California Baptist University’s social work minor is a pathway into social work that equips students for entry-level, generalist social work practice. Students interested in a social work career will learn how to serve marginalized and vulnerable individuals, families and communities by employing social work techniques. As a conduit into social work practice, students with a social work minor may qualify for entry-level positions in social service fields. Those interested in advancing to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree will be positioned well by starting with the social work minor.

The social work minor positioned within the Division of Social Work provides a generalist social work education. Students will take 12 units of required coursework with 6 elective units of their choice of undergraduate social work coursework (for a total of 18 units). Students have an additional option to select courses with a focus on medical, child welfare or mental health tracks. 

An introduction to the knowledge, values, ethics, skills, systems, and settings of generalist social work practice. A historic overview of political, economical, and cultural factors that influence the profession. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Social Work. (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation

This course provides foundational knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice, while exploring social work history, theory, ethics, problem solving, and diversity in social work practice with individual client systems. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK401-A
Mitchell, Yakiciwey E.
09/02/2025 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Yeager Center ONLN

This foundation course provides an overview of the history of case management and provides an in-depth analysis of case management from a strengths perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, advocacy, evaluation, and termination are addressed in depth on micro through macro levels. (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK435-A
Bojorquez, Maritza
09/02/2025 MWF 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Yeager Center ONLN

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 course explores the importance of cultural competence in engaging, assessing, and intervening with client systems. (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK462-A
McIntosh, Erica A.
09/02/2025 MWF 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Park Building ONLN

 

Complete 6 additional units from the following courses, with the option of completing one of the optional tracks/focus areas listed.

This course is a survey of substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery models, including a historical and contemporary understanding of addiction, and its impact on individuals, families, and society. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK335-A
STAFF, STAFF
01/12/2026 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TBA ONLN

This course will introduce students to the definition of trauma, the prevalence of children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally, as well as the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual impact trauma can have on children and adolescents. The concepts of trauma informed practice, resilience, and evidence based practices with children experiencing trauma are key components of the course. The role of social workers in working with children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally is also a key feature of the course. Although trauma is broadly defined, the course will focus mainly on abuse and neglect, violence, natural disasters, war, and medical trauma. (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK345-A
STAFF, STAFF
01/12/2026 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM TBA ONLN

This course is an introduction to the role of spirituality, religion, and secularism in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice. Students will examine their own personal values, morals, spirituality, religious, and secular traditions and reconcile any differences between these personal values and professional, ethical practice with diverse clients. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation

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. Prerequisite: (BEH250,SWK300) (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK380-A
Maddox, Dretona Tenese
09/02/2025 MWF 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Building 36 ONLN

This course examines the social welfare policies, programs, and services to families and children, historically known as "child welfare services". It explores major issues facing children, youth and families, critically examining the assumptions, values, and philosophical perspectives underlying the social policies that shape child welfare. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK381-A
Williams, Evangela Latrice
09/02/2025 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Park Building ONLN

This foundation course explores the theories, themes, and issues concerning the interaction among individuals as they grow, change, and develop over the lifespan and the impact of their social context on their development. (3 Units)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
SWK410-A
Gordon, Kristina Danielle
09/02/2025 MWF 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Yeager Center ONLN

 

Optional Tracks:

Medical Track

  • SWK 345 Trauma and Children
  • SWK 380 Medical Social Work

Child Welfare Track

  • SWK 345 Trauma and Children
  • SWK 381 Intro to Children and Families

Mental Health (Select 6 units)

  • SWK 335 Substance Use Disorders, Treatment, Recovery
  • SWK 371 Spirituality and the Helping Professions
  • SWK 410 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I