Social Work, BSW
Social work is a profession committed to enhancing well-being and helping those in need, especially vulnerable populations.
Program Intro
The Bachelor of Social Work is an entry-level degree in the social work professional field. A professional degree in Social Work prepares graduates of this program to immediately enter the workforce as a professional generalist social worker.
In CBU's BSW program, students are required to fulfill 400 hours of field practicum.
Why Major in Social Work at CBU?
Prepare for graduate school and qualify for advanced standing
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree qualifies students for advanced standing
status as they enter their Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This status will allow
students to complete a Master of Social Work program in one academic year.
Learn from a diverse faculty
Students will see, hear and learn from professors who have been in their shoes, can empathize with them and guide them in their journey towards a career serving the community.
Integrate faith and social work
CBU is one of the few BSW programs that have been developed with an explicitly Christian context to prepare students to apply a biblical worldview to the generalist social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. For those interested in congregational social work, CBU has a course and service opportunities for social workers who want to serve in congregational settings.
Gain field practicum experience
In CBU's BSW program, students are required to fulfill 400 hours of field practicum, which provides the opportunity for on-the-job experience. Field practicum, a signature of social work education, can be included on a resume, allowing students a competitive edge in the workforce.
Fill the shortage of social workers
A severe statewide shortage of graduates in all areas of social work practice has been documented for more than 15 years in California. Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations (BLS, 2023).
What You'll Learn
Students in CBU's Bachelor of Social Work program will learn to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Integrate faith.
Program Details
We are excited that you are interested in applying to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at California Baptist University.
The BSW Program accepts students year-round, so apply now!
Applicants must already be accepted CBU students to be considered. This includes students wishing to transfer in from another school.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The social work program is 24 major courses which is typically 2 years to complete.
Who do I speak to about my scheduling my social work classes?
Academic Advisor
How do I get into the program?
First-Time CBU Students: Apply to CBU and, once accepted into the University, complete the BSW supplemental application to be eligible to begin co-requisite courses while simultaneously beginning social work courses.
Existing CBU Students: Complete the BSW supplemental application to be eligible to begin co-requisite courses while simultaneously beginning social work or have completed SWK 300 and/or BEH 250 with at least a C grade.
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply anytime!
What is the BSW Field Practicum?
The BSW program practicum internship requirement is during the last year of the program and is hands-on social work practice experience at one of our community partners. Practicum is 16 hours per week, totaling 400 hours for the year.
How are students placed for the practicum?
In junior year, students participate in a "field fair" where they meet and engage with a variety of community partners and then students are surveyed for their placement preferences and needs. The BSW Field Director arranges interviews between students and community partners, and students are notified by the end of their junior year of the last year's placement.
SWK 361: Global Social Work Policy
The purpose of this course is to expose students to a variety of global social issues related to social welfare and social development. Students will review how social work practice is delivered in other countries around the world.
SWK 380: Intro to Medical Social Work
Students learn about the critical role of social workers in health care settings using bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments and interventions to assist health practitioners, patients, and their families in addressing medical concerns, social determinants of health, and the social-cultural meanings ascribed to illness.
SWK 462: Marginalized Populations
This course addresses what it means to be marginalized and presents information on the history and current status of various vulnerable populations domestically and globally.
The Bachelor of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Kristina Gordon, DSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
BSW Program Director
Office Phone: 951-552-8647
E-mail: kgordon@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building 280
Antonio Mejico Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Associate Dean of the Division of Social Work and Associate Dean for Academic Services
Office Phone: 951-552-8949
E-mail: amejico@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 114
Maritza Bojorquez, DSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Advisor for Social Work Association for Multicultural and Multilingual Practice (SWAMMP)
E-mail: mbojorquez@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 371
Emilio R. Bermejo, DSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Office Phone: 951-552-8319
E-mail: rbermejo@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building 277
Jerri Middleton, DSW, LCSW
Assistant Professor in Social Work
Office Phone: 951-552-8297
E-mail: jmiddleton@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building 284
Brittany Lytle-Rodriguez, DrPH, MSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Director, BSW Field Education
Office Phone: 951-552-8366
E-mail: blytlerodriguez@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 266
Career Possibilities
Upon completing CBU’s Bachelor of Social Work program, students will be well prepared for graduate school or entry-level careers in the social work field.
- Medical Social Worker
- Public Health Social Worker
- Forensic Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Child Welfare Case Worker
- Child Abuse Prevention Social Worker
- Public Policy Social Worker
- Social Policy Social Worker
- Community Social Worker
- Military Social Worker
- International Social Worker
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.