B.S. Social Work | Indiana Wesleyan University

Bachelor's in Social Work

Are you passionate about helping people and making a difference in your community? With the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can qualify to work in several types of social service agency settings. As a Christian university, we can help you learn to integrate your Christ-centered beliefs into a virtuous career helping individuals, families, and communities. Discover how IWU helps students prepare for a variety of career paths with a flexible, faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My Bachelor of Social Work at IWU?

The bachelor of social work at IWU is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is taught by faculty who combine professional expertise with a Christ-centered commitment to student learning. You’ll be part of a supportive learning community where professors mentor you in faith and scholarship, preparing you for both career success and spiritual growth. With small classes, strong faculty-student connections, and access to services like tutoring and tech support, IWU provides the resources you need to thrive in this social work degree program.

What Will I Learn in this Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Program?

The BSW program is designed to prepare you for immediate impact in the field of social work as well as for advanced study in graduate programs. Coursework covers key areas such as human behavior, human development, social policy, research methods, and practice skills across diverse populations. In addition, IWU faculty bring years of professional experience into the classroom, ensuring your learning is grounded in both theory and practice. Field education placements give you hands-on opportunities to apply your learning in real-world contexts, serving communities and building the skills you’ll use in your career.

What You'll Study

Coursework for this social work program covers how to:

Learn how to combine social work and Christian faith in ways that promote justice and foster growth for individuals, families, and communities
Understand how social, cultural, and environmental factors shape human experience, and develop strategies to respond to these challenges through effective social services
Explore how biblical principles and values can guide your professional practice as a social worker, equipping you to serve with both competence and compassion
Gain hands-on experience through field placements, service-learning projects, and community engagement opportunities that prepare you for real-world social work practice

In accordance with CSWE Standard 4.0.3, all accredited social work programs are required to provide program assessment data based on the 2015 EPAS competencies. The following link is Indiana Wesleyan University’s BSW’s most recent assessment form: (IWU BSW Assessment )

Courses in this Program

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.

PSY-150,SOC-150,SOC-152,POL-200,SOC-210,SWK-291,MAT-305,SWK-335,SWK-336

Program FAQs

IWU’s Social Work faculty bring extensive real-world and academic experience. Dr. Jessie Pablo specializes in school social work and child welfare prevention, with research focused on culturally responsive practice for immigrant populations. Dr. Jeanelle Verwayne brings expertise in school-based therapy and qualitative research focused on children and families. Dr. Michele Wells has extensive experience in addiction counseling and clinical work with both adults and adolescents. Together, faculty provide practical insights grounded in current social work practice.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students should contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office directly by phone or email. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days.

The program’s required field placement (internship) is the signature learning experience in social work education. Combined with coursework, it prepares students to apply theory to real-world practice, build professional skills, and gain hands-on experience in social service settings.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of social work careers, including case manager, child welfare specialist, school support staff, community outreach coordinator, residential counselor, substance use support staff, probation or reentry support roles, victim advocate, and gerontology services. The program also prepares students for advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, leading to clinical and leadership roles.

The social work practice sequence and practicum courses are central to student preparation, equipping students with essential skills for real-world social work practice.

Graduates typically pursue employment in social services or continue their education through an MSW program. Many also pursue social work licensure, depending on state requirements.

Students complete a 400-hour field placement in a community agency, often in a setting aligned with their career goals. Many working students are able to complete their practicum within their current workplace if it meets program requirements.

Yes. The program is fully online with asynchronous coursework. During the practicum phase, students participate in a required one-hour weekly synchronous seminar.

Core courses typically run 5–6 weeks, while practicum seminar courses run approximately 12 weeks.

Students take one course at a time in an accelerated format, allowing them to focus deeply on each subject.

Students progress independently but engage regularly with peers through discussions and collaborative learning experiences.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, with optional live sessions offered by faculty to enhance engagement.

Students should plan to spend approximately 13–20 hours per week per course.

Most students complete the program in approximately three years, depending on transfer credits and pacing.

Yes. The program offers rolling start dates throughout the year.

Students are guided through onboarding and begin working with advisors and faculty as they start their first course.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, faculty support, and career development resources.

Yes. Students receive mentorship through faculty who are active practitioners in the field, as well as through their field placement experience. The program also offers specialized tracks such as addictions, child advocacy, counseling, military social work, global social work, medical social work, and telehealth.

Yes. All students complete a 400-hour field placement in a community-based agency under the supervision of a qualified social worker.

Yes. Transfer credit is evaluated by admissions, and students must enter the program with a minimum number of prior credits.

No. Professional experience cannot be substituted for required coursework.

Yes. Students complete a 400-hour practicum along with a weekly seminar for supervision and professional development.

IWU’s Social Work program integrates CSWE-aligned training with a Christ-centered approach, emphasizing ethical practice, compassion, and service. Small class sizes, experienced faculty, and specialized learning tracks prepare students for both immediate employment and advanced study.

Students who are compassionate, self-motivated, and committed to serving others thrive in this program. Strong time management and a willingness to engage in self-reflection are also key.

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and meaningful engagement with peers and professionals in the field.

Yes. Faith integration is woven throughout the curriculum through weekly devotionals, assignments, and discussions that connect Christian principles with social work practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on their calling and professional identity through a faith-based lens.

Students work closely with IWU social work faculty to secure a field placement in their local community. Faculty provide guidance throughout the process, including identifying qualified agencies, confirming placement requirements, and supporting students during their practicum. Students typically select an approved agency aligned with their career goals, and faculty remain engaged through regular communication and supervision support.

The BSW program prepares students for generalist social work practice across a wide range of settings. These include community agencies, healthcare organizations, schools, nonprofit organizations, child welfare services, and justice-related settings. Students are equipped to work with diverse populations including individuals, families, and communities.

How does the program prepare students for post-graduate supervised practice?

Students gain foundational knowledge and practical skills through coursework and a required practicum experience. Faculty with current field experience provide instruction that reflects real-world practice, helping students develop competencies needed for supervised social work roles after graduation.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Associate Degree

Completion of 62 semester hours (some majors may have additional hours to meet the requirement).
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Completion of at least 24 semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.0 or higher; major requirements as prescribed by each department must be met.
Completion of general education requirements. If a student chooses to have multiple majors, the degree designation is based upon the first major.

Bachelor’s Degree

Completion of at least 124 semester hours (some majors may have additional hours to meet the requirement).
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a major GPA of 2.25 or higher or as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
Completion of general education requirements. If a student chooses to have multiple majors, the degree designation is based upon the first major.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 124 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 124 credit hours by graduation.
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
Completion of all general education requirements

Attendance at graduation exercises is expected. Please notify Registration and Academic Services if you need to graduate “in absentia” and will not be present for the ceremony.

Students may receive one degree only per commencement. A student who is enrolled in two majors with different degrees may select which major is considered the first major so that the appropriate degree will be awarded at the ceremony. Students meeting requirements for more than one degree must apply for and participate in two different ceremonies. Any university-approved dual degree program is an exception to this policy.

Accreditation

Completion of 124 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 124 credit hours by graduation.
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
Completion of all general education requirements

Attendance at graduation exercises is expected. Please notify Registration and Academic Services if you need to graduate “in absentia” and will not be present for the ceremony.

B.S.W. Social Work Degree

Bachelor's in Social Work

Why Pursue My Bachelor of Social Work at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Fees

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

Take the Next Step

Related Pages