Changing the world through dignity, hope, and social justice
The purpose of social work is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, the purpose of social work is actualized through its quest for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice; the creation of conditions that facilitate the realization of human rights; the elimination of poverty; and the enhancement of life for all people, locally and globally (Council on Social Work Education).
The Bethel College Social Work Program will prepare you to be effective helpers and change agents in society by providing you with the education and training you need to connect with people, understand their social and environmental context, and co-create interventions for meaningful change in their lives.
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Social Work Graduates can work in the following areas of practice:
- identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly through the application of social work ethical principles;
- engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research;
- apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments;
- engage diversity and difference in practice, advance human rights and social and economic justice
- engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being, anti-racism, diversity, and equity, and inclusion, and to deliver effective social work services;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, responding to contexts that shape practice; and
- engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups organizations and communities.
“This program allowed me to chase a passion and reach goals I thought were not an option. I am
BCSW GRADUATE
thankful for the community and the relationships I’ve made to further my education and myself as a person.”
Bethel College Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
More information about Licensure Disclosure is here
Social Work Graduates will complete their degree with the competencies outlined by the Council of Social Work Education.
Preparation for a Social Work Education at Bethel
Social work students must have competent skills in verbal and written communication, as well as basic math skills. They are also required to take foundation courses in the social sciences in order to prepare them for the social work curriculum. These courses may be taken prior to coming to Bethel, or in the first two years of college. They include:
- General Psychology
- Principles of Sociology
- Life-Span Development or Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Political Science or Macroeconomics
- Statistics
In addition, many students choose to take Introduction to Social Work in their first two years of college, or other electives related to the helping profession.
Application Process
Transferring to Bethel for a Social Work Degree
The Bethel College Social Work Program welcomes transfer students. If you arrive with some or all of the foundation courses completed, you can complete your social work degree in two years. If you have any questions about what will or will not transfer over to your Bethel College degree, please contact the Bethel College Registrar (registrar@bethelks.edu) or the Program Director for Social Work (jennifercd@bethelks.edu).
Admission to Social Work
Students need to apply to the social work program and meet basic requirements in order to be accepted. These requirements include the completion of the foundation courses (see coursework), a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and positive referrals from three references. Students are also asked to write a reflection related to their personal fit with social work values/ethics, and their motivation to be a social worker.
