Interest Tag: Care
Called to participate in the life of a community
The mission of the social work program at Trinity Christian College is to prepare community-centered generalist practitioners motivated by their callings to serve as Christ-like change agents committed to promoting human and community well-being.
A Trinity Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares students to help change lives and communities emphasizing that:
- community well-being is essential to a common good,
- each community has gifts and assets, and
- we are called to participate in the life of a community.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% employment growth rate for all social workers from 2019-29. This outpaces average employment estimates for other fields.
Trinity’s online adult undergraduate (AUG) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program meets a critical need for adult learners. The program allows:
- Greater accessibility to a BSW degree for individuals who may otherwise not be able to engage with social work education due to various barriers such as work and family responsibilities.
- An accelerated program serving adults aged 23 or older and designed to assist with adult learners’ degree completion.
- Enables adult learners with 60 transferable credits to complete their bachelor’s degree within approximately 2 ½-3 years part-time, year-round.
Students who earn their BSW degree at Trinity Christian College are eligible to earn their MSW degree in 1-year through the advanced standing placement enrollment option at other higher education institutions with a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.
- Do you have empathy for others and genuinely care about people?
- Are you passionate about social justice issues and promoting social change?
- Are you committed to working with and able to be open-minded, nonjudgmental, and culturally humble when working with people and communities of diverse backgrounds?
- Are you able to engage in self-awareness and self-regulation for managing any biases and values when working with diverse clients and constituencies?
- Are you willing and able to demonstrate a commitment to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics?
- Do you have or are you willing to develop the following skills for effective social work practice: leadership skills, communication skills, listening skills, teamwork skills, problem solving & decision-making skills, and networking skills?
- Do you value and respect the strengths and assets of others and seek to partner with service recipients in social work fields of practice?
- Are you committed to lifelong learning through continuous professional growth?
*Adapted from Ritter, J. & F. Ofahengaue, H. (2015). 101 careers in social work. 2nd Ed.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
*Adapted from Council on Social Work Education. (2015). Educational policy and accreditation standards. Council on Social Work Education
The following outlines requirements for adult learners interested in completing their Bachelor of Social Work degree online at Trinity:
Program Requirements:
- Submission of all official transcripts from any higher education institutions previously attended
- Minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- Minimum of a C (2.0) in social work courses and course requirements for the program
- Completion of social work program application in conjunction with a social work course- SWK 310- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Course Requirements:
The Online Adult Undergraduate (AUG) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program consists of the following course requirements:
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- Students who already have a minimum of 60 transferable credits will begin social work courses immediately.
- Students with 45-59 transferable credits must first reach the 60 transferable credits prior to starting social work courses.
59 credits for the major
- 44 credits of Social Work major courses earning a minimum of a C (2.0) that must be taken at Trinity and are not transferable
- 15 credits of additional course requirements earning a minimum of a C (2.0) and can either be taken at Trinity or transferred in
- COMM 105- Oral & Digital Communication (3)
- MATH 151- Statistics (3)
- PSYC 121- Introduction to Psychology (3)
- SOC 121- Principles of Sociology (3)
- SOC 246- Urban Sociology (3)
10 credits of Foundation courses that must be taken at Trinity and are not transferable
- FDN 111- Transfer Orientation (1)
- Chicago Connect (3) or Interdisciplinary Inquiry (3)
- Philosophy 101- Philosophical Perspectives in Worldview (3)
- Theology 131- Christian Scriptures (3)
**Students completing this program must have a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate with a BSW degree. Students with a previously earned bachelor’s degree from Trinity Christian College wanting to earn their BSW degree must follow the Subsequent Degree policy. Students with a previously earned bachelor’s degree from another institution wanting to earn their BSW degree at Trinity must complete all requirements for the BSW, including major and Foundations. The Department of Social Work does not give academic credit to students for life experience or previous work experience for social work courses or field education requirements.
- Program orientation on campus at the beginning of program start– on-campus attendance not required with live stream option.
- Fully online with a combination of both synchronous class sessions & asynchronous pedagogical formats in each social work course.
- Social work courses will last 8-weeks, and students will take 1 course at a time.
- Each 8-week social work course will have required synchronous class sessions for 2-hours, bi-weekly on Saturdays from 9:00 am-11:00 am CST.
- Any additional course requirements for the program not already met prior to starting the program will be incorporated into a student’s mapped-out course sequence.
