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Cornerstone University student studying to be a social worker. Cornerstone University student studying to be a social worker Cornerstone University student studying to be a social worker

Bachelor of
Social Work
On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2025.

CSWE
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Improve Lives with a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree

Prepare to make a lasting impact in social services for families and communities. At Cornerstone University, our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited Bachelor of Social Work blends biblical principles and practical tools to help relieve suffering, promote healthy relationships, and address family and social challenges. With a strong foundation in human behavior, social environments, and intervention strategies from a Christian worldview, you’ll also receive hands-on experience through fieldwork, preparing you to step confidently into a meaningful career in social services.

Develop Market-Ready Skills for Social Work Professionals

Cornerstone’s CSWE-accredited Christ-centered social work curriculum builds knowledge and skills that you will apply in your professional practice. Through your experience in the program and the addition of a 400 hour practicum, you will develop the following skills:

Case Management, Child & Family Advocacy – Assess client needs, develop care plans, and support at-risk children, families and aging populations through intervention and social services.

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Appreciate Human Diversity and Difference – Be aware of the many facets of human diversity and difference and how those differences affect the experiences of individuals, families and communities.

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Social Work Ethics & Professional Standards from a Christian Worldview – Apply Christ-centered ethical principles, integrity and compassion in social service settings.

Human Behavior & Social Environment Analysis – Understand psychological, social and environmental factors that impact individuals and communities both locally and globally.

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Understand & Advocate for Policy that Promotes Justice – Critically analyze existing or proposed policies and advocate for policies that promote justice for all people.

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Research & Data Analysis in Social Work – Collect and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and inform evidence-based practices.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The courses below reflect just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses

SWK-221: Human Behavior and Social Environment I

Analyze theories of human behavior and bio-psycho-social-spiritual development from birth to young adulthood. Apply social systems theory to human behavior within social environments. Consider the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation on development and behavior.

SWK-331: Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families

Learn core direct-practice skills — such as interviewing, assessment, case management and ethical decision making — within the Generalist Intervention Model to support diverse and vulnerable populations.

SWK-332: Social Work Practice II: Groups

Focuses on group dynamics, development stages, and facilitation techniques through hands-on, experiential learning in various group roles.

SWK-333: Social Work Practice III Communities and Organizations

Apply social work best practices in community and organizational settings through hands-on training experiences, integrating a Christian worldview perspective.

SWK-460: Field Practicum II

Complete 200 hours in a community agency under professional supervision. Apply generalist practice skills with client systems, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Focus on serving diverse populations and addressing adverse environmental conditions.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

A Christian Worldview of Liberal Arts and the G.O.O.D. Life

The humanities are integral to Cornerstone’s liberal arts approach, exploring culture, literature, history, and philosophy through a Christian worldview. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, students consider how to apply G.O.O.D. Life Biblical principles to inspire their spiritual growth and to profoundly influence society, industry and ministry for Jesus Christ. Our G.O.O.D. Life foundations guide students to answer life’s biggest questions from a rich Biblical perspective to shape Christ-centered moral leaders.

  • God: Who is God? What is His beauty, goodness and greatness?
  • Others: What does it mean to live in a community with responsibility and grace?
  • Ourselves: Who am I? What is the beauty and frailty of being human?
  • Dual Citizenship: What is my role as a citizen of heaven and earth?
  • Life: How do we live, know, and love the good life, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness?

Research

Research & Celebration of Scholarship

Social work students complete Cornerstone’s Research and Statistics sequence, applying their skills to projects on real-world social issues through a Christ-centered lens. At the annual Celebration of Scholarship, they present topics like spirituality and mental health, parenting styles and academic success, and religiosity’s impact on relationships. Some projects have been featured at professional conferences such as the Lilly Conference.

In 2025, a student created Refugee Youth Journeys, a qualitative study exploring how social workers provide psychosocial support and essential resources to refugee youth navigating trauma and cultural adjustment. The award-winning research offered insights to strengthen resettlement programs and reflected biblically grounded perspectives on compassion and justice.

Practicum & Accreditation

Cornerstone University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) meets the highest standards in social work education. Our graduates serve in a wide variety of vital roles that serve the health and well-being of individuals, children, families and communities in our region.

Practicum Field Experience

Social Work Field Practicum

Field education is a cornerstone of our BSW program — where students move from learning in the classroom to serving in the community. The practicum experience equips students to apply social work theories, methods, and values in real-world settings where they can make a meaningful impact.

Our students gain experience in a wide range of settings — including schools, healthcare organizations, child welfare agencies, nonprofits, and community ministries — ensuring broad exposure to the diverse challenges and opportunities within the field of social work. Field placements and partnerships include:

  • Bethany Christian Services (foster care, adoption, refugee resettlement)
  • Wedgwood Christian Services (juvenile justice, residential treatment)
  • Homes Giving Hope (independent living for adults with disabilities)
  • The Other Way Ministries (community service and development)
  • Boys and Girls Club (after-school programs)
  • Hudsonville Public Schools (preschool readiness services)
  • Porter Hills Retirement Community (assisted living support for older adults)

Why We Do It
The practicum gives students the opportunity to develop core professional skills such as assessing client needs, implementing interventions, and advocating for individuals and communities. More importantly, it helps students grow into thoughtful, ethical, and compassionate professionals who see social work as both a career and a calling. Rooted in a Christian worldview, our approach encourages students to serve with empathy, humility, and integrity.

How We Do It Best
Students are never alone in their practicum journey. Throughout their placement, they receive support from both faculty and qualified field instructors who are committed to mentoring and guiding their development. Each placement is selected in collaboration with the student to reflect their individual strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Field education in our program does more than connect theory and practice — it fosters personal and professional transformation. By the end of the practicum, students are prepared not only to enter the profession, but to do so with confidence, competence, and a commitment to Christ-centered service.

CSWE Accreditation

CSWE Accreditation

The traditional undergraduate social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The sole accrediting agency for social work, CSWE aims to promote and strengthen the quality of social work education through preparation of competent social work professionals by providing national leadership and a forum for collective action.
Accreditation by CSWE is given to select schools nationwide who meet stringent criteria. Due to our CSWE accreditation, our students are eligible for advanced standing status in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs across the country.  This allows students to complete their MSW in one year instead of two years.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree

  • Case Manager
  • Social Services Coordinator
  • Child Welfare Worker
  • Youth Treatment Specialist
  • Community Engagement Worker
  • Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer Coordinator
  • Juvenile Justice Caseworker
  • Employment & Housing Support Specialist
  • Domestic Violence Advocate
  • Disability Services Coordinator
  • Foster Care Case Manager
  • Older Adult Case Manager
  • Supports Coordinator
  • Community Mental Health Crisis Team Member

Student Involvement

The social work program offers opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional connections, and foster a strong sense of community. Through the Social Work Student Advisory Board, you can plan events like Dinner with a Social Worker, where students network with community partners and explore social work careers in West Michigan and beyond. Past activities include hosting Women At Risk (WAR), an international anti-human trafficking agency, and social gatherings like cookie decorating, hot chocolate nights, and spring game nights.

Tuition

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

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