La Sierra University Social Work Programs

La Sierra University Social Work Programs provide a tailored educational experience with an impressive 15:1 student-to-professor ratio. This intimate classroom setting transforms you from just another face in the crowd into a valued member of a supportive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

The programs at the heart of campus blend interactive learning approaches with individual attention. The School of Education launched a leadership academy for administrators that showcases the university’s dedication to educational excellence. Students who choose the BSW or advance to the MSW program benefit from strategic investments in their success. The university approved a $1.5 million investment in marketing, student onboarding, and technology upgrades to enhance the student experience.

This guide will help you find everything you need to know about pursuing social work credentials at La Sierra—from degree options and specializations to online opportunities and career paths available after graduation from this school.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at La Sierra University

La Sierra University’s social work education pathway gives you multiple ways to start your career based on your goals and education background. You’ll find a well-laid-out progression of credentials that builds your professional skills step by step.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gets you ready for entry-level roles in social services. This basic degree teaches you the core principles of social work, ethics, and ways to help people. You’ll also get hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork. The BSW program combines theory with real-life application to give you the basic skills you need to work with people from all backgrounds.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program takes your career to the next level with specialized training that will substantially expand your job options. You’ll build on your earlier knowledge with advanced courses in clinical assessment, intervention strategies, and specialized areas. This graduate degree opens doors to clinical licenses and leadership roles that often come with better pay and more responsibility.

Certificate programs add value to these degrees by providing targeted training in specific practice areas or with particular groups. These shorter programs are a great way to get credentials for both students and working professionals who want to boost their expertise in new areas of social work.

La Sierra’s social work programs meet the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, which will give a nationally recognized education for professional practice. Each program includes field placements that connect your classroom learning to real-life work. This helps you practice what you learn in supervised settings before you graduate.

These programs stand out because they fit perfectly with La Sierra University’s educational philosophy. The university focuses on developing the whole person along with professional skills. This gives you both the technical knowledge and the ethical foundation you need to work effectively as a social worker.

Degree Specializations

La Sierra University’s social work program focuses on creating ethical and competent generalist practitioners. You’ll develop professional skills that help you work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. This generalist approach gives you a versatile foundation that adapts to many social service contexts.

Senior students complete a detailed 420-hour internship at an agency setting. These hands-on experiences include direct practice with individuals and families, group facilitation, organizational management, and community involvement. Students head over to various locations like therapeutic riding centers, behavioral health departments, child protective services, domestic violence programs, and homeless outreach initiatives.

Your professional preparation gives you the ability to work in many fields including:

• Criminal justice and mental health
• Children and youth services
• School social work
• Aging and gerontology
• Healthcare settings
• Family service agencies
• Substance abuse programs
• Domestic violence intervention
• Developmental disabilities services
• Public welfare (child and adult services)
• Community organization

The program uniquely blends a Christian view while embracing diversity and serving communities through service learning opportunities. Students develop a nuanced understanding of how spirituality influences professional practice while retaining secular professional standards.

The curriculum works well with working students’ schedules and accommodates professional commitments. Career advancement comes naturally—graduates can complete a Master of Social Work in just one year, which substantially speeds up professional development.

The BSW program prepares you for direct-service positions like caseworker or mental health assistant. Faculty members stay committed and available, creating mentoring relationships that support professional growth. This blend of practical training, ethical foundations, and supportive guidance creates social work professionals who can address complex human needs through evidence-based approaches.

Online and Hybrid Options

La Sierra University places flexibility at the heart of its social work education programs. The university schedules evening classes that work around professional commitments. Students who transfer get a significant financial advantage – they complete their coursework at reduced rates while accessing the same evening schedule options.

La Sierra has moved beyond traditional classrooms by adopting digital learning approaches. The School of Education’s online graduate courses have been running successfully for over 10 years. The social work department offers different online programs, and the university’s resilient infrastructure shows its dedication to giving students flexible learning choices.

Students pursuing social work education at La Sierra can choose from several schedule formats:

• Complete most classes online with minimal campus visits needed
• Connect through synchronously available courses that blend immediate interaction benefits with remote access
• Join interactive face-to-face courses remotely, designed specifically to include online participants

This integrated approach lets you advance your education without disrupting your lifestyle significantly. Working professionals can grow their careers while keeping their current jobs – a vital factor many adult learners think over.

La Sierra University’s quality education remains consistent across all formats. The balanced mix of online and in-person learning helps you build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that social work practice demands.

La Sierra University’s BSW or MSW programs become available to more people through these flexible options, whatever their location or schedule constraints. The hybrid format works especially well for social service professionals who want to formalize their credentials or move into leadership roles while maintaining their income and work experience.

Graduation Rates

La Sierra University’s graduation metrics give us a clear picture of how well their programs work. The completion data shows us valuable lessons about student success and the time they take to graduate.

