Master of Social Work (MSW)
Centered around the advancement of human rights, Bethel’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program seeks to promote social, economic, and environmental justice and empower graduates to work toward systemic change, impacting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Teaching advanced clinical skills through a justice-informed and rights-based lens provides students with the unique clinical skillset to have a profound impact on the communities they will serve. The natural intersection of faith and justice is emphasized, as students consider the integration of theologies of justice with their learning and professional practice experience. The program is academically rigorous and research-based, with opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research for publication and presentation both locally and nationally. Additionally, the MSW program fulfills the requirements necessary for graduates to sit for the state licensure exam and obtain professional social work credentials. Clinical content required to sit for the ASWB exam is covered in year two of the program and meets the Minnesota Board of Social Work's requirements for the six clinical content areas which are required to sit for the ASWB clinical licensure exam.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) officially awarded accreditation candidacy status to the MSW program in 2021. The program’s candidacy status is confirmed here. Bethel's BA in Social Work has been accredited since 1981 and was re-accredited in the summer of 2021.
Per the Minnesota Board of Social Work, candidacy status ensures that graduates of the program are eligible for provisional LGSW licensure in Minnesota (as well as license-level equivalency in many other states), granting them all of the privileges and responsibilities of LGSW licensure, but with annual (rather than biennial) renewal obligations.
A temporary LGSW license can be converted to a standard LGSW license once the program is fully accredited by CSWE. In Minnesota, supervised practice hours under a provisional LGSW license can be applied to LISW and LICSW (clinical) licensure requirements.
CSWE accreditation is a 3+ year process involving a program’s completion and CSWE’s approval of 3 annual benchmarks. Please note that the program received formal COA approval of its Benchmark I documentation in February 2022 when it earned “candidacy” status. The program received approval for its Benchmark II volumes in February 2023 and will be reviewed for full accreditation in February 2024. At that point, all Bethel graduates with provisional LGSW licenses may exchange their provisional licenses for non-provisional LGSW licenses.
For more information about social work accreditation, visit the CSWE website. Or contact accreditation.
MSW: Full Program
The MSW Full Program option is for students who have completed undergraduate or graduate degrees in fields other than social work. The MSW full program option is 56-credits and can be completed in 24 months. Students will complete 900 hours in a field placement in order to meet graduation requirements.
MSW: Advanced Standing
The MSW Advanced Standing Program option is for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited institution within the past seven years. The 35-credit option can be completed in 14 months. Students will complete 500 hours in a field placement in order to meet graduation requirements.
Courses
SOWK 600 • Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits
Analysis of individuals, families and groups utilizing systems theory, learning theories and psychosocial frameworks as part of the human behavior in the social environment perspective. Appraisal of important lifespan milestones and the influence of social environment on human development. Application of information and theories consistent with social work values and the promotion of social and economic justice.
EXXAT fee: $195, SWEAP FCAI- professional assessment (pre) fee: $75, IDI (pre) fee: $75.
SOWK 605 • Advanced Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families 3 Credits
Introduction to the generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Understanding of the theoretical framework of the phases of social work practice including engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination. Emphasis placed on anti-racist, evidence-based intervention skills in the areas of rapport building, interviewing, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Practicing of social work skills related to the use of the professional self in relationships with clients.
SOWK 610 • Social Welfare History and Policy 3 Credits
Exploration of how social welfare history informs the development of social workers’ skills in contemporary society. Exploration of the ways the developing American societal culture, structure and values contributed to oppression and marginalization. Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the American welfare state. Analysis of the major social policies and programs that exist. Development of the skills of policy analysis, formulation and advocacy. Identification of social policy positions of diverse religious traditions.
Day at the Hill fee: $30, Day at the Capital fee: $30.
SOWK 615 • Field Seminar I 2 Credits
Introduction to the field experience in community-based practice setting. Integration of beginning knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical social work practice with an emphasis on the development of professional identity under supervision of a qualified field instructor.
EXXAT Fee $195, SWEAP FPPAI professional assessment fee: $25, Professional expert training fee: $50.
