IWU-National & Global is adding specializations to the existing Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) program. The specializations offer students an advantage in post education employment because the additional classes prepare students for work with specialized populations. The added classes add only 5 months to the 32-month program. IWU is a faith-based university committed to small class sizes in an online, fully asynchronous format. The specializations not only boost a BSW degree for a wider diversity of employment opportunities, but also positions students for advance standing in the master’s program at IWU.
The new areas of specialization for the BSW are Addictions, Child Advocacy, and Counseling. The Addictions Specialty prepares students to work with individuals and families impacted by substance or behavioral addictions and lean heavily on evidence-based courses which expose students to addiction counseling practice and theory. The Child Advocacy Specialty provides education promoting the safety and interests of all children, learning about the effects of crime on children, and afford the opportunity to work with children who are survivors of abuse and neglect. The Counseling Specialty teaches students who wish to work with clients, groups, and families in treatment alongside a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or treatment team to deeper understand clinical approaches to client issues and obstacles.
Faculty in the Social Sciences department at IWU National & Global are most excited to watch students actualize their individual callings by learning and working with specialized populations. Faculty anticipate more of the reciprocal learning which takes place between adult students and faculty. They enjoy watching students grow in faith integration and are excited to equip more excellent Christian social workers moving into communities who are willing to wrestle with worldview while respecting client worldview.
In addition, students enrolled in specializations complete a 400-hour field placement experience practicing what they learn in the classroom and connecting with people within their specialization. These areas of study offer unique insight to theory of practice with specific clients, groups, and families. Register for a BSW with a specialization in Addictions, Child Advocacy, or Counseling at indwes.edu/bsw.