Online B.S. Social Work Degree – Medical Specialization
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The Bachelor of Social Work with a specialization in Medical Social Work prepares students to support individuals and families navigating the healthcare system. Through focused study of human behavior, patient care, and social services, you’ll build a foundation for practice in healthcare settings where physical, emotional, and social needs intersect.
Indiana Wesleyan University prepares future healthcare social workers to collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals while advocating for patient well-being. This specialization emphasizes ethical practice, case management, and patient advocacy—equipping you to address barriers to care and support individuals across medical and community-based environments.
You’ll explore how social work practice supports medical treatment outcomes by addressing mental health needs, social determinants of health, and access to community resources. Coursework emphasizes professional collaboration, emotional support, and effective communication within healthcare teams.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.
Discover online student resources to help along your journey.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to support patients, family members, and healthcare team members through applied learning and practice.
These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.
HCA-310,HCA-410,HMSR-220,PHE-190
After graduation, many students continue at IWU to pursue the Master of Social Work (MSW), which can be completed in as little as one additional year for qualified BSW graduates. This efficient pathway builds on your foundation in social work and positions you for advanced roles and diverse career options.
Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program includes two steps. The first is being admitted as a pre-social work major. Requirements for this step are listed below (#1-4). The second step is admission as a social work major, which is described in #5.
The admission of students to the Social Work program is a formal process separate from the initial declaration of social work as a major. The process includes successful completion of the SWK-170 Introduction to Social Work course and completion of 45 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Admission is granted after students successfully complete an application, compile three reference letters, and complete a department interview. Any unfavorable decision may be appealed by following the grievance procedures on file in the department and student handbook.
Students may transfer in credit for the following core courses: PSY-150, SOC-150, SOC-152, SOC-210, ECO-205, POL-200, BIO-106, BIO-106L, PSY-305, SWK-170, SWK-342, SWK-343, SWK-335, SWK-336, and SOC-482.
