Social Work Track

Complete your junior or senior field placement hours in a setting that uniquely integrates field work experience with faith-based Christian learning.

By combining hands-on practice and mentorship from professional social workers with a Christian perspective, this program prepares you to address social issues with both professional competency and spiritual integrity. Through direct engagement with clients, agencies, and diverse populations, you’ll develop critical professional skills and gain a deeper and wholistic understanding of the social work profession.

Urban Field placements with mentorship experiences in Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. provide an unmatched platform for practical learning, self-reflection, and ethical decision-making, all of which are foundational for building a successful career in social work.

Invaluable Field Work Experience

If You’re Studying Social Work.

Then This Is The Place To Be.

Apply Today

Field Learning

The Living and Learning East Coast integration of multicultural field learning with Christ-centered Christian education provides you with a unique and powerful foundation for your social work career.

By merging practical experience with spiritual principles, the program equips future social workers to serve with professional excellence, cultural humility, and unwavering compassion, rooted in their faith and commitment to social justice.

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Leslie Whitfield, MSW, MPH

Leslie serves as the instructor for the Field Seminar course. She provides supervision and mentorship for students that require MSW supervision for their field placement.

Practical Application of Knowledge

Students apply classroom theories, interventions, and ethical guidelines in real-world settings, deepening their understanding and competency.
Developing Professional Skills

Essential skills like communication, advocacy, case management, and crisis intervention are honed through direct client interaction and community engagement.
Exposure to Diverse Populations

Students gain experience with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering cultural sensitivity and awareness of systemic injustices.
Agency and System Navigation

Learning about agency operations, policies, and interagency collaboration equips students to work effectively within complex social systems.
Supervised Practice with Experienced Professionals

Field instructors offer mentorship, feedback, and guidance, creating a safe environment for growth and learning.
Self-Reflection and Professional Development

Regular supervision enables students to reflect on their practice, identify growth areas, and shape their professional identity.
Exploration of Career Paths

Field placements introduce students to various social work specializations, helping them identify their interests and passions.
Ethical Decision-Making

Experiencing real-life ethical dilemmas helps students practice and refine their ethical reasoning skills.

Faith Integration

The Living & Learning East Coat program uniquely complements the BSW field learning experience by embedding Christian values and faith-based learning into the curriculum. The faith-based component emphasizes the importance of compassion, service, and justice in social work practice, offering students a moral and spiritual framework to guide their professional growth.

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Biblical Perspective on Social Justice

Students are encouraged to approach social work through the lens of Christian teachings, emphasizing care for the marginalized and oppressed.
Holistic Approach to Social Work

The integration of spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being promotes a well-rounded approach to client care.
Faith-Inspired Motivation

Students draw inspiration from their faith to engage in service with empathy, humility, and a heart for transformative change.
Community Engagement with a Christian Lens

The BUS program provides opportunities to serve and learn within urban settings, focusing on community outreach and ministry alongside professional social work practice.
Ethical Foundations Rooted in Faith

Christian principles reinforce ethical decision-making and accountability, providing a moral compass for navigating complex professional challenges.
Integration of Prayer and Reflection

Students can process their experiences through prayer, group reflection, and spiritual mentorship, promoting both personal and professional development.
Commitment to Social Responsibility

The program nurtures a sense of responsibility to advocate for systemic change and uplift vulnerable populations, reflecting Christ-like service.

Outside the Classroom

Explore the East Coast

The program is centered on professional internships and cultural engagement with four dynamic, historic East Coast cities: Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Baltimore.

Activities & Adventure

Spend weekends at public markets, famous museums, zoos, or parks on the East Coast. Attend sports games and more!

Life in
the City

Enjoy the incredible food, music, and festivities of city life! Learn how to navigate the city, be a part of its social fabric, and actively contribute to our local community.

Program Cost: $16,800 per semester*

What’s Included:

Tuition for 12-18 credit hours
On-Campus Housing
Arrival and departure airport transportation
2/3 of all meals during the program
Full-time onsite staff and support
Public transportation passes for the city and surrounding areas
Multi-day educational excursions to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City

*Cost depends on your home institution. In most cases, if you are a student at one of our partner schools a semester with us will not cost you more than what you are currently paying for school! Please contact your off-campus study coordinator for details.

Program Details

January 7 - Arrival Day
January 8 - Program begins
January 8-24 - Block Course begins
January 27 - Additional Courses begin
February 1-2 - Excursions
February 5 - Internships start
April 28-May 1 - Exams and Debrief
May 2 - Departure

August 12 - Arrival Day
August 13 - Program begins
August 13-29 - Block Course
September 1-November 28 - Additional Courses
December 1-4 - Exams and Debrief
December 5 - Departure

January 6 - Arrival Day
January 7 - Program begins
January 7-23 - Block Course begins
January 26-April 23 - Additional Courses
April 27-30 - Exams and Debrief
May 1 - Departure