Master of Social Work: Full Program

The full MSW program is available to students holding a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work (BSW). Emphasizing a strong commitment to service, social justice, integrity, and scientific inquiry, this track prepares individuals of all academic backgrounds for advanced professional social work practice and licensure.

Total credits

56

Finish in as few as

21 months

Courses

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment (SOWK600)

  Analysis of individuals, families and groups utilizing systems theory, learning theories and psychosocial frameworks as part of the human behavior in the social environment perspective. Appraisal of important lifespan milestones and the influence of social environment on human development. Application of information and theories consistent with social work values and the promotion of social and economic justice.

  4 credits

• Professional Practice with Individuals and Families (SOWK605)

  Introduction to generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Understanding of the theoretical framework of the phases of social work practice including engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination. Emphasis placed on anti-racist, evidence-based intervention skills in the areas of rapport building, interviewing, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Practicing of social work skills related to the use of the professional self in relationships with clients.

  4 credits

• Policy Practice and Social Change (SOWK610)

  Exploration of how social welfare history informs the development of social workers’ skills in contemporary society. Exploration of the ways the developing American societal culture, structure and values contributed to oppression and marginalization. Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the American welfare state. Analysis of the major social policies and programs that exist. Development of the skills of policy analysis, formulation and advocacy. Identification of social policy positions of diverse religious traditions.

  4 credits

• Field Seminar I (SOWK615)

  Introduction to the field experience in community-based practice setting. Integration of beginning knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical social work practice with an emphasis on the development of professional identity under supervision of a qualified field instructor. 200 field experience hours are expected in this course.

  2 credits

• Field Seminar II (SOWK620)

  Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of developing knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis on diversity, human rights and justice under supervision of a qualified field instructor. SP: Students practice a minimum of 200 hours in the field.

  2 credits

• Professional Practice with Groups, Communities, & Organizations (SOWK630)

  Explanation of how diversity shapes the human experience in the context of organizations, groups and communities. Analysis of the extent to which sociocultural structures create privilege and power. Application of theoretical models incorporating social justice practices in macro practice. Application of practices reducing oppressive structural barriers. Application of multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks. Investigation of the issues, problems, needs, resources in macro practice. Interpretation of organizational and community data to inform effective evidence informed intervention strategies.

  4 credits

• Introduction to Advanced Justice-Informed Social Work Practice (SOWK703)

  An exploration of key critical and philosophical theories of justice and application to advanced social work practice. Special attention is given to concepts of human rights and autonomy, anti-oppressive and distributive justice frameworks, and social justice as an ethic of social work practice.

  2 credits

• Justice-Informed Clinical Intervention and Mental Health Diagnosis (SOWK707)

  Development of justice-informed assessment and diagnostic skills and clinical applications based on the DSM IV-TR. Formulate working engagement, assessment and intervention skills necessary for diagnosing clusters of mental health symptoms using recovery-oriented, evidence-based practices. Examination of clinical work through case consultation, review, and presentation.

  4 credits

• Justice-Informed Clinical Practice in Response to Crisis, Trauma, and Marginalization (SOWK709)

  Investigate the nature of trauma/crisis, differential diagnosis, current practice trends and related theories and interventions associated with conceptualizing trauma-informed practice.

  4 credits

• Researching Evidence-Based Models for Practice Intervention (SOWK713)

  Examination of diverse scholarship and literature related to evidenced-based models for practice interventions with a justice-informed perspective. Development of systematic review of literature to advance justice-informed social work practice and prepare for professional presentation.

  4 credits

• Theodicy, Theologies of Liberation, and Social Work Praxis (SOWK717)

  An exploration of theodicy and diverse theologies of liberation at the intersections of trauma, suffering, and professional clinical practice. Delve into questions of human suffering, Divine justice, and personal responsibility. Uncover connections between socio-economic factors and emerging liberation theologies. Recognize unique theological approaches of marginalized groups. Develop active listening skills for intergroup dialogue. Gain key insights for competent practice across diverse contexts.

  4 credits

• Advanced Field Seminar III (SOWK725)

  Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of advanced justice-informed knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis diversity, human rights, and justice under supervision of a qualified field instructor.

  2 credits

• Advanced Social Policy, Community Health, and Environmental Justice (SOWK733)

  Evaluation of a critical, decolonizing, anti-oppressive and ecological framework in social work practice. Analysis of complex ethical issues facing local and global communities from an environmental and community health perspective. Identification of key issues about health, social determinants for health, and disparities in health across marginalized communities. Analysis of connections among social disparities, faith perspectives, power, health and ethics related to assumptions and actions in social work practice.

  4 credits

• Advanced Field Seminar IV (SOWK735)

  Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of advanced, justice-informed knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis on diversity, human rights, and justice, under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. Students practice a minimum of 250 hours in field.

  2 credits

• Advanced Clinical Practice and Evidence-Based Interventions (SOWK737)

  Assessment of diverse factors when making ethical, justice-informed practice decisions to attend to complex personal and systemic injustice factors which impact well-being. Application of evidenced-based, justice-informed social work theories and modalities including Psychodynamic therapies, CBT, MI, SFT. Consideration of psychopharmacological implications in clinical practice. Development of advanced engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations with application of justice promoting practices.

  4 credits

• Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Supervision (SOWK743)

  Exploration of diverse models and methods of social work supervision. Applying antiracism and inclusiveness through critical reflection and consciousness.

  2 credits

• Capstone Integrative Seminar (SOWK791)

  Integration of research and professional presentation skills to demonstrate readiness to practice professional, justice-informed social work practice at an advanced level. Preparation for professional licensure exam. Reflective integration of faith, social work practice and justice.

  4 credits

Professional Licensure

Bethel's MSW program ensures that students are well-prepared to take the professional licensure exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Field Work

Those enrolled in the full program will engage in four field seminars and 900 hours of field practicum work, providing students with practical experience and the opportunity to integrate skills and ethics essential to social work practice. Field practicum work is a comprehensive learning experience that includes:

• Immersion in a multi-service community-based agency, serving diverse populations, facilitating a firsthand understanding of the challenges and strengths within different communities.
• Emphasis on diversity, human rights, and justice, fostering a nuanced perspective and a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and fairness in social work practice.
• Development of a professional identity, encouraging students to explore and define their roles within the social work profession, aligning personal values with the ethical standards of the field.
• Social work experience in a professional setting, conducted under the supervision of a qualified field instructor, ensuring hands-on learning in a real-world context and providing valuable mentorship for professional growth.

Program Objectives

Graduates from Bethel University's justice-informed Master of Social Work program will be equipped to:

• Address social challenges, ranging from poverty, systemic violence, human neglect, trafficking, child welfare, trauma, mental health, and health disparities, to environmental racism and the reformation of social systems.
• Examine and engage with theological, racial, and equity concepts to address issues of social, economic, racial, and environmental injustice.
• Apply critical concepts related to trauma and mental health in social work practice, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and adept response to diverse individual and community needs.
• Apply acquired knowledge across all contexts, from micro to macro levels, demonstrating adaptability and skill in addressing social issues at various scales.
• Champion justice in innovative ways, actively participating in diverse professional field settings to bring about positive societal change.
• Utilize research and evidence-based practices in social work contexts and various community settings.
• Integrate inclusive and bias-free language into scholarly work and professional practice, promoting a culture of respect, diversity, and equity in social work.