What You'll Learn
Develop a compassionate heart for our broken world—and gain the skills you need to do something about it.
In Calvin's accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) program, you'll wrestle with some of society's greatest concerns, like child abuse, drug addiction, homelessness, aging, and mental illness. Through your studies and experiences, you’ll learn what it means for people and communities to flourish.
You'll learn from expert faculty who are actively involved in research on contemporary issues. You'll take your learning even further with a field placement, where you'll get critical hands-on experience. When you graduate, you'll know how to connect groups of people, bring clarity to difficult situations, and improve everyday lives.
What Makes This Program Great
- Practical experience: Every BSW student will complete a 400-hour placement in a social service agency. You will get hands-on practicum experience at a local organization or during an off-campus semester in Washington DC, Chicago, or Uganda.
- Calvin's Prison Initiative (CPI): CPI provides inmates at the Handlon Correctional Facility (Ionia, MI) with the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Faith and Community Leadership and Human Services. Students from the Grand Rapids campus have the option to take several SOWK courses at the Handlon campus alongside CPI students. These "Inside-Out" classes are a unique opportunity to take a look at the Michigan Department of Corrections, experience the power of God's redemption in real-time, and build positive relationships across the two Calvin campuses.
- Scholarship support: BSW students can be considered for over a dozen donor-funded scholarships—and that's in addition to other academic and need-based financial aid for which they qualify.
- Excellent record: Our graduates are prized by both human service agencies and master of social work programs. 95% of BSW students who apply to MSW programs are accepted.
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Faculty
Sherita Washington
Assistant Professor, Program Director of Human Services
Hennie Schoon
Assistant Professor
Practice experience with university populations and residential programs for at risk youth. Facilitated Mental Health First Aid for school and community groups.