Social Work
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 |
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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.
10th
in Social Work Degree Guide's "20 High-value BSW Degrees in Metro Areas with Top Salaries for Social Workers"
100+
agency contacts in the Twin Cities
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.
The Social Work program at Bethel helped me combine my passions for learning about society and culture at a global level, and for helping individuals by coming alongside them in purposeful ways. It is so meaningful to be a partner in people's stories and lives.
Katy (Stemler) Radloff '11Current job: Program Supervisor, New American Services at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
While abroad, God broke my heart for the injustices happening in the lives of women. The support and mentoring I received from the department taught me to speak and act strongly against injustice, offering healing hope to the hurting.
Emily Defenbaugh '13Current job: Women's Advocate at 360 Communities, Lewis Home
The faculty encouraged and challenged me to not settle for good enough. They fostered strong personal character alongside becoming a strong social worker. Their approach to persevere through challenges impacted my work ethic in all levels of social work.
Stephen Horn '10Current job: Case Management Supervisor at Pinnacle Services
My faith grew immensely during my time at Bethel, in part from being surrounded by so many wonderful friends and mentors who encouraged me to dig deeper. I have been challenged to ask more difficult questions while reconciling my faith with a world filled with so much injustice. Entering into dialogue with others about the messiness in life has really led me to grow closer to God.
Katie Cudo '19What 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