SOWK 620 • Field Seminar II 2 Credits
Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of developing knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis on diversity, human rights and justice under supervision of a qualified field instructor.
Prerequisites: SOWK 615. SWEAP FPPAI professional assessment fee: $25, Professional Trainings by outside licensed experts for CEHs fee: $50.
SOWK 630 • Advanced Social Work Practice II: Groups, Communities, and Organizations 3 Credits
Explanation of how diversity shapes the human experience in the context of organizations, groups and communities. Analysis of the extent to which sociocultural structures create privilege and power. Application of theoretical models incorporating social justice practices in macro practice. Application of practices reducing oppressive structural barriers. Application of multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks. Investigation of the issues, problems, needs, resources in macro practice. Interpretation of organizational and community data to inform effective evidence informed intervention strategies.
SWEAP FCAI- professional assessment fee (post) fee: $15.
SOWK 640 • Diversity, Human Rights, Social Economic and Environmental Justice 3 Credits
Examination of historical and current societal conditions and their impact on individuals and communities. Exploration of culture, power, oppression, exclusion, and the impact of diverse realities in the U.S. Comparative examination through the synthesis of contemporary writings, social theory, and diverse voices. Understanding and critical evaluation of how market economies operate, their broad socioeconomic consequences, and their impact on the lives of socially disadvantaged people.
SOWK 650 • Social Work Research Methods & Design I 2 Credits
Evaluation of the ethical concerns in research. Critique of research methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and single subject design. Connection of evidence-based practice and program evaluation research to improvements in practice, policy, and social service delivery. Critique of relevant evidence-based scholarly published research as research consumers. Explanation of protections for research subjects, ethical standards found in the NASW Code of Ethics regarding research, and ethical research guidelines and procedures.
SOWK 700 • Advanced Social Work Practice III 3 Credits
Assessment of diverse factors when making ethical, justice-informed practice decisions to attend to complex personal and systemic injustice factors which impact well-being. Application of evidenced-based, justice-informed social work theories and modalities in manners that are culturally appropriate and utilize critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. Development of advanced engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations with application of justice promoting practices.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. EXXAT fee (for Advanced Standing Students only): $195, SWEAP FCAI- professional assessment (pre) fee: $15. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course.
SOWK 705 • Mental Health, Diagnosis, and Advanced Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Development of knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals with an SPMI diagnosis (serious mental illness) using recovery-oriented, evidence-based practices. Identification of appropriate treatment outcomes that reflect effective, quality mental health practice with diverse groups. Examination of clinical work through case consultation, review, and presentation.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 700.
SOWK 710 • Trauma and Crisis in Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Exploration of the nature of trauma/ crises, current practice trends and related theories associated with conceptualizing trauma informed practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 700.
SOWK 715 • Theology, Justice and Human Rights (Advanced Standing) 3 Credits
Discussion of contemporary issues related to theology and praxis around the central biblical concept of justice, integrated into a social work perspective. Reflective exploration of lived human experience and how theology shapes approaches to justice in these contexts.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course.
SOWK 720 • Advanced Social Work Methods and Design II 2 Credits
Examination of diverse scholarship and literature with a justice-informed perspective. Development of justice-informed research used to advance human rights by informing policy and empowering vulnerable populations.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course.
SOWK 725 • Advanced Social Work Field Seminar III 2 Credits
Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of advanced justice-informed knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis diversity, human rights, and justice under supervision of a qualified field instructor.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course. SWEAP FPPAI professional assessment fee: $25, Professional Trainings by outside licensed experts for CEHs fee: $50.
SOWK 730 • Advancing Social Policy, Justice Issues and Human Rights in our Communities 3 Credits
Exploration of advanced justice-informed models of policy analysis applied to social welfare issues and challenges from a socio-cultural/political viewpoint. Identification of the significance of policy analysis and advocacy in justice-informed social work. Advanced justice-informed analysis of major US social policies and discussion of how policies impact marginalized communities. Advanced development of justice-informed social policy advocacy skills.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course.
