Empowerment matters.

You want to make things better, aiming to relieve suffering and desiring the implementation of programs that make a difference. Our mission is to empower students, as followers of Jesus, to become competent, ethical and professional practitioners in the field. Social work is the ideal conduit to live out your faith in practical, meaningful ways and in a variety of settings.

Social Work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. With a major in Social Work, you'll graduate with confidence to engage diverse populations in both local and global settings, gaining an enriched perspective of the global church and growing as a student alongside members of the campus community. Our graduates can be found working in residential treatment, child welfare, nursing homes, domestic violence shelters, substance abuse treatment, criminal justice, homeless shelters, churches, low-income assistance programs and mental health centers.

  • Overview

    • School: Traditional Undergrad Academics
    • Division: Social Science
    • Degree Type: Bachelor of Social Work, Minor
    • Format: Residential
    • Location: Grand Rapids

  • Career Opportunities

    A wide variety of employment opportunities exist for graduates with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. Social workers are often employed in child and family service organizations, mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, state and local human service organizations, as well as nursing homes and assisted living centers. Social workers also find employment in community development capacities as well as international social service organizations and hospitals.

    For a preview of available job paths and the employment outlook for graduates with degrees in Social Work, explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    In addition to transitioning into full-time positions, many of our graduates earn master's degrees in the field.

    Program Classes

    From personable faculty to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.

    See our sample degree plan for the list of classes you'll take as a social work major.

  • Global Internships

    All traditional undergraduate students complete an academic internship or practicum. This experience helps you explore your calling and gain practical career skills.

    With guidance from the Center for Career & Life Calling, our students land internships at trusted businesses and nonprofits around the world.

    During your senior year as a social work major, an in-depth 440-hour field placement in a social service organization allows you to encounter and serve a variety of populations. This prepares you to effectively transition to a job or graduate course work.

    Certification Opportunities

    Cornerstone University's Social Work degree program is approved by the state of Michigan to offer a Child Welfare Certificate. Students interested in working with children and families may wish to pursue this certificate which provides graduates with opportunities to enter into several child welfare positions without needing to complete a majority of required state training sessions.

  • Social Science Division Student Outcomes

    96%

    of traditional undergraduate social science students from the class of 2018 were working or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

    Importantly, our recent graduates also shared that they love their work. Of respondents, 89 percent reported a genuine interest in what they are doing.

    Job Outcomes

    Cornerstone alumni are tireless in their passion to influence our world for Christ as servant leaders. You can find CU graduates building lives that matter at workplaces based in West Michigan and beyond.

    • Arbor Circle
    • Bethany Christian Services
    • Ennis Center for Children
    • Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
    • Samaritas
    • Wedgwood Christian Services

  • Where Our Alumni Attend Graduate School

    Our Social Science Division students receive admission to respected graduate schools.

    • Abilene Christian University
    • Azusa Pacific University
    • Arizona State University
    • Grand Valley State University
    • Michigan State University
    • University of Michigan
    • University of Southern California
    • Wayne State University
    • Western Michigan University

College Is About More Than a Degree

At Cornerstone, knowledge is about more than memorizing facts. Here, you will develop a deeper understanding of people, life and God. You will conquer challenges, grow in wisdom and make more memories than you can count.

For seven reasons on why a four-year, liberal arts Christian college is a great choice and wise investment, download our guide.

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