B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Social Work
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Social Work at Whittier College is designed to equip students with the knowledge, values, and skills essential for ethical and effective social work practice. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, recognizing the interplay of individual circumstances with broader social, economic, and cultural contexts. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities, all within a framework of promoting human rights and social justice. Graduates are prepared to address diverse human welfare needs in contemporary society.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a strong professional foundation, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical skills development. It is structured to build progressively from foundational concepts to specialized practice methods. Core social work courses typically include an Introduction to Social Work, Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Work Research Methods, and various practice courses (e.g., Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations). The program also emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with coursework exploring social factors influencing human behavior across diverse populations. A crucial component is a professionally supervised field practicum, culminating in the senior year, which provides intensive, real-world application of skills.
Research Focus: Research is an integral part of the Social Work program at Whittier College. Students are trained in social work research methods, enabling them to understand and apply evidence-based practices. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of research-informed practice and encourages students to critically evaluate social work interventions and policies. While specific large-scale undergraduate research projects beyond coursework may vary, the program's strong focus on research methods and critical inquiry prepares students to analyze social problems, assess program effectiveness, and contribute to the knowledge base of the profession. Students may also participate in the college's annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, presenting their scholarly work.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Social Work program is deeply committed to hands-on learning and industry engagement. A cornerstone of the program is the intensive, professionally-supervised field practicum, typically undertaken in the senior year. This provides students with invaluable real-world experience in social service agencies, working directly with diverse populations and applying their classroom learning to practical situations. The department benefits from a strong network of local social service agencies and social work alumni who are leaders in the profession, often serving as mentors or field instructors. The college's Center for Career and Professional Development actively supports students in securing these vital internship opportunities and connecting them with employers in the social work field. The Social Work Council, a student-run organization, further promotes social work as a profession and fosters social justice awareness, often engaging with community partners.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is inherently integrated into Whittier College's Social Work program through its commitment to social justice and human rights on a broad scale. While not always explicitly highlighted as a separate track, the curriculum encourages students to understand social problems and human well-being within diverse social, economic, and cultural contexts, both domestically and internationally. The program's focus on macro-level social welfare policy and community organization often involves examining global social issues. Furthermore, Whittier College's broader commitment to a global liberal arts education, including opportunities for study abroad and cross-cultural learning (such as the Global Poet Scholarship), can enrich a social work student's understanding of international social work practices and global human rights concerns.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Work from Whittier College is a professionally accredited program that provides graduates with the essential knowledge, values, and skills for entry-level generalist social work practice.
Case Manager: This is a common and impactful entry-level role for social work graduates. Case managers connect clients (individuals, families, or groups) with necessary resources, coordinate services, develop care plans, and advocate for their needs, working in diverse settings such as mental health agencies, hospitals, or non-profits.
Child Welfare Worker: Graduates can work in government agencies or non-profit organizations dedicated to child protection. They investigate reports of abuse or neglect, provide support to families in crisis, and facilitate foster care or adoption services, advocating for the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
Community Health Worker: These professionals act as a liaison between social services or healthcare providers and the community, promoting health education, connecting individuals to resources, and advocating for improved community health outcomes.
Substance Abuse Counselor: With a strong understanding of human behavior and intervention strategies, B.A. in Social Work graduates can work in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, or community centers to provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction, helping them achieve recovery.
Program Coordinator (Non-profit/Social Services): Graduates can take on administrative and coordination roles within social service agencies, managing specific programs, overseeing volunteers, and ensuring services are delivered effectively to target populations.
Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Health Advocate: Working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community mental health centers, these professionals support individuals with mental health conditions, assisting with daily needs, leading therapeutic activities, and connecting clients to services.
Residential Counselor/Group Home Worker: Graduates can work in residential settings, providing direct support and guidance to individuals (e.g., youth, adults with disabilities, those in recovery) living in group homes, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
Eligibility Worker: In government or social service agencies, eligibility workers meet with clients to determine their eligibility for various social welfare programs and benefits, such as food assistance, housing support, or healthcare.
Juvenile Probation Officer/Parole Officer: Social work principles are highly applicable in the criminal justice system. Graduates can work with individuals on probation or parole, helping them navigate the system, access resources, and meet their legal obligations while supporting their reintegration into society.
Further Education (MSW): Many Whittier College B.A. in Social Work graduates choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, often with advanced standing, allowing them to qualify for licensure as clinical social workers and pursue more specialized roles in therapy, supervision, and administration.
