Social Work Program Highlights
At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Social Work (BSW) students gain hands-on experience through multiple field placements in both urban and rural settings, where they apply classroom learning in real practice environments. These supervised experiences allow students to work with diverse populations and develop essential skills in assessment, intervention, and resource connection. Students may also participate in international field practicums and independent study projects with faculty, giving them additional opportunities to deepen their learning through direct, practical engagement in the field.
At MVNU, integrated faith means connecting social work practice with a Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to serve others with compassion, integrity, and respect while reflecting on how their faith informs ethical decisions and social justice work.
Our travel and study-afar programs let you grow in your faith while experiencing new cultures. Through serving in communities across the U.S. or abroad, you’ll deepen your compassion, explore your callings, and gain meaningful experience for your résumé.
Why Choose MVNU
MVNU's Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for a meaningful career supporting individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based practice and hands-on experience. You’ll learn to work with vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and families in crisis while gaining real-world skills through three field placements in urban, rural, and even international settings. With guidance from experienced faculty and opportunities for applied learning, the program prepares you for licensure and a career making a lasting impact.
Mission Statement
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Christ-centered Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is dedicated to equipping competent generalist social work practitioners who are culturally humble, uphold the values and ethics of the social work profession, engage in on-going scientific inquiry in order to serve all levels of need, seek to empower those they serve and promote human rights and justice at the local, national, and global levels.
Accredited Program
This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master's social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program's accredited status in CSWE's Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE's Department of Social Work Accreditation.
Course Descriptions
Browse the course descriptions to explore your program’s classes.
Financial Aid & Costs
Discover the financial aid opportunities available to help make an MVNU education affordable.
Student Support
The Center for Student Success helps you build skills and succeed academically.
Meet Our Social Work Faculty
Social Work faculty at Mount Vernon Nazarene University are experienced educators and active practitioners who bring real-world practice, service, and research into the classroom to keep students connected to current trends in the field.
Gain More Hands-On Field Experience at MVNU
Start Early, Learn More, and Build Confidence Through Real-World Practice
At MVNU, social work students gain significantly more field experience than the national average — nearly 20% more hours than most programs require. Unlike many universities, MVNU introduces field experience as early as the freshman year, giving students immediate exposure to real social work settings. This early and consistent hands-on training helps students better understand the profession, develop practical skills, and determine whether social work is the right career path. By the time students graduate, they are not only academically prepared but also confident and experienced in real-world practice.
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What Can You Do With A Social Work Degree?
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from MVNU in Ohio prepares you for a meaningful career serving individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of settings.
- Case manager or human services coordinator
- Mental health or behavioral health specialist
- Child welfare or foster care worker
- Substance use and recovery support specialist
- Healthcare or hospital social work assistant
- Nonprofit or community outreach professional
MVNU social work graduates go on to work in nursing homes, foster care agencies, children’s services, community mental health, hospice care, and other human service organizations — supporting people through challenges and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow about 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will create about 74,000 openings each year, driven largely by retirements and continued demand in healthcare, mental health, and child and family services. Social work remains a steady, in-demand field with opportunities across hospitals, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know MVNU offers online degree programs? After completing your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education with a 100% online Master of Social Work (MSW), as well as other master’s programs designed to help you advance your career — all from wherever you are.
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