Social Welfare
Overview
The social welfare major educates and trains students for entry-level, generalist practice in social work, social welfare, and social policy within the context of a Christian liberal arts institution. The major maintains a commitment to the value and dignity of every person and the biblical mandate to address social and structural inequality. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings to help bring about peace, justice, and social transformation in individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and political systems.
Why study social welfare at Gordon?
In Gordon’s Social Welfare major you’ll gain the tools for professional social welfare practice with individuals, families, and communities while advocating for justice and human rights. You’ll learn and experience social welfare through classes, contextual learning opportunities and an internship within a Christian-centered learning community. You’ll gain the tools to practice social welfare with integrity, embrace diversity, and apply evidence-based practice. This preparation will allow you to become a competent Social Welfare generalist ready to enter the profession or go onto graduate school.
What can Christians bring to social welfare?
As Christians, we’re called to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. For professionals in the world of social welfare, this call can be the driving force behind how they approach every situation. From mental health to the struggles of at-risk populations, Christian can meet people in some of their most challenging times of need.
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
|---|---|
| Program Level | Undergraduate |
| School | School of Psychology and Human Services |
| Program Format | In-Person |
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Courses
Social Welfare Courses
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Concentrations
A concentration is an area of focus that may be added to your degree.
Experiential Learning
Explore your interests and get hands-on with:
- Contextual learning in the Introduction to Social work and Social Welfare class
- Senior Internship
- Social Welfare and Human Services Club
- Study abroad opportunities such as Uganda, Lithuania, Balkans
- Volunteer opportunities through the Office of Community Engagement
Apply to Gordon
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Scholarships
We’re committed to working with you to make college accessible. Explore Gordon's scholarships, which are stackable up to $25,000.
Faculty
Faculty
Nationally recognized, personally focused
Gordon faculty are committed Christians, exceptional scholars and catalysts for transformation—both in their fields and in the lives of the students they teach.
Careers
Life after Gordon
What careers can I pursue with Social Welfare?
Wondering what you can do with a social welfare degree? Social welfare graduates are prepared for accredited MSW programs and enter a variety of careers, including in the following areas:
- Adoption / foster care
- Anti-poverty programs
- Child welfare
- Community organizing and development
- Court-appointed services, such as probation and juvenile justice work
- Disability advocacy and services
- Eldercare
- Hospital social work
- Mental health
- Public/government sector
- Refugee resettlement
- School social work
- Sustainable development
Ready to get started?
We're here to help! We believe you were made to thrive, and we’re here to give you the tools to do just that. Get in touch with our admissions team to guide you through the process.