- Scheduling (day of the week & time) of any additional course requirements and Foundations courses will be based on the schedule available by the sponsoring departments.
The part-time degree completion timeline will be individualized for each student varying in range of approximately 2 to 3+ years depending on transfer credits. The below course sequence sample is based on a fall start for social work courses. It includes a sample course sequence for students with 60 transfer credits and a sample course sequence for students with 45-59 transfer credits. They are both inclusive of Trinity’s Foundations course requirements for transfer students based on transferable credit hours. Students interested in starting at Trinity in the online adult BSW program in a spring semester or summer semester are able to take Foundations and/or additional course requirements for the social work program during those semesters as applicable. Social work course offerings for new adult social work students begins in the fall semester only.
Trinity’s online adult undergraduate (AUG) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is a high-touch program designed to foster a sense of community, hospitality, caring, and support to students. Trinity provides training and support for the various technology platforms to assist students. It is recommended that students are able to spend at least 10-15 hours per week for each 3-credit course. For courses with more credits, it is recommended to plan additional time for assignments.
How do you know if online learning is a good fit for you? Review the checklist below to find out.
- I am independent, self-motivated, self-disciplined, and have good time management skills to plan and meet required deadlines.
- I am comfortable with technology, especially web-based and internet technologies, and I am comfortable using a computer to perform regular tasks such as checking email, creating documents in Word, or creating PowerPoint presentations, etc.
- I have access to a computer in a setting where I can concentrate with a functional camera & audio system for synchronous class sessions and with reliable, high speed Internet access.
- I am comfortable communicating electronically through email, chat (such as during a Zoom videoconference), discussion boards, apps such as GroupMe, etc.
- I am comfortable being an advocate and asking for help if needed as well as taking the initiative and contacting my professor with questions or concerns regarding courses.
- I am aware that the flexibility and convenience inherent in many online courses does not mean the course will be easy, especially as the courses are accelerated at 8-week terms.
- National Association of Social Workers
- National Association of Social Workers
- Illinois Association of School Social Workers
- North American Association of Christians in Social Work
- National Association of Black Social Workers
- Latino Social Workers Organization
- International Federation of Social Workers
- International Association of Schools of Social Work
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is $572 per credit hour. The technology fee is $100 for each 16-week semester. In addition, there is a $250 non-refundable deposit is required for newly accepted students.
Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities on our Financial Aid pages.
Application for Admission
For admissions to this program, visit our Adult Undergraduate Admissions page.
Get your pre-professional training in a Christian environment
Some of the career opportunities in the allied health sciences field include:
- Physician assistant
- Occupational therapist
- Anesthesiologist assistant
- Respiratory therapist
- Cardiovascular technologist
- Clinical lab scientist
- Radiation therapist
- Dental hygienist
- Perfusionist
At Trinity, you can gain pre-professional training in the context of a Christian community as you prepare for entrance into one of these programs at a professional school in the Chicago area or elsewhere.
Students should work closely with their advisers to ensure that they include all necessary courses required by the schools to which they will apply.
Gain a strong background in the sciences
A strong background in the physical and biological sciences will give you an advantage when you enter into doctoral level professional training programs in the health sciences.
Completion of a biology and/or chemistry major along with the cognate requirements provides such a background and includes the required courses for entering schools of dentistry (as well as medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, and chiropractic).
Such schools require a specific entrance exam; students should work closely with their advisers to ensure they are prepared for the exam.
At Trinity, you will develop a program of study based on the type of program and the particular school you want to attend.
Opportunities that launch
The strong academic quality of Trinity Christian College’s biology, chemistry, and exercise science departments, combined with the faculty’s commitment to post-graduate placements prepare students for a career in physical therapy. A Human Performance Lab provides hands-on exercise testing helpful in preparation for physical therapy school. Trinity has measurable results in placing students in graduate schools.
A Christian frame of reference is the key ingredient in Trinity’s pre-physical therapy program. Professionals in health care deal daily with decisions having religious, moral, and ethical dimensions, including patient concerns with pain and emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles. The connections between these concerns and physical healing are well established. At Trinity, small classes often serve as simulation laboratories where students practice Christian decision-making.
Gain momentum with intensive studies
The pre-physical therapy curriculum at Trinity prepares students for entry into master’s and doctoral degree programs following graduation. The course of study involves biology, chemistry, math, and psychology courses, which are prerequisites for most graduate programs. The Allied Health track of the biology major is designed to meet these prerequisites. Students choosing the exercise science major will need additional course work.
