What Is a Bachelor of Science in Sociology Degree with an Emphasis in Social Work?
The social and human services field tends to draw individuals who feel called upon to help others in need. Fulfill your purpose and pursue your passion for helping others with the Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work degree program at Grand Canyon University. This sociology degree, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, lays a foundation for individuals to pursue non-clinical entry level social work careers that are focused on effecting positive change in communities, families and individuals.
An experienced, supportive faculty guides social work emphasis students in developing an in-depth understanding of human behaviors, behavioral interventions and case management strategies. The rigorous curriculum explores critical aspects of child welfare, mental health, aging services and disability services. This social work degree is designed to align with the ten core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the coursework. Graduates have attained the foundational knowledge and skills that may equip them to pursue graduate education in social work, then licensure and advanced certifications.
Why Choose a BS in Sociology Degree for a Career in Social Work?
Sociology students achieve personal and pre-professional growth as they learn to apply micro and macro perspectives, critically analyze social theory and apply the definitional frameworks and analytic tools of sociology. Examine the structures, institutions and stratification of modern society and assess the factors that influence those social structures. This social work Bachelor of Science in sociology degree emphasizes the evidence-based use of research reports, analysis of data and design of original research studies. There is also an emphasis on the science of sociology as seen through the lens of the Christian perspective.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements for a Social Work Degree Emphasis
This social work degree emphasis requires 120 credits for successful completion. Students may elect to take online classes, most of which are eight weeks in length, or to matriculate as an on-campus student. The degree program begins with the essential elements of a liberal arts education. Students will choose from interdisciplinary courses focused on critical thinking, the Christian worldview, effective communication and global awareness. They will then move on to the core courses for the social work emphasis, some of which include:
- Social Psychology and Cultural Applications
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Research and Statistics
- Stratification and Inequality in a Diverse Society
- Direct Practice
- Case Management
The degree program concludes with the Sociology and Social Work Capstone. Students apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practices to a social work client experience.
Career Options in the Social Work Field
With a BS in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work, graduates may be qualified to pursue work in a non-licensed position in the social and human services field. There are many career possibilities in non-clinical social work. Some of the popular social work positions include the following:
- Social and human services specialist
- Social work consultant
- Community outreach worker
- Case management aide
- Behavioral management aide
- Child welfare worker
What Career Paths Can Social Workers with a Sociology Bachelors Pursue?
Social workers commonly work for social service agencies, such as child welfare organizations. However, there are many other possibilities for graduates with a social work degree. Social workers are employed by the following types of organizations:
- Community development programs
- Youth outreach agencies
- Health agencies
- Community mental health programs
- Nursing homes and retirement communities
- Hospitals and medical clinics
Some organizations require social work graduates to pursue licensure. This undergraduate degree program does not lead to licensure in social work, although graduates may choose to advance their studies by enrolling in a graduate social work program that may lead to licensure in generalist or clinical social work.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course presents a survey of the concepts, theories, and methods used by sociologists to describe and explain the effects of social structure on human behavior. It emphasizes the understanding and use of the sociological perspective in everyday life.
Course Description
This course provides a survey of the various issues and problems faced by contemporary American society, including crime, drug abuse, sexual variance, poverty, overpopulation, and family relations. Emphasis is placed upon how these problems arise from and are perpetuated by modern social structure.
Course Description
This course provides a study of social and group factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, roles, norms, group processes, aggression and cooperation, persuasion, stereotypes and prejudices, and social awareness. The role of culture in social processes is emphasized.
Course Description
This course is designed as a practical look at marriage and family life with emphasis on understanding social science research on marriage and family life and its present and future applications to the lives of students.
Course Description
This course provides the foundation for students to understand the profession of social work, the social welfare system, and social service programs. Students examine the theoretical perspectives of social work and social welfare. They evaluate how historical and theoretical perspectives influence social service systems, practice, and programs. In a broad overview, students examine social work ethics, generalist practice, policy analysis and practice, social service programs, and advocacy.
Course Description
This writing intensive course examines the theoretical, historical, and conceptual frameworks of social stratification and social inequality within the context of class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students analyze the effect of historical events upon social inequality and the impact of those events on current trends within social institutions. Students examine strategies for change relative to social inequality and marginalization of diverse groups. Upon course completion, students are able to explain and evaluate the effects of social stratification and inequality on class, race and ethnicity, and gender in the United States.
Course Description
This course provides an explanation of the various methods used by social scientists to find answers to the questions posed by their subject matter, including basic terminology and concepts and practice using methods such as surveys, experiments, field research, and evaluation research, as well as some unobtrusive methods. An introduction to analysis of data obtained from research is also included.
Course Description
This writing intensive course provides the foundation for the generalist practice of social work. It connects theories from a sociological, psychological, and social work perspective with an emphasis on social systems theory. Students examine person-environment interactions through a theoretical framework of critical assessment based on systems and roles. In this course, students apply a variety of theories to current social issues. Through the integration and application of social systems theory, students engage in competency-based skill development for generalist social work practice.
Course Description
This course provides students with a framework to examine religious organizations as a part of a larger social order. It introduces basic concepts in the sociology of religion and briefly surveys the historical and social landscape of religion. The goal of the course is to analyze religious beliefs, practices, and organizations from a sociological perspective, with a primary focus on religion in the contemporary United States.
Course Description
This course introduces the student to entry-level case management skills. Students identify the various roles and functions of a case manager. A primary focus of this course is the case management process, including how to track and manage a client case load. Through case study analysis, students determine appropriate client assessment techniques and problem-solving strategies. Students explore case manager roles and case management styles in a variety of client populations and nonprofit human service agencies. Students learn to differentiate roles, functions, and styles based on their assessment of the client’s needs and a clear understanding of the agency’s mission, policies, and programs. Prerequisite: SOC-372.
Course Description
This course introduces the student to the fundamental social work skill of direct practice. The course covers the social work “helping process” as the foundational framework for social work practice. The course teaches basic direct practice skills including—intake, assessment, treatment, evaluation, and termination. The course also exposes students to theory-directed social work practice and cultural competency in interviewing. Prerequisite: SOC-372.
Course Description
This course integrates social work knowledge, skills, theory, evidence-based practice, values, and ethics with sociological concepts of society and culture through the examination of the social work client (individual, family, community, society) experience. The course compares and contrasts social work and sociological concepts with knowledge required for graduate school and careers in the field of social work. The course culminates with a student portfolio that demonstrates acquired skills and knowledge. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisites: SOC-372 and SOC-436.
Program Locations
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
On-campus program disclosures (4 years) Online and Evening program disclosures (4 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.