Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work
Overview
Enter the Social Work Profession
The Bachelor Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work degree program helps prepare students for an exciting career in the fields of social work and human services among settings such as nonprofit organizations and government agencies. If you're interested in the helping professions and want a broader perspective on human behavior focusing on social dynamics, then this program within the College of Humanities and Social Services is the academic path for you. The BS in sociology with an emphasis in social work degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a profession in social work and social service fields assisting individuals, children, families and communities through child welfare, healthcare, disability, mental health, aging services and community development services.
Throughout this sociology degree program, you will explore a wide range of skills and analytic tools for engaging with the social work field. You will develop understandings of the applications of human behavior intervention, as well as case management strategies and skills.
Program curriculum is developed and based upon the 10 core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Following the highest CSWE standards, program emphasis courses provide you with a solid foundation and advantage if you elect to move on to graduate school in social work. Equipped with core understandings, graduates are prepared to specialize with further certifications and credentials. This program does not lead to licensure in Social Work.
Degree Outcomes
Deepen Your Understanding of Social Work and Human Services
Graduates of this social work degree program develop the ability to view situations and events from a Christian perspective. You will understand how Jesus modeled the healing of social relationships and problems, while breaking down barriers among groups of people. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the following core competencies:
- Sociological Perspectives and Analysis: Ability to engage the social world and society through definitional frameworks and analytic tools of sociology, including the social self, sociological imagination, micro and macro perspectives, social theory and the professional social service field
- Applied Sociology: Ability to read and understand research reports, as well as design, conduct and report on original research; also, analyze data and draw conclusions on how data advances understanding of society and groups
- Content Areas of Sociology: Ability to apply functional, conflict and symbolic interaction perspectives to further define the evolution of theories of sociology as it applies to structure, institutions and global stratification; also, examine facts impacting social structure
- Social Work: Exposure to social work theory, assessment and direct practice skills as applied to various social settings and diverse populations; you’re prepared to begin social work practice as generalist
What You Will Learn
Explore the Social and Cultural Environment
You will learn how to integrate sociological theories of socialization, culture and institutions with the communication, intervention and case management skills of social services. The Bachelor of Science in sociology program concludes with a sociology and social work capstone that examines the sociological concepts of society and culture through analyzing individuals and their real-life experiences. You will establish a portfolio demonstrating acquired skills and knowledge.
Course topics include:
- Social Research and Statistics
- Stratification and Inequality in a Diverse Society
- Sociology of Religion
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Case Management and Direct Practice
Career Outcomes
Find Your Purpose in a Helping Profession
Graduates with a degree in social work may enter the social work and human services fields as (non-licensed) community health workers. Graduates may also choose to advance their education and enter graduate school. Potential career opportunities include professions in health agencies, youth outreach agencies, social services administration, mental health, community mental health, community development programs and social service agencies.
Course List
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 credits
- UNV-103, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits
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 credits
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
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 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
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 credits
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits
- MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits
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 credits
- PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
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. Prerequisite: PSY-102 or SOC-102.
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. Prerequisite: SOC-372.
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 examines the sociological concepts of society and culture through the examination of individuals and their real-life experiences. The course compares and contrasts 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. Prerequisites: SOC-372 and SOC-436.
Program Locations
Campus
Online
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures On-campus program disclosures* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.