Program Mission and Goals
The Social Work Program at Bethel University prepares students for professional generalist social work practice, equipping them to be advocates of hope and change. Students learn to practice in a diverse world through scholarship, service, justice, and leadership within the context of a Christian liberal arts learning community.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to critical thinking, ethical social work practice, scientific inquiry, and lifelong learning.
- Students will acquire social work knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes that promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
- Students will integrate a faith and justice perspective that upholds the dignity and worth of all persons.
- Students will develop leadership abilities that promote human rights in a local and global context.
Bethel’s Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates are eligible to be licensed as social workers. While preparation for generalist-level professional practice is the program’s primary objective, academically qualified graduates are prepared to pursue graduate-level social work education. The students from Bethel’s social work program are eligible for advanced standing admission to CSWE accredited graduate schools. The 63-credit major includes classroom and field courses, and select biological, social, and behavioral science foundational support courses.
Application for Candidacy for the Social Work Program
Candidacy indicates intention to apply for full admission to the program. To be considered for candidacy, students must submit a completed application and meet candidacy requirements.
The Bethel University social work program operates under a selective admissions policy. The policy is based on the need to maintain a program of excellence in the classroom, assure the availability of quality field placements, and adhere to accreditation requirements. The Bethel social work program reserves the right to admit a limited number of candidates each year. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee a student will be accepted as a candidate to the program. Students denied candidacy may appeal, reapply during the next candidacy review cycle, and/or may meet with their academic advisor to explore career alternatives.
Students who are accepted for candidacy are not guaranteed full admission and continuation in the program. Students must meet the requirements for each checkpoint and the Bethel University requirements for academic progress.
The following are minimum threshold requirements to be considered for candidacy into the social work program.
A. Requirements
To be accepted as a candidate, the student must:
- Have second semester sophomore standing;
- Complete SOW 200Z, Introduction to Social Work, with a grade of C or better;
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 at time of candidacy application. (NOTE: GPA is reviewed again at the end of the semester and must remain 2.25 or higher.)
- Submit the completed Volunteer or Paid Service form, which a) documents at least 50 hours of experience in a community agency, school, hospital, or other social service organization; and b) provides evidence the requirements for volunteer or paid service as outlined on the form have been met;
- Demonstrate an introductory understanding and corresponding skill-set conducive to the development of professional knowledge, values, skills, the application of cognitive and affective processes, ethical practice, and conduct expected of a generalist social work practitioner as evidenced in service learning performance feedback, instructor observation, and assessment of professional skills commensurate with introductory level social work.
- Examine, agree, adhere to, and demonstrate evidence of ability to meet the Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP) (*1). Evidence of meeting SAPP at an entry level comes from service learning performance feedback, instructor observation, interview with social work faculty, and assessment of professional skills related to the SAPP in the classroom setting.
- Meet with the course instructor of SOW 200Z, Introduction to Social Work or designated faculty to review and complete a SAPP (*1) evaluation. This evaluation indicates the student is meeting the standards established by the SAPP or that an improvement plan is required (*2). Actions on the improvement plan timeline occurring prior to the candidacy review must be successfully completed prior to the candidacy review date;
- Submit the completed Declaration of Candidacy form;
- Submit the completed Candidacy Self-Assessment demonstrating a) capacity for professional written communication; b) self-awareness of strengths, areas of potential growth and emotional intelligence; and c) values consistent with the values identified in the social work profession.
- Submit an unofficial transcript from DegreeWorks
- After thoroughly examining the Statement of Understanding and Agreement and all listed documents, sign and agree to:
- NASW Code of Ethics
- Social Work section of the Bethel University catalog
- Social Work Program Policy Manual & Student Handbook
- Social Work Field Policy Manual
- Program Position Statement on Diversity
- Racial Harassment Policy
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Eligibility for Social Work Licensure
- Criminal Background Disclosure
- Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP)
- SAPP Evaluation Form (see #6 above)
- Volunteer or Paid Service Documentation (see #4 above)
B. Social work faculty will review and assess submitted candidacy documents, make a decision on candidacy, and provide written notification to the applicant concerning candidacy status. Notice of decisions will be sent to students' P.O. boxes and via email. Please see social work program policy definitions located later in the social work section of this catalog for explanations of conditional acceptance (*4) and provisional acceptance (*5).
C. Students who choose to appeal decisions related to candidacy must follow the process and policy for program appeals as articulated in the social work section of the Bethel catalog and the Social Work Program Policy Manual & Student Handbook.