SOWK 735 • Advanced Social Work Field Seminar IV 2 Credits
Continuation of the field experience in a community-based practice setting. Application and integration of advanced, justice-informed knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes for ethical generalist social work practice with an emphasis on diversity, human rights, and justice, under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. Students practice a minimum of 250 hours in field.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700, SOWK 725. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 700 and SOWK 725. SWEAP FPPAI professional assessment fee: $25, Professional Trainings by outside licensed experts for CEHs fee: $50.
SOWK 740 • Advanced Applied Theory in Community and Global Contexts 2 Credits
Analysis of complex ethical issues facing local and global communities. Application of a rights-based discourse analysis to develop community and capacity building strategies in local and global contexts from a social work practice perspective.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 700.
SOWK 745 • Advanced Social Work Research Methods and Design III 2 Credits
Application of current justice-informed research methods to develop an agency-based research project. Engagement of key stakeholders in the research process to develop community action skills.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 720. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 720.
SOWK 750 • Professional Field Symposium 2 Credits
Culminating field sequence course. Summary of evidence-based practice in professional social work. Description of psychopharmacology and psychoeducation to social work practice. Application of cognitive behavioral therapeutic (CBT) interventions, motivational interviewing skills, solution-focused intervention strategies in simulated practice contexts, and a specific intervention to impact client outcome in case study/simulated practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700, SOWK 725, SOWK 735. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 700, SOWK 725, and SOWK 735.
SOWK 755 • Program Development, Fundraising and Grant Writing 2 Credits
This experiential course will introduce social work students to the grant-development process. The course will familiarize students with how to: Plan and conceptualize a grant geared for specific funders, write selected elements of the grant narrative, develop a budget/justification. Students will gain knowlege about various types of funders including government, private and philantropical organizations. Studnets will gain an understanding of how to adminster and report on a grant. Issues related to sustainablility will be explored from the perspective of acquiring grant funding to serive marginalized communities. Students will create a grant project.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course.
SOWK 765 • Justice-Informed Clinical Practice with Marginalized Populations 2 Credits
Explore and equip clinical social work students with the knowledge base and skills to work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized populations in clinical settings.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 705, SOWK 710. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course, with the exception of SOWK 705 and SOWK 710.
SOWK 770 • Environmental Justice, Health Disparities and Community Health 2 Credits
Evaluation of a critical, decolonizing, anti-oppressive and ecological framework in social work practice. Engagement in professional practice which incorporates critical theory to investigate the impact of colonialism from a systems perspective. Identification of key issues about health, social determinants for health, and disparities in health across marginalized communities. Analysis of connections among social disparities, faith perspectives, power, health and ethics related to assumptions and actions in social work practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course. Diversity plan fee: $125, Professional Trainings by outside licensed experts for CEHs fee: $50.
SOWK 780 • Diversity, Oppression and Decolonization in Social Work 2 Credits
Examination of assumptions underlying theory and research methodologies from which basic constructs of human behavior are drawn to understand how power and other dynamics manage and sustain oppression at the individual and institutional levels. An interest in how oppression affects service delivery at the micro and macro levels, particularly social policies and strategic planning. Examination through the synthesis of contemporary writings, social theory, and diverse voices with an eye to continued decolonization of social work practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements for this course. Diversity plan fee: $125, Professional Trainings by outside licensed experts for CEHs fee: $50.
SOWK 790 • Capstone Integrative Seminar 2 Credits
Integration of research and presentation skills to demonstrate readiness to practice professional, justice-informed social work practice at an advanced level. Preparation for professional licensure exam. Reflective integration of faith, social work practice and justice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650, SOWK 700, SOWK 705, SOWK 710, SOWK 715, SOWK 720, SOWK 725, SOWK 730, SOWK 735, SOWK 740, SOWK 745, SOWK 750, SOWK 765, SOWK 770, SOWK 780. Special Notes: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program have already met the prerequisite requirements of SOWK 600, SOWK 605, SOWK 610, SOWK 615, SOWK 620, SOWK 630, SOWK 640, SOWK 650. Total fees: $140 (Capstone Professional Presentation Materials fee: $45, ASWB Practice Exam fee: $30, SWEAP FCAI- professional assessment [post] fee: $15, IDI [post] fee: $50).