Student Opportunities

Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In our social work programs, you'll have extensive opportunities to apply your learning through real-world experiences. With over 600 hours of field practicum, you’ll gain practical skills that prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce. These experiences, along with internships, study abroad programs, and campus engagement, will equip you with transferable skills that apply to any career. If you're pursuing a bachelor in social work (BSW), Bethel provides the hands-on learning experiences that set you up for success.

Field experience

Beyond the classroom, you’ll complete two field practicum experiences to develop confidence and competence in the field. These experiences are an essential component of earning a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and will help you build connections in the profession.

• Junior year practicum: 180 hours in a multi-service, community-based agency serving an ethnically diverse population. Gain general social work experience while building foundational skills.
• Senior year practicum: 400 hours in a setting tailored to your passions, interests, and career goals. Many students secure jobs through these connections immediately after graduation.

These provide an opportunity to network with over 600 alums and other social workers in the community, often obtaining a job immediately after graduation.
A few locations Bethel students have gained practicum experience:

• St Paul Public School (educational support services)
• Guild Incorporated (mental health services)
• Family Alternatives (foster care and family support)
• Rape and Sexual Assault Center (victim advocacy and crisis intervention)
• MN Council of Churches Refugee Resettlement Program (immigrant and refugee support)
• Alexandra House (domestic violence prevention and intervention)
• Minneapolis Veterans Administration (veteran support services)
• Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (child welfare and family assistance)

Student involvement and community engagement

At Bethel, you’ll be part of a vibrant, Christ-centered community where you can engage with peers and apply social work principles outside the classroom.

• Bethel Student Social Work Association (BSSWA): Join this student-led organization to connect with classmates and participate in community service projects, advocacy efforts, and professional development opportunities.
• Campus initiatives: Engage in events and initiatives that promote social justice and community outreach. Explore Bethel’s student clubs and organizations.

Study abroad

In the bachelor in social work (BSW) program, you’ll have the opportunity to study in an international setting and pursue opportunities to learn from other cultures for a full semester, January session, or summer term. You’ll gain a broader understanding of social justice issues, global social structures, and international justice initiatives. Most students study abroad spring semester of their sophomore or junior years in order to accommodate social work practicum hours.

The following programs have been approved by the Department of Social Work: 

• Latin American Context (CGE) – Mexico: Explore community development and social work practices in Latin America.
• Uganda Studies Program (CCCU) – Uganda: Gain cross-cultural experience through a social work internship and involvement in campus life at Uganda Christian University.
• BCA Study Abroad – Chennai, India: Study social work with a focus on social justice and development in India.
• American Institute for Foreign Study – London Internship Program: Gain insight into healthcare systems and BSW practices in the UK.