Application for Full Admission to the Social Work Program
Application for full admission into the social work program and field education occurs in the fall of students' junior year. To be considered for full admission to the social work program, students must meet admission requirements and submit a completed application by the application deadline. To progress in the program, a student must meet the departmental and Bethel University requirements for academic progress.
The Bethel University social work program operates under a selective admissions policy. The policy is based on the need to maintain a program of excellence in the classroom, assure the availability of quality field placements, and adhere to accreditation requirements. The social work program reserves the right to admit a limited number of students each year. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee a student will be admitted to the program. Students who are denied admission may appeal, may reapply during the next admission cycle, and/or may meet with their academic advisor to explore career alternatives.
The decision to admit a student is based on a review of all materials submitted by the student, as well as evaluation forms and letters of recommendation submitted by the evaluators on behalf of the student.
The following are minimum threshold requirements to be considered for admission into the social work program.
A. Requirements
To be fully admitted to the Bethel social work program, the candidate must:
- Have previously been accepted as a candidate to the program including completion of SOW 200Z Introduction to Social Work with a grade of C or better;
- Have a minimum cumulative Bethel GPA of 2.25 at time of application to the program. (NOTE: GPA is reviewed again at the end of the semester and must remain 2.25 or higher.)
- Have earned a grade of C or better in each social work (SOW) course. Courses with a grade of C- or lower must be repeated.
- Continue to demonstrate a progressive understanding of generalist social work practice and corresponding skill-set conducive to the development of professional knowledge, values, skills, the application of cognitive and affective processes, ethical practice, and conduct expected of a generalist social work practitioner as evidenced in junior field experience feedback, instructor observation, and assessment of professional skills. Continue to demonstrate evidence of ability to meet the Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP) (*1). Evidence of meeting the SAPP standards at a developmentally appropriate level comes from performance feedback from junior level field experience, instructor observation, interview with social work faculty, and assessment of professional skills related to the SAPP in the classroom setting.
- Achieve a successful mid-year evaluation of performance in SOW 330 Social Work Field Experience as completed by the field supervisor and approved by the field director.
- Demonstrate evidence of following the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics as shown by performance in the classroom and in the field.
- Successfully complete any on-going Improvement Plans (*2) related to Notice of Concerns (*3) and/or Conditional Acceptance (*4).
- The following components of the submitted application are considered as evidence of readiness for full admission into the social work program:
- Application for Full Admission to the Social Work Program form
- Admission narratives on five (5) topics addressing your interest in the social work profession;
- Self-assessment of readiness for social work practice;
- Two letters of reference from qualified individuals assessing applicant’s aptitude to pursue social work;
- Current resume (reflects current number of social work related hours in each work area);
- Copy of unofficial transcript from DegreeWorks;
- Interview with an assigned social work faculty;
- If provisionally accepted for candidacy due to being in process of completing the required 50 hours of volunteer or paid service, student must also provide: Volunteer or Paid Service form documenting at least 50 hours of experience in a community agency, school, hospital, or other social service organization.
B. Social Work faculty will review and evaluate submitted full admission documents, make a decision on admission into the program, and provide written notification to the applicant concerning full admission status. Notice of decisions will be sent to students' P.O. boxes and via email. Please see social work program definitions located later in the social work section of this catalog for explanations of conditional acceptance (*4).
C. Students who choose to appeal decisions related to full admissions must follow the process and policy for program appeals as articulated in the social work section of the Bethel catalog and the Social Work Program Policy Manual & Student Handbook.
Standards for Continuance and Graduation (SCG)
To progress in the program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a grade of C or better in each social work (SOW) course (courses with a grade of C- or lower must be repeated);
- Maintain a minimum cumulative Bethel GPA of at least 2.25;
- Demonstrate understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics and a consistent and growing commitment to ethical practice in accordance with this code as demonstrated by successful completion of ethics assignments as indicated in syllabi;
- Demonstrate continued development of professional knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, ethics, and expected evidence of ability to meet the Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP) (*1). Evidence of meeting SAPP at a level commensurate with program standards comes from service learning and field performance feedback, field evaluations, instructor/ classroom observation, and assessment of professional skills related to the SAPP;
- Demonstrate continued development of professional knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes, ethics, and conduct expected of a generalist social work practitioner as presented throughout the social work program;
- Receive a successful final evaluation from SOW 331 Social Work Field Experience II, as completed by the field supervisor and approved by the field director, confirming that satisfactory progress is evident and the student is ready for SOW 432 Social Work Field Instruction I.
