Social Work Major

About

If you’re interested in working directly with people to improve their lives, you’re in luck—social workers are in high demand! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations in the coming years.

Be a Difference Maker

The need for empathetic, knowledgeable social workers is great. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can make a difference in the lives of others. From serving as a social worker in a hospital or school system to working as a community organizer, there are many ways to pursue social justice and improve the lives of others.

Goshen College’s accredited social work program is nationally respected and has a historically high job placement rate. At GC, our knowledgeable faculty will give you personalized attention, helping you combine your interests in helping others, resolving conflict, and promoting social justice. Our program’s mission is to prepare baccalaureate students for beginning level generalist practice with emphasis on social and economic justice, anti-oppressive practice, and engaging effectively across differences.

Why a Degree in Social Work from Goshen College?

Social work majors at Goshen College gain a robust professional foundation grounded in the liberal arts. This foundation provides you with opportunities to integrate faith, learning, and service as you explore questions related to human behavior and social systems. Social work majors at Goshen College also:

  • Develop self-awareness and an understanding of their values.
  • Are able to articulate how their personal worldview intersects with professional social work values.
  • Demonstrate commitment to social and economic justice and anti-oppressive practice.
  • Understand the importance of relationships and engage effectively across difference whether with individuals, families, groups, and/or communities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of human development and behavior across the lifespan.
  • Understand social welfare policies and related programs at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Gain skills essential for beginning professional social work practice.
  • Are prepared for advanced study.
  • Engage in ethical decision-making in their social work practice.

Get the Training You Need for a Career in Social Work

The Goshen College social work program will give you the opportunity to:

  • Through coursework and supervised practice experiences, develop the skills you need to succeed as a professional social worker, and as a graduate student.
  • Engage in activism on campus and in the community.
  • Qualify for advanced standing as an MSW student; over 90 percent of GC social work alumni in graduate schools have been granted advanced standing in their programs.
  • Qualify for a “4 + 1” pathway to earning your MSW through the collaborative MSW program offered through Goshen College and Bluffton University (includes expedited admission and advanced standing).
  • Gain meaningful employment.  In recent years, every social work graduate who sought employment was employed within four months of graduation!

Pursue Your Passion and Make an Impact Today!

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference in the lives of others, consider pursuing a degree in social work from Goshen College. Our nationally respected program will give you the skills and training to succeed in this rewarding field. Social work majors at Goshen College have gone on to many career opportunities, such as:

  • School social workers
  • Mental health counseling
  • Community organizers
  • Child welfare social workers
  • Social service agency directors
  • College professors
  • Health care and public health social workers
  • Policy advocates

Join a Community with a Love to Help Others

Request InfoVisit CampusApply Now

News & Events

Stats

Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.

Students & Alumni

Faculty & Staff

Jeanette Harder

Program Director of the Masters of Social Work
Professor of Social Work

Jeanne Liechty

Professor of Social Work
Director of Social Work Program

Carol Jarvis

Professor of Social Work

Nata Fontan

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Robin Ebright Zehr

Adjunct Professor of Social Work

Veronica Berkey

Administrative Assistant for Social Work & Art