Social Work (B.S.W.)

Social Work Major

School of Business, Education, and Social Sciences

Department of Social Work

Get hands-on experience working with local agencies, helping those in social, emotional, or economic need.

If you are passionate about social justice issues and enhancing the well-being of others - especially those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty - then consider pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Messiah College. 

At Messiah, you’ll get to work with local agencies and organizations helping people in social, emotional, or economic need. And as a graduate of Messiah’s social work program, you’ll be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in the Social Work profession. Or maybe you’d like to further your studies at graduate school - a path many of our graduates pursue – and you’ll be well prepared for that next step. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Messiah’s professional BSW program qualifies you for advanced standing status in a Masters of Social Work (MSW) program at an accredited graduate school.

As a social work major at Messiah College, you’ll be able to:

• Learn how to integrate principles of Christian faith with social work values, knowledge, and skills.
• Deepen your commitment to respecting diversity and enhancing social and economic justice for all people.
• Acquire professional interviewing, recording, and problem-solving skills needed for entry-level employment.
• Prepare for a rewarding career in social service, corrections, child welfare, youth services, gerontology, probation and parole, juvenile and criminal justice, victims services, counseling, healthcare, Christian ministries, law enforcement, government, research, and many other areas.
• Take challenging courses such as Cultural Anthropology, Human Diversity and Social Interaction, and Social Welfare Policies in the United States.
• Gain valuable hands-on experience—even in your first year—through field experiences in various social service agencies in the area.
• Complete a 450-hour field placement during the spring semester of your senior year. This program is expanding into international locations such as Thailand and Uganda (Spring 2012).
• Join student-run organizations such as the Dead Sociologists’ Society, the Social Work Club, Alpha Kappa Delta, and/or Phi Alpha (national honor societies).

Major Requirements:

PDF course list

Minors:

• Criminal Justice (PDF course list)

• Peace & Conflict Studies  (PDF course list)

• Sociology and Anthropology (PDF course list)

• Urban Studies (PDF course list)