- Receive a mid-year evaluation from SOW 432 Social Work Field Instruction I, as completed by the field supervisor and approved by the field director, confirming that satisfactory progress is being made toward competent, ethical, and professional social work practice;
- Receive a final evaluation from SOW 433 and SOW 434 Social Work Field Instruction II and Social Work Field Instruction III, as completed by the field supervisor and approved by the field director, confirming that satisfactory progress is being made toward competent, ethical, and professional social work practice and that student is adequately prepared to graduate as a professional social worker.
B. Applicable requirements for continuance and graduation are reviewed at the completion of each semester. If students do not meet the Standards for Continuance and Graduation (SCG), notifications are sent to student P.O. boxes and via email. Please see social work program policy definitions located later in the social work section of this catalog for an explanation of Notice of Concern (*3).
C. Students who choose to appeal decisions related to Standards for Continuance and Graduation (SCG) must follow the process and policy for program appeals as articulated in the social work section of the Bethel catalog and the Social Work Program Policy Manual & Student Handbook.
Social Work Program Policy Definitions
Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP)1
Critical thinking and decision-making, interpersonal relationship skills, professional values and ethics, communication skills, responsible conduct, professional readiness, and self-awareness. These standards are consistent with the role and responsibilities of the social work professional. (NOTE: a criminal history may preclude one’s ability to become licensed as a social worker upon graduation).
Improvement Plan (IP)2
A formal Improvement Plan (IP) may be required at multiple points in the program including but not limited to SOW 200Z Introduction to Social Work, during candidacy, full admission, or in response to a Notice of Concern (NOC) (* 3). An IP is developed by the student in collaboration with the course instructor/designated faculty. The IP is signed by the student and course instructor/designated faculty and placed in the student’s candidacy file. An IP must clearly specify goal(s), methods to measure achievement of the goals, specific actions to be taken to successfully meet the goal(s), and a timeline for the completion of those actions. Students with a formal IP must have successfully achieved the identified goals using the measurement listed in the IP before being eligible for candidacy and/or full admission to the program.
Notice of Concern (NOC)3
An (NOC) may be issued to students who have been either accepted as candidates or fully accepted into the social work program and for whom performance issues in the field or classroom have been identified. Students receiving a NOC are required to develop and submit a formal IP (*2) which addresses the identified issue. An NOC is identified as Level 1 (serious concern) or Level 2 (most serious concern).
Conditional Acceptance4
On rare occasions, students not meeting all candidacy, full admission, or standards for continuance requirements, may be accepted and/or advanced conditionally with specific requirements identified and addressed in a formal IP.
Provisional Acceptance5
Students who are in the process of completing 50 hours of voluntary or paid experience and/or students enrolled in SOW 200Z Introduction to Social Work at the time of application review, and who meet all other requirements, may be accepted provisionally and will be reviewed for full candidacy or full admission after successful completion of the required element(s).
Social Work Program Appeals Process
Students denied candidacy, full admission, or continuation in the social work program, may submit a written request for consideration of conditional candidacy, conditional admission, or conditional continuation in the program. This written request must be submitted to the director of the social work program within one week of receiving the decision and needs to include an IP stating how unmet requirements will be achieved. Within one week of receiving students' written request, the program director and field director will review the plan and notify students of their decision. If conditional candidacy, full admission, or continuation is granted, conditions for moving forward will be stated. If students are not granted conditional candidacy, full admission, or continuation, students may submit a written appeal to the appropriate academic dean. This written appeal must be submitted within one week of receiving the department's decision.
Those who appeal should be aware of the responsibility of a professional program. It is the social work faculty’s responsibility to recommend for candidacy, admission, continuation, and graduation only students who have demonstrated the capacity to perform professional social work practice. This includes adherence to the Social Work Code of Ethics and ability to meet criteria as outlined in the Standards for Academic and Professional Performance (SAPP).
NOTE: Students who request to resume their involvement with the social work program after dropping out of the program, being dismissed from the program, or withdrawing from Bethel University for any reason must apply for readmission into the program. Issues that led to the decision to drop out (whether voluntary or involuntary) must be addressed prior to being readmitted to the social work program. Being readmitted to Bethel University does not constitute readmission into the social work program.