La Sierra University’s overall graduation rate is 45%, which puts it in the bottom 30% nationally. But these numbers don’t paint the complete picture. A closer look at completion times reveals different patterns:

• 4-year graduation rate: 34%
• 6-year graduation rate: 56%
• 8-year graduation rate: 43%

BSW students typically complete their traditional track in 4 years. Transfer students can finish faster, usually in 2-3 years. This quick timeline shows La Sierra’s dedication to helping students graduate efficiently.

The sort of thing I love about the La Sierra University BSW program is that graduates can complete their La Sierra University MSW in just one year. This fast-track master’s option gives students a real edge when they plan for advanced degrees.

Student persistence numbers also point to the program’s quality. A 72% retention rate shows that most students see enough value to stay enrolled after their first year.

La Sierra University makes a real difference in students’ lives. U.S. News & World Report ranks it #4 out of 115 universities in 15 western states for social mobility. This soaring win shows how well La Sierra supports students who face bigger challenges, including Pell grant recipients.

On top of that, the university received important Title V grant funding to help at-risk freshmen succeed in their basic courses, adapt to college academics, and move toward graduation. La Sierra’s steadfast dedication to student support aims to boost graduation rates in every program, including social work.

Career Outcomes

La Sierra University’s social work graduates can choose from many career paths with strong earning potential. These professionals work in a variety of settings – mental health clinics, schools, child welfare agencies, hospitals, and private practices.

The numbers look promising for social work graduates. La Sierra’s social work majors earn median incomes of $33,651 right after graduation. This figure grows to $56,301 after five years, which beats the national average of $45,519. The program’s value speaks for itself. Social workers nationwide earned a median annual wage of $58,380 in May 2023. Here’s what different specializations earn:

• Healthcare social workers: $62,940
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $55,960
• Child, family, and school social workers: $53,940
• Other social worker categories: $63,770

La Sierra’s career preparation shows strong results. 90% of graduates find jobs within their first year. This number rises to 92% after five years. Students praise the university’s career center, with 83% saying it helped them land jobs or internships effectively.

The Career Services office provides guidance throughout your time at school. Alumni get lifetime access to career support services after graduation.

The social work department helps students start their careers through strategic internship placements in senior year. Students get 420 hours of hands-on field experience, which often leads to their first job. Recent graduate Melanie McKay credits these internships for making her a “competitive candidate” during job searches.

Students who want advanced credentials can use La Sierra’s BSW program to get their MSW degree in just one year. This quick path opens doors to higher-level positions and better pay.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at La Sierra University

La Sierra University Social Work Programs stand out by combining faith-based values with professional social work practice. These programs differ from secular institutions by weaving Christian principles into their curriculum while meeting all professional standards. Graduates can help diverse populations with both their practical needs and spiritual well-being.

The programs’ student success speaks volumes. You’ll get personal attention with a 15:1 student-to-professor ratio throughout your studies. This close guidance leads to great career outcomes—90% of graduates find jobs within a year, which grows to 92% after five years. The program’s graduates earn more too, with median incomes of $56,301 five years after graduation compared to the national average of $45,519.

La Sierra University’s campus creates a community-focused learning environment. Students put their classroom knowledge to work through service learning projects that benefit local communities. This hands-on experience becomes valuable when graduates step into their professional roles.

The accelerated study options give students another great advantage. You can earn your La Sierra University MSW in just one year after finishing your undergraduate degree—much faster than other programs. This saves money and helps you land higher-paying jobs sooner.

The program works well for busy professionals. Students can take evening classes, choose hybrid formats, and transfer credits easily. The 420-hour internship requirement gives you solid ground experience that employers look for.

La Sierra University’s BSW program excels at developing both professional skills and personal growth. Professors mentor students beyond class hours to build technical expertise and professional identity. This all-encompassing approach prepares you for more than just a job—it sets you up for a meaningful career helping others.

Start Your Path Today

Your path to a social work career starts with educational goals at La Sierra University Social Work Programs. The application process is straightforward and simple. You’ll need to submit your application through the online portal with your transcripts and recommendation letters. A campus visit will let you experience the warm and friendly environment of the La Sierra University campus firsthand.

The program welcomes accepted students with a curriculum that develops both professional abilities and personal growth. Academic advisors will guide you through the La Sierra University BSW program and help you stay on course to graduate. Your advisor will work with you to create an education plan that matches your career goals.

Money matters shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams. La Sierra provides several scholarship options just for social work students. Federal aid programs can also help reduce your tuition costs substantially. You’ll get personal guidance from the financial aid office to find the best options for you.

The social work department connects you with professional organizations and community events to boost your learning experience. These connections become great assets for finding internships and jobs. Faculty members help students build professional networks that open doors to career opportunities after graduation.

Students in both BSW and MSW programs create portfolios to showcase their growth. Your portfolio will impress potential employers by highlighting your skills and achievements. The La Sierra School of Education gives you extra resources that add value to your social work training, especially if you want to work in schools.

The department welcomes questions about social work programs. Faculty and current students are ready to meet with prospective students and share their experiences.