Dordt University

Major in Social Work

Social work at Dordt will teach you how to engage the field from a Christian perspective so you can enter your career prepared to make a difference for Christ. In this program, you will learn about:

  • the needs of diverse communities
  • become aware of social justice,
  • develop skills in assessment, intervention, and evaluation
Faith-Infused

At Dordt, you will be surrounded by a community that will help you grow in your faith. Each class is intentionally taught from a Christian perspective and will prepare you to enter the workforce as a Christian leader.

Connect With Us
Students in class raise hands at desks
A Master of Social Work student putting pills into a bottle

Prepared

Our social work courses apply social work knowledge and skills in real-life settings. You'll also spend your last semester in an internship, preparing you for life after graduation. Some of the things you'll be prepared for:

  • engaging diversity in practice
  • advancing human rights and social and economic justice
  • applying knowledge of human behavior and the social environment

Accredited

Our program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which means that you will earn a bachelor of social work (B.S.W.) degree. Students from accredited B.S.W. programs have an advantage over students from non-accredited programs in the job market, and they often are able to complete a master’s degree in an accelerated program within one year.

Learn More

"My experience at Dordt has helped me think outside the box. I was exposed to so many different cultures and experiences, and I’ve grow into a better professional because of everyone who has supported me."

—Nick Payton, social work graduate

Sample Courses

Vulnerable Populations

A historical and contemporary analysis of groups considered vulnerable by economic and social standards in American society.

Methods of Social Science Research

An introduction to the research process as applied to the study of problems/issues in social science.

Church, State, and Social Welfare

This course examines the question of which societal sphere is responsible for protecting vulnerable people

A Top Midwest Regional University

Dordt University is ranked number eight on the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” ranking released by the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and is the top-ranked school in Iowa in the category.

Connect With Us

Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program. We'll also use this information to connect you with your admissions counselor!

Ready to take the next step?

Clocktower and Campus Center building at dusk

About Dordt

Dordt offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs, 12 pre-professional programs, an honor's program, and several off-campus study opportunities.

Outside of academics, you can also participate in optional campus ministry activities, including chapel, student-led praise and worship nights, small groups, and more.

We also have scholarship opportunities available for athletics, music, and theatre!

Learn More

"Dordt does an amazing job of making your faith matter. Whether or not your faith is a big part of your life right now, it will be if you spend four years at Dordt. Every class will challenge you, in a good way, to develop your own opinion on cultural issues, and enable you to apply Biblical principles to the world around you."

—Mark Bakker, graduate
A picture of Mark Bakker

Let's get started

Dordt, a Christian university in Sioux Center, Iowa, has been ranked a top college in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education. Dordt draws students from all over the country and the world. Dordt’s top majors include education, business, engineering, agriculture, and nursing. As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.