Caring for Those Who Hurt
Undergraduate
MajorSocial Work
Kuyper’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is ranked among the 10 best and most affordable in Michigan. It provides graduates with a complete, multi-level foundation of professional knowledge, values, skills, concepts, and strategies.
You will use these professional disciplines in various settings, and diverse populations. Both nationally and internationally.
Double Major Option
Without adding any additional time to your program, you can use your electives to pursue the career-building option of a second major in Bible and Theology. Selecting this option will provide a firm foundation as you prepare for a life of ministry and service.
Advanced Standing
Because of the strength of Kuyper’s Social Work program, you may qualify for advanced standing in Masters’ of Social Work (M.S.W.) programs. This can save up to two years of graduate-level coursework and considerable tuition fees. Kuyper’s graduates have pursued graduate study programs at the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, and many other leading institutions offering M.S.W. programs.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences
100%
Of faculty are or have been social work practitioners
100%
Of students receive financial aid
3rd
Lowest debt at graduation among Michigan colleges
Career Opportunities
The Social Work program prepares you with the knowledge, values, and skills for practice in social work positions in a variety of fields and settings, both in the U.S and internationally.
Child and Family Welfare
Mental Health
Criminal Justice
Gerontological Social Work
Health Care
Substance Use and Addiction
Military Social Work
Community Development
Environmentalism
School Social Work
International Social Work
Internship Opportunities
Build your resume with a practicum personalized to your program. You and your advisor will work together to choose a placement that aligns with your career goals. The list below shows the variety of placement opportunities and service areas available.
Bethany Christian Services
Wedgewood Christian Services
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Child and family welfare/services
Adolescent Services
Criminal Justice
Community Outreach
Developmental Disabilities
Health Care
Housing
Mental Health Services
Older Adults/Gerontology
Special Populations
Women's Services
Start Your Journey
Program Outcomes
Students will develop generalist social work practice skills to work in public and private social-service systems and international settings. Upon completion of the four-year Social Work program, you will be able to accomplish the following competencies:
- Identify as a professional social worker and conduct themselves accordingly
- Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice
- Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate judgments
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Human rights and social and economic justice
- Engage in research-informed practice
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and social environments
- Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being
- Engage, assess, and intervene with individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Apply a biblical worldview to social work knowledge, values, and skills
“The Social Work program was more than classroom learning. After graduation, I received a Master’s in Social Work in two years, rather than three.”
Melinda Kotecki Clinical Manager, Network 180—Kent County Community Health
Meet the Faculty
Learn from Professors with many years of real-world experience!
Jennifer Colin
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Social Work Program Director
Kelli Hoffman
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Director of Field PracticumProgram Curriculum
Because your Social Work program professors are personally invested with your ministry goals, you will receive individualized academic advising to personalize the program to your specific areas of interest.
