Kuyper College

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational social work theory with applied practice skills and a Christian ethical perspective. Core topics include human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and history, research methods, social work practice with individuals and families, group work and community practice, and courses on diversity, ethics and trauma-informed care.

• Foundations: introduction to social work, history of social welfare, professional ethics and values.
• Practice skills: assessment, intervention planning, counselling techniques, case management and group facilitation.
• Policy and research: social policy analysis, advocacy, programme evaluation and basic social research methods.
• Specialist topics: child and family welfare, mental health, substance misuse, gerontology, and working with diverse and marginalised populations.
• Field education: supervised practicum placements with local agencies to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, plus a capstone or integrative seminar to synthesise learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic records, a personal statement outlining vocational motivation for social work, and references. As Kuyper College is a Christian institution, applicants should be comfortable with a faith-based learning environment and may be asked to reflect on how their faith relates to a calling to serve others. Some programmes also include an interview and require background checks or health-clearance documentation before placement in field practicum agencies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in social work enter a range of service roles in non-profit organisations, schools, healthcare settings, child and family services, community development projects and government agencies. Typical job titles include case worker, community outreach coordinator, family support worker, school support staff and programme assistant. Many graduates pursue further professional qualifications — for example a Master of Social Work — to work in clinical roles or to meet licensure requirements, which vary by country and region.

Why study at Kuyper College

Kuyper College offers a small, community-oriented learning environment where teaching is informed by practitioner experience and a Christian perspective on service and justice. The programme emphasises hands-on learning through local practicum placements and partnerships with social service agencies in the surrounding region, giving students direct exposure to client work and interprofessional collaboration. Students also benefit from personal attention from faculty, vocational formation activities and career support aimed at transitioning into social work roles or further study.