Bachelor of Social Work Degree

Social Work Program

In October 2005, Kuyper College became the second Bible college in the nation to earn the right to grant a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is a testament to Kuyper’s firm commitment and strict adherance to non-discriminatory and generalist social work practices.

The uniqueness of the Kuyper College Social Work Program lies in the small, interactive class settings and the close, individual instruction each student receives from highly trained professional social workers. Special attention is given to the integration of faith and generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students are also prepared for graduate education.

Students study social work within the framework of a biblical, Reformed worldview. The program stresses a commitment to enhancing the well-being of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, disadvantaged, or those who suffer discrimination.

Graduates of Kuyper College’s Social Work Program have successfully found employment in various settings and with a variety of populations. Our students can be found working in reproductive health services, residential treatment centers, inner-city ministry, domestic-violence shelters, international social work agencies, mental health services, adoption agencies, foster care, hospital social work, church social work, gerontology networks, community referral and assistance agencies, low-income housing programs, child welfare, criminal justice, and substance abuse treatment programs.

Social Work Nondiscrimination Policy
In keeping with a biblical, Reformed worldview, the Social Work Program provides equal educational opportunity. The program is committed to the belief that all human beings are created equal in the image of God, and all must be afforded worth, dignity, and respect. In regard to recruitment, admission, financial aid, retention, and graduation policies and practices, the program does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of class, color, culture, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, race, sex, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, political orientation, marital status, or family structure. The Social Work Program reserves the right to discriminate on the basis of religion under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

Generalist Practice
The mission of the Kuyper College Social Work Program is to educate students to become “generalist” practitioners. Generalist practice is defined as a holistic, multilevel, ecological approach, based on professional knowledge, values, and skills

Students learn skills and knowledge that encompass a broad range of theories, ideas, concepts, solutions, and strategies to be able to practice in various settings and with diverse populations. A generalist can assume various professional roles and work within multiple systems.

Social Work Reformed Framework
Generalist social workers who practice within a Reformed framework pursue the highest degree of professionalism and ethical competence. They do not identify with one type of clientele or setting, but are able to perform various roles within multi-level populations, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

A Reformed worldview encourages critical thinking and the pursuit of academic excellence. The values of social and economic justice, nondiscrimination, self-determination, competence, human rights, confidentiality, respect, cultural competence, integrity, service, advocacy, and human worth and dignity are all principles a Reformed worldview supports.

Every student in the Social Work Program at Kuyper College must agree to uphold the NASW Code of Ethics. A Reformed worldview for generalist social work encourages every student to be well-grounded in social work history, research, theory, values, ethics, and literature. Students who develop a “professional self” as generalist social workers feel a calling to serve not only their Lord,
but also all of humanity. 

Link to Social Work Program in College Catalog - PDF

 Link to Social Work Program Handbook - PDF