Social Work

Major

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Why Study Social Work at Goshen College?

As a social work major at Goshen College, you’ll learn how to work effectively with individuals, families, groups and communities while addressing the structural causes of injustice and inequality. Our program prepares you to make a real difference in the world through a deep commitment to social justice, peacebuilding and service.

You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding to work in a variety of settings—from schools and hospitals to community organizations and government agencies. And because GC is a college where everything connects, you’ll benefit from a program that integrates academics with real-world experience.

View our Accreditation
Our program assessment outcome data are available here.

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 100%
    of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year
  • 100%
    of social work students complete an intensive, 400-hour field placement as seniors

    Career Paths

    As a GC social work graduate, you’ll be equipped to take the licensure exam towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). View our full professional licensure disclosure.

    There are over 101 possible careers in social work! They include:

    • School-based social Work (including schools, after-school programs, special education, and school-readiness programs)
    • Social work with older adults (including adult day centers, residential services, geriatric case management)
    • Crisis Counseling (related to disasters, victims/survivors, or suicide prevention)
    • Mental Health and addictions (including inpatient, outpatient & residential settings)
    • Criminal Justice (including victim services, court-based services, juvenile justice and restorative justice settings)
    • International Social Work (including immigration advocacy, disaster relief, international development)
    • Poverty and Homelessness (including casework and advocacy)
    • Child Welfare (including adoption, foster care, family preservation, and child protection)
    • Health Care (including hospitals, clinics, hospice, emergency rooms, and public health and rehabilitation settings)
    • Community Practice (including community development, community organizing, and rural practice)

    As a graduate of this program, you will also be eligible to enter our Master of Social Work program at an advanced standing, offering an accelerated timeline, and with a 10% alumni discount.

    Curriculum and Credits

    The social work major includes foundational and advanced coursework in human behavior, policy, and practice, plus a 400-hour supervised field placement. The degree prepares you for licensure and graduate-level study.
    You’ll explore topics including:

    • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
    • Social Welfare Policy and Programs
    • Working effectively with Individuals, Families, and Groups
    • Working effectively with Communities and Organizations
    • Research Methods in Social Work
    • Social Work Ethics
    course catalog

    Hands-On Learning Opportunities

    Your experience will include 400 hours of field education, placing you in social work settings that enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people such as:

    • Schools and after-school programs serving children and their families
    • Child welfare organizations serving children and their families in both community and residential settings
    • Community mental health organizations and Clubhouses serving adults and children experiencing mental health challenges
    • Community-based services and long-term care organizations serving long-living adults and their families
    • Host organizations such as medical clinics, police departments, public health departments where social workers are members of interdisciplinary teams working with community members,

    These immersive learning experiences are supported by weekly seminars and close faculty mentoring. You’ll graduate with a strong resume and clear career direction.

    Scholarships

    Social work students may be eligible for institutional scholarships or need-based aid. Goshen College offers generous financial support to help make your education accessible.

    Explore more of our scholarships

    Facilities & Resources

    Social work students learn in small classes supported by faculty with real-world experience. You’ll also have access to collaborative spaces, research tools, and professional development opportunities on campus and through community partnerships.

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