Cornerstone is one of America's Best Colleges according to the Wall Street Journal

Academics

Adult female meeting with female student at a table with a laptop and coffee cups

Admissions

De Witt Center for Science and Technology at Cornerstone University

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students giving high fives after Powderpuff football game

Student Experience

Cornerstone is one of America's best online colleges according to Newsweek

Online

Social Work Student Social Work Student Social Work Student

Minor in

Social Work

On-Campus

REQUEST INFORMATION

Loading...

Strengthen Service Careers with a Social Work Minor

Service-minded professionals offer greater impact through understanding both people and the systems that influence them. The Social Work Minor at Cornerstone University offers practical knowledge of human behavior, social policy, and community contexts that support careers in human services, nonprofits, education, healthcare, and public service. While the minor does not itself lead to professional licensure, it provides a strong academic foundation for graduate study and advanced professional pathways in social work and related fields. Grounded in a Christian worldview, the minor views social services as a calling to promote lasting Christ-centered restoration and hope in individuals and communities.

For more opportunities to advance your career impact, explore our B.S. in Psychology, Bachelor of Social Work, B.A. in Ministry, B.S. in Elementary Education, or B.S. in Early Childhood Education.

Develop Market-Ready Skills with a Minor in Social Work

Gain practical, transferable skills that strengthen your résumé for people-centered careers, including:

Social Systems Analysis – Analyze social problems by examining how economic, cultural, and institutional systems affect individuals and communities.

Human Behavior Insight – Apply knowledge of human behavior and social environments to understand how context influences development and well-being.

Policy Impact Evaluation – Assess social welfare policies to evaluate their intended goals and real-world effects on individuals, families, and communities.

Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness – Engage diverse populations with awareness and respect by recognizing how culture, identity, and lived experience shape needs and outcomes.

Icon: Hand holding heart

Advocacy and Social Awareness – Explain social issues and advocate for informed responses by connecting community needs, public policy, and social responsibility.

Icon: Cross

Christian Worldview Integration – Integrate a biblical perspective into social service contexts and approach care as a redemptive Christ-centered calling for communities to thrive.

Program Courses

Learn the core practices and principles of Social Work applied to real-world settings.

Social Work Minor

SWK-111: Introduction to Social Work

Trace the history of social work from its Judeo-Christian origins to modern trends and influences. Gain an overview of professional education, values and ethics, generalist practice theory, social welfare policy, at-risk populations, social work roles, and diverse practice settings.

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-222: Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Study human behavior and bio-psycho-social-spiritual development, applying social systems theory, cultural perspectives, and social work interventions through hands-on projects and simulations.

SOC-243: Social Problems

Investigate institutional social problems and examine policies designed to address them. Analyze causes, consequences, and intervention strategies used by private and governmental agencies.

SWK-311: Social Welfare Policy I – Policy Foundations

Examine the history of social welfare policy and the social, cultural, economic, and global factors shaping it. Analyze the impact of policies on at-risk populations and the roles of government at the local, state, and federal levels. Develop skills to identify, read, and interpret social welfare policies.

SWK-417: Human Diversity

Review race, ethnicity, gender, and social class as social constructs and their impact on minority-majority relationships. Address prejudice, discrimination, oppression, racism, and implicit bias to promote multi-level change and build cultural competency rooted in a biblical perspective.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

View the Academic Catalog

Enhancing Your Career with a Social Work Minor

A Social Work minor prepares students for service-focused roles in human services, nonprofit organizations, community outreach, education support services, healthcare settings, ministry, and public service. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in social work and related helping professions, while not leading to professional licensure.

Your Degree Starts Here

Take your next step toward learning at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation.

  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.

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

Want To Learn More About CU?

Connect With CU