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Social Work students grouped outside of Reade Center

Social Work Program

Part of the Sociology & Social Work Department

Jesus’ Hands and Feet in a Hurting World

You will see the reward of doing social work in the faces of those you help because children, teens, and adults alike need an advocate like you.

As a social worker, you will combine social work knowledge with a variety of theoretical concepts from psychology, sociology, political science, education, economics, and biology in order to make a difference in the lives of those you help. You will become a lifelong learner, integrating your Christian values with professional social work values. Taylor’s Social Work faculty will prepare you for a career in social work—helping people at an individual, familial, organizational, or communal level—or a master’s degree in social work or counseling.

Social Work Program Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits Taylor University, meaning your degree will prepare you for a social work licensure valid in all 50 states. With a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Taylor, you can move into a professional position upon graduation or complete a master’s in social work in one year.

Social Work Assessments

All senior Social Work students are required to participate in a practicum experience.

The Measured Assessment Plan contains a summary of the assessment results of recent years of Social Work graduates. Assessment outcomes are reported and updated regularly.

See For Yourself

Professor Deborah Stiles, Social Work Program Director, speaks about the variety of opportunities you will have as a Social Work major at Taylor.

Prepared for a Social Work Career

Here’s what Social Work graduates want to tell you about how their time at Taylor has prepared them for the work they are doing today.

  • Quynn Foster ’16
    “I appreciate the depth into the research process that I learned at Taylor. As a MSW student, I am able to understand and develop my research skills more efficiently then my classmates. This is all because of my experience in the research classes in Taylor’s Social Work program. I came into the program my sophomore year and the professors were very helpful in making it easy for me to succeed even though I came in late. During my time as a Social Work major at Taylor University, my professors also did an amazing job of demonstrating the importance of showing grace and care for clients. I would recommend Taylor’s Social Work program to anyone. It highly prepared me for my work in social work today.”

Future Focus

Grad Programs

Our graduates have attended the following graduate schools to receive their master’s in social work:

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Michigan
  • Washington University of St. Louis

Career Opportunities

Alumni have become residential counselors, school social workers, and social work faculty, and Taylor’s emphasis on global awareness has prepared these social workers for wherever God has called them. The Social Work program has a 100% career placement rate. Every student that has completed our social work program in the last four years has found a job, internship, or graduate program within six months of graduation.

Department News

Loving People, Learning Policy: Alumna’s Path Through Law School Thumbnail

Loving People, Learning Policy: Alumna’s Path Through Law School

Nov 11, 2021

The Social Work Program equips students for future careers in social work and counseling while cultivating a deeper love for God and His people. For Cristina Spear ’18, the social work program introduced her to the world of policy where she found her passion.

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Helping Communities Thrive through Social Work

Oct 07, 2021

Abby (Crump) Chapman ’19 is living her passion: to be a helpful resource to the individuals and communities around her.

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Senior Stories: Social Work

Feb 17, 2020

Taylor’s Social Work program was recognized by SocialWorkDegree.org as 2019 Best Bachelor’s Social Work Degree in Indiana. This nationally accredited program includes 480 hours or more of practicum experience. Trauma Informed Care principles are integrated into the curriculum so students are prepared to enter human services professions, equipped to help those who are vulnerable and hurting.

Faculty & Staff

Profile image of Deborah Stiles

Department Chair

Deborah Stiles

Department Chair, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work

Profile image of Greta Kiers

Greta Kiers

Sociology & Social Work Program Assistant

Profile image of Cheryl Thompson

Cheryl Thompson

Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Social Work Field Education