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.
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Overview
- School: Traditional Undergrad Academics
- Division: Social Science
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Social Work, Minor
- Format: Residential
- Location: Grand Rapids
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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.Relevant Classes
A well-rounded list of liberal arts and major classes prepare you to excel as an innovative, character-driven professional. And trained advisers provide the personalized, strengths-focused guidance you need to thrive as a college student and complete your degree.
Download a semester-by-semester class planning guide. This shows how you can finish your degree in four years.
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Global Internships
100% of our traditional undergraduate students complete an academic internship or practicum. More than a graduation requirement, this real-world experience helps you explore your calling and gain practical skills for career success.
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
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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
- Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
- TrueNorth Community Services
- 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