Field Education Program
Bethel’s social work Field Education Program provides students with generalist social work practice experiences within community-based settings where students learn to connect the theoretical and conceptual contributions from the classroom in a field setting. The field placement is carefully selected because of its ability to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate specific social work competencies with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Students are introduced to the concept of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) professionalism through a 150-hour junior level community learning experience (SOW 330) Experience in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Practice I and SOW 331 Experience in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Practice II under the guidance of an experienced community professional.
Students who have been admitted to the Senior Level Field Program are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of in-person contact with clients and constituencies, performing the role of a professional social worker under the supervision of an on-campus field instructor, and a qualified community-based social work field instructor. These field hours are completed concurrently with the following courses: SOW 432 Social Work Field Instruction I, SOW 433 Social Work Field Instruction II, and SOW 434 Social Work Field Instruction III.
Students are often required to complete a criminal background check at their own expense as part of agency requirements. Students must furnish their own transportation to and from field settings.
International Field Practicum
Junior-level students may fulfill SOW 331 Social Work Field Experience II in a 100 hour social work-approved international service oriented field-based internship experience guided by Non-Government Organization staff or local service agency staff with International academic program oversight. Students must work with the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs to arrange a study abroad program that meets social work junior level internship requirements and obtain approval from the Field Director of the social work program. Students must meet both the academic requirements of the study abroad and the social work program to receive field related credit upon completing their International field-based service oriented internship experience.
SOW 200Z • Introduction to Social Work 4 Credits
Overview of social work mission, core values, history, and fields of practice. Understanding dimensions of diversity, cultures, and structures that may oppress and marginalize people groups. Significant cross-cultural, community-based service learning in which students communicate and collaborate with diverse individuals. Consideration of social work as a career choice.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and Major in social work or Minor in social welfare studies or Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOW 240 • Socioeconomic & Justice Issues in Market Economies 3 Credits
Equips students with knowledge and skills for understanding and critically evaluating how market economies operate, their broad socioeconomic consequences, and their impact on the lives of socially disadvantaged people.
Offered: Spring.
SOW 250 • Social Welfare History 3 Credits
Examines the historical movements of social welfare responses to the poor and oppressed from the colonial period to the present, emphasizing economic, demographic, cultural, and political forces. Historical documents representing significant turning points in society are presented to gain appreciation of the linkage among past, present, and future reforms.
Prerequisites: Major in social work or Minor in social welfare studies or Consent of instructor. Offered: Spring.
SOW 304 • Social Work Practice I 3 Credits
Generalist social work theory and practice with organizations and communities. Application of human behavior in the social environment. Research-based knowledge emphasized. Assignments in community settings focus on engagement and assessment; dimensions of diversity; interaction of social systems; and strategies to promote human and civil rights.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z; Major in social work; Candidacy status in the social work program. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 313 and SOW 330 is required. Offered: Fall.
SOW 305 • Social Policy Practice 4 Credits
Interrelationship of social problems, social welfare policies, and service delivery from historical, economic, political, and program perspectives. Social systems content applied to social policy analysis. Develop, analyze, advocate, and provide leadership for policy and service delivery that promote economic and social justice through community-based projects.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z and [SOW 304; SOW 313; SOW 330; Major in social work; Admission to the social work program] or [Minor in social welfare studies (those students minoring in social welfare studies must obtain consent of instructor)]. Offered: Spring.
SOW 307Z • Intentional Urban Living I 2 Credits
Intensive urban learning opportunity involving exploration and analysis of urban community, urban neighborhood social and political structures, and theological issues that arise in an urban context. Involves living in an urban neighborhood in Minneapolis or St. Paul and substantial interaction in the neighborhood.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Offered: Occasionally.
SOW 308Z • Intentional Urban Living II 2 Credits
Intensive urban learning opportunity involving exploration and analysis of urban community, urban neighborhood social and political structures, and theological issues that arise in an urban context. Involves living in an urban neighborhood in Minneapolis or St. Paul and substantial interaction in the neighborhood. Involves an individualized research project and/or action project focused on a change initiative.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Offered: Occasionally.
SOW 313 • Social Work Practice II 3 Credits
Generalist social work theory and practice with individuals and families. Beginning professional development, critical thinking, effective communication, Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE), ethical and evidenced-based practice. Simulated case assignments develop knowledge and skills of social work practice: engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z; Major in social work; Candidacy status in the social work program. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 304 and SOW 330 is required. Offered: Fall.
SOW 326 • Restorative Justice 3 Credits
Examines and analyzes the philosophy and principles of restorative justice, including its historical and theological roots by comparing and contrasting retributive and restorative paradigms. Applications of restorative justice examined from the perspective of victim-offender dialogue and the use of restorative justice principles in offender reintegration.
