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Social Work
Major/Minor
The Case for Social Work
Social work is a human-service profession that promotes social change, development and empowerment of people and communities. Social Work majors learn to impact circles of influence in an effort to advance social justice.
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.
We integrate discipleship into the classroom to prepare you for a social work career of advocating for the forgotten, ignored, and oppressed—the “least of these” as Jesus called them in Matthew 25. Taylor’s Social Work professors integrate Christian values with professional values to challenge worldviews, personal beliefs, and societal constructs.
Get on track for these careers
- Foster Care and Adoption
- Case Management
- Serving the Immigrant and Refugee Population
- Gerontology/Social Work with Older Adults
- Community Development and Public Policy Work
- Working within the Criminal Justice System
- Disability Work
- Medical and Addictions
- School Social Work
- Clinical Counseling
Social Work Program Curriculum
Taylor prepares you with in-class education and hands-on service experiences that will allow you to make a difference and incorporate your faith with your everyday work. Our Social Work curriculum breaks down into five content areas:
- human behavior and the social environment
- practice
- policy
- research
- field instruction
Individual courses integrate social justice work, trauma-informed approaches, psychology, family work, sociology, and biology, allowing you to gain a robust, interdisciplinary understanding of what it means to be a social worker.
Volunteer Work
All Social Work majors begin by completing 30 hours of volunteer work with organizations like prison ministries, social justice advocacy programs, mental health facilities, churches, nursing homes, schools, and after-school programs.
Practicum
Senior Social Work majors complete a 480-hour practicum in hospitals, refugee settlement organizations, local schools, and more. (The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires 400 hours, but our program gives students an even greater opportunity for real-world experience.)
Minor in Social Work
The Social Work Minor is for students who are interested in social work but don’t plan to practice as professional social workers. You will develop skills for engaging and intervening with a wide variety of constituencies such as individuals, families, groups, and communities, so it’s a great complement to majors such as Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Public Health, Pre-Law, Psychology, Christian Ministries, and Communication.
Read MoreAbigail Crump-Chapman
Class of 2020
"Through my experience in the Taylor social work program, I began to develop my passion for macro social work practice. Because Taylor focuses on the broad range of social work experiences, I got to be involved in a practicum that grew my heart for community development and landed me in a great fellowship where I got to see the inner workings of state government while also working with rural Indiana communities on revitalization."
Did you Know? Stats about Social Work
Social workers are in demand all over the country! These numbers will give you an idea of the scope of this growing field.
Prepared for Crises
More than 40% of all disaster mental health volunteers trained by the American Red Cross are professional social workers.
Serve Your Country
Social workers in elected offices include Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI), Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53), and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29).
Projected Job Growth
The projected job growth for social workers is faster than average: up 10-14% over the next 10 years.
Ahead of the Game
60% of mental health counseling and therapy are clinically trained social workers, compared to 23% psychologists, 10% psychiatrists and 5% psychiatric nurses.
Social Work Curriculum & Degree Options
Students interested in course descriptions and academic policies can check out our Undergraduate Catalog.
Liberal Arts Foundational Core
A Taylor liberal arts education will prepare you to live and work in a fast-changing world. It also goes a step further: laying a strong spiritual foundation that cultivates wisdom. You’ll become a well-versed individual, equipped with critical thinking skills, a lifelong love of learning, and an appreciation for God’s creation.
Interested in Social Work?
- Do you enjoy working with people?
- Do you care deeply about the well-being of our society?
- Do you have experience or interest in working with children or older adults, or people who are differently-abled?
- Are you interested in helping people overcome challenges with mental health, addiction, abuse, or poverty?
- Have you personally witnessed the impact of social workers on the lives of people?
- Do you enjoy problem-solving and managing multiple tasks?
- Are you patient, resourceful, and a good communicator?
- Are you passionate about making a difference in the world?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, Social Work might be the path for you!
In the meantime, check out this TED Talk by USC professor Dr. Anna Scheyett describing the ways social workers serve their communities.
Related News
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.
Read Article
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.
Read Article
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.
Read Article
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