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Social Work Major

Fuel your passion for helping others by making a career of it.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Work

Evidence-based interventions with an abused child. Helping a homeless family find resources. Empowering an elderly patient to plan his post-hospital care. Assessing and treatment planning with a teen mother. Writing a grant to expand services for a community center. These are just some of the rewarding, rich, and varied services you can perform as a social worker.

A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is your first step to becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). You’ll be taught by faculty who are actively engaged in practice, volunteer work, and research in their major fields.

You’ll also get to experience fieldwork early, gaining experience from three field placements throughout your college experience in both urban and rural settings. MVNU also offers opportunities for international field practicum experience.

Coursework includes important exposure to diverse population groups such as a growing Latinx community, urban youth, and families. You may have the opportunity to participate in a one-on-one independent study with faculty, so that you can delve into the issues and areas of interest that you are most passionate about.

Curriculum

See the full course load of an MVNU Social Work major and get ready to dig deeper as you discover how to make helping people your profession.

Faith & learning at MVNU

As an intentionally Christian University, we integrate our faith into everything we do at MVNU. From prayer before class to exploring real-world moral and ethical dilemmas, we’ll teach you what it means to shine forth.

Travel

MVNU offers a number of fantastic travel and study afar programs designed to broaden your perspective, introduce you to new and exciting domestic and international cultures, and enhance your resume.

Scholarships

MVNU has many endowed scholarships available for students of a wide variety of backgrounds and majors.

Social Work facts & figures

$50,390

Median Annual Salary

+9%

Job Growth

74,700

New Job Openings Per Year

Careers

Many Social Work graduates go on to continue their education at prestigious institutions. Most of these students are able to complete an accelerated program where they obtain their Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1 year. Most MVNU Social Work students are able to pass the Licensed Social Work exam on their first attempt. MVNU Social Work graduates have built thriving careers in Nursing Homes, Foster Care Agencies, Children Services, Community Mental Health, Hospice, and more.

Explore more careers in social work.

CASE MANAGERS

Walk with individuals and families in need of ongoing support.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Help people heal from trauma and address mental health concerns.

CHILD WELFARE

Advocate for innocent children in need of protection, guardianship, and more.

ADDICTION SPECIALISTS

Help people enter into and walk through Christ-centered recovery.

SHELTER SUPERVISORS

Create and maintain safe spaces for those in need of temporary housing.

NONPROFIT LEADERS

Lead a humanitarian or non-profit organization with wisdom and compassion.

GERIATRIC CARE SPECIALISTS

Advocate for and ensure proper care of elderly patients and community residents.

Horizontal medium shot of sad young man treating depression with help of professional psychotherapist
Business meeting

Meet the Faculty

Learn from faculty members who know how to balance theory and practical application for a relevant, empowering, Christ-centered learning experience.

Dr. Jennifer Jacobsen

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Professor Jeff Styer

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Dr. Rachel Young

Assistant Professor of Social Work, Traditional Social Work Program Chair, SGPS Coordinator

Check these majors out, too

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Intercultural Studies

Prepare to make a difference in today’s multicultural world through both rigorous study and hands-on learning opportunities.

Criminal Justice

Advocate for peace in your communities and build an exciting career in criminal justice.

Christian Ministry

Provide pastoral care and leadership in a wide variety of organizational settings and ministry positions.

Minors that pair well

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