Social Work

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK

Social work is a profession committed to enhancing well-being and helping those in need, especially vulnerable populations. The BSW program at CBU includes a focus on social work within the medical/healthcare field. Students will learn to collaborate with medical professionals to educate and equip patients and their families for a successful recovery after being discharged. Currently, California has a shortage of social workers. CBU BSW graduates will be prepared to meet this increasing demand and begin a rewarding career in the profession of social work.

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning
Accreditation
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Why study 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.

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. Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 19% in the next five years; and projected growth is even greater for healthcare social workers (27%) and for mental health social workers (23%) (BLS, 2015).

Global Social Work Policy

SWK 361

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.

Spirituality and the Helping Professions

SWK 371

This course is an introduction to the role of spirituality, religion, and secularism in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice.

Marginalized Populations

SWK 462

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.

Student Learning

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.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work program is in Candidacy for Council on Social Work Education accreditation.

CSWE logo

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

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Career Opportunities

Medical Social Worker
Public Health Social Worker
Child Welfare Case Worker
School Social Worker
Forensic Social Worker
Geriatric Social Worker
Child Abuse Prevention Social Worker
Public Policy Social Worker
Social Policy Social Worker
Community Social Worker
Military Social Worker
International Social Worker

*Some career opportunities may require further education

62

Units

500

Field Work Hours

2021

Year the Program Began

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Liza Arellano

BSW Director, Assistant Professor of Social Work

I am excited to serve as the director of the BSW program! I have over 15 years of experience working in public child welfare in various capacities, including investigations, training and development, supervision and management. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I love that with CBU’s BSW program, we are helping address the growing needs of the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized populations in the Inland Empire, through the development of competent and faith-based professional social workers.

See Profile >

Charles Lee-Johnson

Associate Dean of the Division of Social Work, Associate Professor of Social Work

In addition to serving as a faculty member at CBU, I am blessed to serve as the pastor of Corona Community AME Church. I love to encourage and empower others and have found inspiration as a social worker where I regularly offer support to others. In my free time, I have earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and I am a serious Laker fan. I love to travel with my beautiful wife, Monalisa, and I enjoy spending time with my five children and three grandchildren.

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Antonio Mejico Jr.

Assistant Professor of Social Work

I have spent the last 16 years serving at-risk youth in the foster care, juvenile justice and education systems. I am deeply passionate about social work, advocating for individuals who have been oppressed and marginalized, and I believe that every human being has a God-given right to be treated with dignity and compassion. I enjoy teaching at CBU because of the positive energy, faith and hope my students bring to class.

See Profile >

Liza Arellano

BSW Director, Assistant Professor of Social Work

I am excited to serve as the director of the BSW program! I have over 15 years of experience working in public child welfare in various capacities, including investigations, training and development, supervision and management. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I love that with CBU’s BSW program, we are helping address the growing needs of the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized populations in the Inland Empire, through the development of competent and faith-based professional social workers.

See Profile >
Charles Lee-Johnson

Associate Dean of the Division of Social Work, Associate Professor of Social Work

In addition to serving as a faculty member at CBU, I am blessed to serve as the pastor of Corona Community AME Church. I love to encourage and empower others and have found inspiration as a social worker where I regularly offer support to others. In my free time, I have earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and I am a serious Laker fan. I love to travel with my beautiful wife, Monalisa, and I enjoy spending time with my five children and three grandchildren.

See Profile >
Antonio Mejico Jr.

Assistant Professor of Social Work

I have spent the last 16 years serving at-risk youth in the foster care, juvenile justice and education systems. I am deeply passionate about social work, advocating for individuals who have been oppressed and marginalized, and I believe that every human being has a God-given right to be treated with dignity and compassion. I enjoy teaching at CBU because of the positive energy, faith and hope my students bring to class.

See Profile >