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Social Work, BSW

Social work is a profession committed to enhancing well-being and helping those in need, especially vulnerable populations.

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Program Intro

The BSW program at CBU offers classes focused on medical social work, child welfare, direct practice, and much more. 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.

62 Units
400 Field Work Hours

In CBU's BSW program, students are required to fulfill 400 hours of field practicum.

24 Required Major Courses

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:

Program Details

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. 

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

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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

Charles Lee-Johnson, D.Min.

Associate Professor of Social Work
Associate Dean, Division of Social Work, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Office Phone: 951-552-8081
E-mail: cleejohnson@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 106-B

Antonio Mejico Jr., Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Social Work
Associate Dean for Academic Services, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Director of The Center for Community Engagement and Social Innovation

Office Phone: 951-552-8949
E-mail: amejico@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 114

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

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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.