Degree Completion – Social Welfare (Human Services)
Program Overview
The Social Welfare major is about learning to empower individuals and their communities. At Simpson University, you’ll explore the intersection of human development, government, nonprofits, and society as you learn to integrate faith and practice. You’ll complete a set of foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods (including working with individuals, groups, and society), cultural competency, and research. Through the study of Social Welfare, you’ll gain an understanding of the relationship between social work and Christian faith. You’ll be inspired to commit to social justice and a life of service.
PURSUE YOUR EDUCATION WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR SCHEDULE
Program Highlights
- 100% Online in 7 week courses
- Study under experienced faculty, who offer engaging, real-world application
- Progress through the program in a cohort model
- Interact with diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and backgrounds
- B.A. Social Welfare degree to be completed in as early as 3 semesters (upon meeting GE units)
- Obtain a job or promotion in the helping professions
- Pursue a graduate degree after completing your B.A. in Social Welfare
- No internship required
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Students will engage in learning diversity and difference, understanding the importance of the “story” of everyone, regardless of status.
- Students will advance biblical, social, and environmental justice.
- Students will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
- Students will engage in policy practice and understand the role policy plays in advocating for underrepresented groups.
- Students will ethically integrate Christian faith in social welfare education.
Required Courses
- Introduction to the Helping Professions
- Urban Society and the Welfare State
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Problems and Public Policy
- Christianity and World Religions
- Abnormal/Cognitive Psychology
- Foundations of Practice
- Cultural Competency in Practice
- Becoming a Change Agent
- Theory and Practice with Groups
- Theory and Practice with Families
- Introduction to Social Science Research
Career Opportunities
Human Services/Social Welfare/Social Work is a growing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, there were 728,600 social workers in 2022, there should be a 7% increase in the next ten years with 53,800 new jobs and California hires more social workers than the next two states combined-13,940 in 2020. Jobs include child welfare, juvenile and adult probation, work with older adults, nonprofit work, church based social work, substance abuse counseling, or special programs designed to help children and families.
The following is a sample of careers an individual with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare can pursue:
- Behavioral Management
- Case Management
- Social Worker
- Counselor
- Behavioral Case Management
- Social Service Coordinator
- Non-Profit Director
- Community Outreach Worker
- Eligibility Worker
- Human Services Specialist
- Juvenile Court Liaison
- Law Enforcement
- Probation officer
- Rehabilitation Case Worker
Program Goals
Simpson University’s B.A. in Social Welfare prepares students for a career in the helping professions, as well as to pursue a master’s degree in areas such as social work, counseling, and leadership. Students can apply for any behavior science or leadership master’s program after graduating with a B.A. in Social Welfare.