Trinity’s CACREP accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers rigorous professional training in counseling, combining theory, empirical research, and practical experience.
Students graduate prepared and qualified to test to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Illinois as well as many other states.
To learn more about all Trinity Christian College has to offer, schedule a traditional or virtual visit to our campus, conveniently located near Chicago. When you’re ready to do so, apply for admission online — quickly and easily.
Start Dates & Format
The program begins each fall and spring, and operates on a year-round schedule.
It consists of 60 total credit hours. You take 2 courses at a time. Each course meets one night per week, so you are on campus 2 nights a week. The coursework consists of both traditional face-to-face courses and hybrid/blended courses with online components.
Counseling Clinical Experiences
Students complete a counseling practicum of 100 hours and a counseling internship of 600 hours.
Sites where our students have completed their internships include:
Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc., South Suburban Family Shelter, Community Counseling Services of Illinois, Genesis Therapy Center, Orland Township Youth and Family Services, along with Trinity’s own Counseling Center.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is $711 per credit hour. Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities on our Financial Aid page.
Application for Admission
For admissions to this program, please visit the Graduate Admissions pages.
Admissions requirements: a degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a 2.75 GPA, a major in psychology or a related field (for example: social work, healthcare communications, biology, nursing, or education). If one’s degree is in an unrelated field then the following prerequisites: Abnormal Psychology and two other psychology courses.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements can be admitted conditionally if they show the traits and skills necessary for professional counselors.
Our Bachelor of Science degree in psychology will help you develop the skills you need for careers;, counselor, psychologist, sports psychologist, school counselor, school psychologist, human resources professional, evaluation consultant, genetics counselor, psychiatric technician, physician assistant, case manager, child life specialist, behavior analyst, and market research analyst.
You will learn from clinical, biological, cognitive, and developmental subfields and take courses that build analytical and interpersonal helping skills. You will also complete an internship where you will put into practice what you have learned in the classroom and gain important professional experience.
OPPORTUNITIES
Once you are in the program and you meet particular GPA and course grade requirements, you can take courses from our graduate program that will count toward your BS and toward a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This will help you complete your Masters degree in less time and for less cost if you choose to continue your education.
You can also gain professional experience by becoming a member of Psi Chi, the Psychology Club, or the Psyc Lab on campus and take part in psychology department events like the Psychology Renewed conference.
Start Dates & Format
Classes are offered in-person in the evening or online. You may begin taking classes in the Fall, Spring, or Summer. Please contact us to find out about our current class schedule.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is $572 per credit hour. Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities on our Financial Aid pages.
Application for Admissions
For admission to this program, please visit the Adult Undergraduate Admissions.
Earn your minor in Special Education
When you choose to minor in special education from Trinity, you will learn the skills you need to encourage and grow students with special needs, and Trinity can get you ready to meet your passion.
Expand Your Impact with a Diverse Learners Minor
The global community needs teachers who are prepared to educate and guide the diversity of learners found in many classrooms today. Trinity’s Diverse Learners minor prepares our students for teaching those with learning differences and those whose first language is not English.
This minor combines English as a Second Language (ESL)/Bilingual Education (BE) classes with special education courses. Students who complete the Diverse Learners minor receive an ESL or BE endorsement. It represents another possible minor for those seeking elementary, secondary, or K-12 education licensure. The minor can also be paired as a second minor with a content area education minor (English, Science, Social Science) for the Middle Grades Education Major.
Earn your minor in Special Education
When you choose to minor in special education from Trinity, you will learn the skills you need to encourage and grow students with special needs, and Trinity can get you ready to meet your passion.
A minor from Trinity will get you started on your vocation
If you are called to minister to others, a minor from Trinity will prepare you academically and spiritually. Your studies within Trinity’s Christian ministry program will provide relationships and resources to help you investigate and begin a life in ministry. When you leave Trinity, you will be equipped to serve in leadership, evangelistic ministries, or administration.
Our small class sizes, access to a diverse range of churches and parachurch organizations, and an active campus ministry program provide opportunities for you to learn, grow, and prepare to participate in God’s mission. Through your coursework, you will learn practical approaches to administration and leadership, spiritual formation, worship leadership, and the nature and ministry of the church.
With our location just 25 miles from downtown Chicago, you will also have the opportunity to complete your field education in a range of settings that will give you hands-on, heart-engaged experience.