Offered: Occasionally.
SOW 327G • Social Perspective, Human Worth, and Social Action 3 Credits
Examines historical and current societal conditions and their impact on individuals and communities. Culture, power, oppression, exclusion, and the impact of diverse realities in the U.S. are explored. Comparative examination by synthesizing contemporary writings, social theory, and diverse voices. Experiential learning and dialogue promote understanding, justice-seeking strategies, and social action.
Prerequisites: [GES 130; GES 160; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course; World Cultures (U) course] or [GES 244; World Cultures (U) course]. Offered: Spring.
SOW 330 • Experience in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Practice I 2 Credits
Integration of anti-racism, anti-oppressive, and justice-informed theories and practice in social work experience. Understanding of how one's own cultural identity impacts engagement and assessment with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Application of interpersonal skills within a multi-service community-based agency setting. Students participate in 75 hours of community-based learning.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z; Major in social work; Candidacy status in the social work program; Consent of instructor. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 304 and SOW 313 is required. Offered: Fall.
SOW 331 • Experience in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Practice II 2 Credits
Continuation of SOW 330, development of advanced skills and integration of anti-racism, anti-oppressive and justice-informed theories and practice to social work experience. Understanding of how one's own cultural identity impacts engagement and assessment with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Application of interpersonal skills within a multi-service community-based agency setting. Students participate in 75 hours of community-based learning.
Prerequisites: SOW 304; SOW 313; SOW 330; Major in social work; Admission to the social work program; Consent of instructor. Offered: Spring.
SOW 405 • Social Work Practice III 4 Credits
Generalist social work theory applied to integrated practice within client systems. Emphasis on families and groups and on the planned change process. Student development of a group work project and case study review promote application of critical thinking, research-informed practice and cultural competence.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z; SOW 304; SOW 313; SOW 330; SOW 331; Admission to the social work program. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 432 is required. Offered: Fall.
SOW 431 • Conversations about End of Life 1 Credit
Development of advanced care planning (ACP) facilitation skills in the context of faith, cultural, healthcare system, and societal perspectives. A First Steps ACP Facilitator Certificate is available for students who successfully complete ACP Facilitator requirements.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in nursing or social work, or Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall or Spring. Special Notes: This course carries cross-credit in nursing.
SOW 432 • Social Work Field Instruction I 3 Credits
Field practicum in which students perform the role of a professional social worker under supervision of a qualified field instructor. Weekly on-campus field seminar supports integration of theory with social work practice. Minimum of 135 hours in the field. A structured learning contract applies social work knowledge, values, and skills.
Prerequisites: Admission to the social work program; Admission to the social work Field Program; Consent of instructor. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 405 is required. Offered: Fall.
SOW 433 • Social Work Field Instruction II 3 Credits
A continuation of SOW 432. Time involvement must total a minimum of 135 hours in the field. Satisfactory progress must be made toward competence in professional social work practice.
Prerequisites: SOW 432; Admission to the social work program; Admission to the social work Field Program; Consent of instructor. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 434 and SOW 499 is required. Offered: Spring.
SOW 434 • Social Work Field Instruction III 3 Credits
A continuation of SOW 433. Time involvement must total a minimum of 135 hours in the field. Satisfactory progress in SOW 432/433/434 on field assignments, learning contract, and 400 hours of supervised practice indicate student’s readiness to perform the role of a generalist social work practitioner.
Prerequisites: SOW 432 and Admission to the social work program. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 433 and SOW 499 is required. Offered: Spring.
SOW 451 • Methods of Applied Social Research 4 Credits
Social research methods, including an emphasis on becoming proficient and critical consumers of research-based data, for the purposes of knowledge advancement, informed practice, and program and practice effectiveness evaluation.
Prerequisites: SOW 200Z; Mathematics (M) course (PSY 230M recommended); Major in social work; Candidacy status in social work program or Minor in social welfare studies (those students minoring in social welfare studies must obtain consent of instructor). Offered: Fall.
SOW 499 • Senior Integrative Seminar 3 Credits
Integration of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through ethics-based case studies and completion of practice/program evaluation research applied to field practicum setting. Critical thinking, leadership, and scholarship emphasized.
Prerequisites: SOW 405; SOW 432; Admission to the social work program. Corequisites: Concurrent registration in SOW 433 and SOW 434 is required. Offered: Spring.