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Social Work

Program Level: Undergraduate
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Integrate your biblical worldview with your social work education to serve people when they are at their most vulnerable moments. You will develop social work skills to work in public and private social service systems and international settings.

Most Affordable and Top 10 Among Michigan Colleges

Kuyper’s Social Work program is ranked among the 10 best in Michigan, according to a study conducted by Zippia, Inc., a leading higher education research and internet-based company. Zippia’s study is based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the federal entity that analyzes education data in the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scoreboard. The program was also ranked as the most affordable of all private colleges in Michigan by the College Human ServicesEDU.org.

Advanced Standing

Because of the strength of Kuyper’s Social Work program, you may qualify for advanced standing in Masters’ in Social Work (M.S.W.) programs. This can save up to one year of graduate-level course work and considerable tuition fees. Kuyper’s graduates have gone on to pursue graduate level study programs at the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University and many other leading institutions offering M.S.W. programs.

  • Career Opportunities 

    The Social Work program prepares you with the knowledge, values, and skills for practice in social work positions as well as graduate level studies:

     

    Social Worker

    Child welfare

    International Social Work

    Mental Health

    Corrections

    Gerontology

    Health Care

    Politics

    Community Development

    Military Social Work

    Substance Abuse

    Research

     

    Upon completion of the four-year Social Work program, you will be able to:

    • Identify as a professional social worker and conduct yourself accordingly
    • Demonstrate social work ethical principles to guide your professional practice and critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
    • Engage diversity and differences in practice
    • Advance human rights and social and economic justice
    • Research informed practice and practice informed research
    • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment
    • Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being in order to deliver effective social work services
    • Respond within contexts that shape practice
    • Intervene, assess and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
    • Relate a biblical, Reformed worldview to social work knowledge, values, and skills
  • Internships

    Build your resume with an exciting internship personalized to your program. Your advisor will work with you to determine a placement that aligns with your gifts, interests, passions and career goals.

    The list below—although not complete—shows the wide variety of placement opportunities and service areas available.

     

    Bethany Christian Services

    Wedgewood Christian Services

    Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

    International opportunities including:
            Dominican Republic
            Ecuador
            Uganda

    Adolescent services

    Child welfare/family and children services

    Community outreach

    Corrections/criminal justice

    Developmental disabilities

    Healthcare

    Housing

    International agencies/locations

    Mental health services

    Older adults/gerontology

    Special populations

    Women's services

  • Curriculum

    Because your Social Work program professors are personally invested with your ministry goals, you will receive individualized academic advising to personalize the program to your specific areas of interest.

    Social Work Core      42 credit hours

    You will take classes such as:

    • Human Behavior
    • Social Welfare Policy
    • Individuals and Families
    • Field Practicum

    Personalize your program   12 credit hours       

    Make your degree as individual as you are. Personalize your program to meet your interests and goals by selecting a specialization to accompany your BSW.

    Here are some specializations commonly taken with the Social Work program. A complete list of specializations can be found here.

    Family Ministry Studies

    Serve others with skills targeted to the needs, issues and concerns unique to family ministry.

    Communications

    Strengthen your skills as a communicator to excel in professional social work and relationships.

    Psychology

    Integrate Christian faith with foundational knowledge of human thought and behavior as it relates to basic psychological ideas, terminology, theories, issues, trends, and applications today.

    Intercultural Studies

    Listen to diverse voices and gain hands-on experiences—overseas or at home. You will learn from specialists in local and international programs which serve multicultural communities.

    Double Major Option

    Without adding any additional time to your program, you can use your electives to pursue the career building option of a second major in Bible and Theology. Selecting this option will provide a firm foundation as you prepare for a life of ministry and service.

    Program Outcomes

    For the assessment of Student Learning Outcomes for the Kuyper College Baccalaureate of Social Work Program click here. 

    For last year's assessment of Student Leanring Outcomes for the Kuyper College Baccalaureate of Social Work Program click here.