The social work program will prepare you to be a professional helper by acquainting you with the many factors that influence individual behavior. Coursework includes psychology, human development, group and community dynamics, economics, government and sociology. These courses help you underst and people, their environments, and systems that affect them. Extensive courses in social work build upon this broad foundation by deepening your involvement with an appreciation of people in a variety of settings. To complement this, closely supervised field experiences, where you actually interact with and serve people, provide you with practical experience. When you graduate, you will be ready to serve . . . in a variety of settings!
Social work focuses on the "person in the environment." As a result, social workers not only counsel individuals with difficulties, but also interact with their environment by developing community resources, leading support groups, serving as an advocate, or informing the client of opportunities. A social worker's holistic perspective enables him or her to utilize a variety of resources to obtain help for an individual, family, group or community in need.
No! Though social work as a profession is committed to helping the poor, vulnerable and oppressed, its focus extends far beyond those on welfare. Social workers can be found anywhere people need help. These sites include hospitals, prisons, schools, detention centers, group homes, senior citizen centers, nursing homes, child protective service agencies, and many others!
Christian social work flows out of the principles found in Scripture. At Evangel, you will be challenged to internalize these principles, not just in Bible courses, but also through your social work classes. This foundation, along with encouragement from your classmates and instructors, will help you develop a biblical perspective of this important profession. You will also learn how to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, develop stress and time management skills, and integrate your faith into your work.
Some states and employers require social workers seeking licensure to graduate from accredited programs. Evangel's program has earned accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This status will enable graduates of the program to qualify for licensure in some states and , in some situations, gain advanced standing in graduate social work programs.
Studying social work at Evangel University offers several distinct advantages:
Because social work involves helping others, start now by gaining experience as a volunteer. Check with your guidance counselor, chamber of commerce, or church for ideas. Join teams working on helping projects such as gathering food or clothing for the homeless or building a house through Habitat for Humanity. Spend a few days with a social worker, observing and asking questions. You'll be amazed at what you can learn! Academically, take a good college preparatory curriculum and include electives in psychology, history and government.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (formerly College Placement Council) and Bureau of Labor Statistics report that the dem and for social workers will increase more than 30% in the next decade. The social work program at Evangel is designed to equip students for graduate school and to provide the background they need to serve in future compassion ministries.