language in your scholarly work and professional practice

Careers

Our graduates work as:

  • Substance use and recovery treatment counselors
  • Mental health counselors
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Medical social workers
  • School social workers
  • Foster care social workers
  • Child and family therapists
  • Social and community service managers
  • Social work teachers
  • Policy analysts
  • School and career counselors
  • Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
  • CBT, DBT, SE therapists
  • Health educators
  • Hospice workers
  • Domestic violence advocates
  • Child protection workers
  • Adult protection workers
Kresge Courtyard

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You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.

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