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Social Work, B.A.

Social Work, B.A.

Program Overview

Are you known for your compassion and service? Are you passionate about social justice and making the world a better place? Are you curious about diversity, where it comes from, and how it impacts people? Social work can combine your passion for people with your desire to serve, and help you meet the emotional, physical, economic, and social needs of others.

A Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares professionals who are motivated to gracefully serve others as an expression of their faith. A unique blend of theory and action-oriented classes will help you develop skills to promote social and economic justice, empower diverse populations, and understand human interactions in social and cultural environments. From sociology, psychology, biology, and economic theory to specialized knowledge in child welfare, policy, race and ethnicity, or human behavior, you’ll be equipped to implement social work practices within systems of all sizes.

As a ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç social work major, you will complete 400 internship hours of hands-on practice in the community. Each internship practicum is tailored to your interests and passions and serves as a bridge between classroom learning and professional life. Internships provide the opportunity to apply skills and test theories and principles under the care and supervision of an experienced social worker. As you learn, you will create a professional portfolio, resume, and credentials that demonstrate what you believe and how you want to serve. This combination of professional development alongside personalized and intentional learning opportunities will equip you to confidently step into employment or graduate school.

¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç's social work program is accredited by the (CSWE), which emphasizes service-oriented, evidence-based learning that prepares students for professional practice. CSWE accreditation gives you the opportunity for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. Having advanced standing leverages your bachelor’s degree in social work, and allows you to earn an MSW in about one year. To view ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç's CSWE annual report, .

Students in the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences apply their passions in unique and deeper contexts by engaging in student ministries, networking events, and the Center for Justice & Reconciliation. 

Pathways to Impact

What Careers can you pursue with a Social Work degree?
Stacey Drew Provides a Pathway to Housing for San Diego Residents
Brooke Serrano’s ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç Education Inspires Her Mental Health Work in SD
5 Signs You're Meant for a Career in Social Work

Alumni Testimonial

"Empowered & Equipped"
"¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç Carries You Through to Success"
What Careers can you pursue with a Social Work degree? Discover careers you can pursue with a social work degree. From counseling to community advocacy, explore how you can make a meaningful impact. Discover
Stacey Drew Provides a Pathway to Housing for San Diego Residents ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç alum Stacey Drew is making a difference providing housing and resources to those experiencing homelessness in San Diego. 
Brooke Serrano’s ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç Education Inspires Her Mental Health Work in SD As an online clinical counselor, Brooke Serrano has drawn on skills and lessons learned at ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç to serve others.
5 Signs You're Meant for a Career in Social Work Discover if social work aligns with your calling through five meaningful signs. Explore personality traits, values, and skills that indicate you're meant for a career in social work. Discover
What Degree Should I Get to Work in Nonprofits? There are many undergraduate degrees that prepare you for a career in the nonprofit sector, many of which can be tailored to your specific cause interests. Discover
Professor Colleen Jensen Cook Talks Traditions, Holidays, and Teaching on the Lomacast Podcast As a generalist social worker, Colleen Jensen Cook brings a broad knowledge to ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç as she teaches courses in social work and sociology as well as supervises student interns. Discover
From Social Work to Cinnamon Rolls: Madie Thomas Creates Hospitality by Baking on Balboa Island From cinnamon rolls to muffins, Madie Thomas is fostering hospitality on Balboa Island.
Meaghan Maples Proves There’s More to the Music Industry Than Fame and Money Meaghan Maples has maintained her integrity while pursuing her passions for performing.
Empowered & Equipped
"¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç gave me bigger dreams than I had before on how I can reach people and how many opportunities are out there to do that. I think I had a very small vision for my life, and after Point Loma, I felt very empowered and equipped to work in different settings"
Madie Thomas Social Work B.A.
¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç Carries You Through to Success
"¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç is an incredible place to be. I was surrounded by love and care, and I grew in my faith. I grew in my connections with people, I would say … some of my best friends are still from Loma, whether I met them there or met them later in life. Point Loma carries you through. It prepared me in the way of understanding more about people through a faith lens, but also understanding more about how to be compassionate and really see all the aspects of people."
Brooke Serrano Social Work, B.A.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Social Work, B.A. program, view the ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç Catalog. 

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç, we’re committed to supporting you â€” academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Social Work Field Resources
 

Career Opportunities

The vocation of social work is about caring for, curing, or changing the world to make it a better place. ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç social work graduates are people who serve a variety of social structures, function competently in their professions, bring innovative thoughts into great cultural dilemmas, and possess an inner drive to discover truth and permeate everything they do with compassion and hope.

What can you do with a social work degree?

¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç alumni have gone on to work as social and community service managers, community and social service specialists, office managers and administrative supervisors, and mental health and substance abuse social workers. Examples of organizations where social work alumni hold positions would be: New Alternatives Incorporated, Alpha Project for the Homeless, Arizona Public Service Company, and Autism Tree Project Foundation, among others.

Social Workers

A Social Worker helps individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges such as mental health, poverty, or abuse by providing support, advocacy, and resources. They assess needs, develop care plans, and connect clients with services to improve well-being and quality of life. Social Workers can work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, non-profits, or private practice, with opportunities in clinical, community, and policy-focused roles.

  • Median Pay: $61,330/year
  • Number of Jobs: 751,900
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +7%
  • Employment Change: +54,700 jobs

Child Welfare Specialist

A Child Welfare Specialist protects and supports children and families by assessing safety, investigating cases of abuse or neglect, and connecting families with resources and services. They develop intervention plans, monitor progress, and advocate for children’s well-being and legal rights. Child Welfare Specialists can work in government agencies, non-profits, schools, or community organizations, with opportunities in case management, family support, and child protection services.

  • Median Pay: $61,330/year
  • Number of Jobs: 751,900
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +7%
  • Employment Change: +54,700 jobs

Social and Human Service Assistants

Social and Human Service Assistants support individuals and communities by connecting them with social services, programs, and resources to improve quality of life. They help clients navigate assistance programs, provide guidance, and assist case managers or social workers in implementing care plans. These professionals can work in non-profits, healthcare facilities, government agencies, or community organizations, with opportunities in social services, counseling support, and community outreach.

  • Median Pay: $45,120/year
  • Number of Jobs: 433,000
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +8%
  • Employment Change: +34,400 jobs

Social Work as a Meaningful, Lifelong Skill: 

With a versatile skill set, altruistic hearts, and a love of doing good, those who dedicate themselves to a social work degree at ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç are thoroughly prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impression anywhere they go. 

Many positions relating to social work are listed in the . Majoring in social work at ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç is an excellent choice for anyone who desires to make a positive impact on others and hopes to spread the love of Christ.

Apply to ¹ú²ú¾çÂé¶¹¾ç today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.