We are often asked why Geneva College offers a degree in social services rather than social work. To answer this question, we must begin with an excerpt from Geneva’s Foundational Concepts: 

While students may attain a high degree of knowledge through the grace given to all, in order for them to attain the goals of Christian education, they must be in submission to the person of Jesus Christ, that sin and its effects in their own personalities may be overcome. Students, as creatures of God, are under His mandate both to learn and to apply all knowledge for the purpose of knowing and glorifying God. They should not be sheltered from non-Christian viewpoints, but must become able to evaluate all knowledge critically, to gain from that which is true and to discard error. Students should be aware of God's call on their lives and thus see their education as an opportunity to prepare for their life work, whatever those fields of endeavor may be. 

It is important to note the emphasis on the inerrancy and authority of Scripture and the call to live in submission to Jesus Christ. Hence, we do not place any standard above that of biblical truth. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) permits Christian colleges to teach Christianity and integrate faith-based perspectives into its curriculum, as long as those institutions also ensure that their social work programs align with the CSWE’s accreditation requirements. The integration of Christian teaching must be complementary and enhancing of social work’s professional competencies. Therefore, social work programs must balance their religious missions with those of the CSWE.  

The Department of Psychology and Social Services certainly respects the standards of the CSWE in preparing competent and ethical social workers, but we cannot deviate from the truth of Scripture to ensure that a balance with those standards is maintained. Therefore, we have chosen to pursue a different approach by developing a robust undergraduate program which allows us to fully prepare our students to navigate the tensions that they will experience in a field which can be hostile to Christian values. The social service program is framed by the standards of social work, but we have the freedom to customize the curriculum to meet the mission and objectives of Geneva College. 

This raises the question then as to whether our students are prepared for Master of Social Work programs. Our students’ success in being admitted to competitive graduate MSW programs and their overwhelming success in those programs are evidence that the social services major allows our students to thrive at that level. Why are our students so competitive at the graduate level? 

The social services major allows for flexibility in the curriculum. This results in a broader and more personalized education. Not only are our students prepared to enter MSW programs, but they are also prepared to enter graduate programs in areas such as counseling, public health, higher education, and community development, to name just a few. The social services major permits faculty to assist students in customizing their internship experiences so that they can pursue diverse vocational and graduate school opportunities. The Department of Psychology and Social Services has a strong network of field placements in a plethora of agencies not only in Beaver County, but also in Lawrence, Butler, Mercer, and Allegheny Counties. Site supervisor evaluations consistently report that Geneva interns evidence the highest of ethical standards and advanced case conceptualization skills. This reputation allows students to begin developing essential field contacts prior to graduation. 

A distinctive of the social service major is its integrative approach with the disciplines of psychology and criminal justice. This interdisciplinary pedagogy allows students to benefit from theoretical perspectives and research across disciplines. Social services majors collaborate with a community of learners to better understand and prepare to meet the challenges of the profession. During a time when responsibilities of social service and criminal justice professionals are becoming increasingly blurred, our students are prepared to navigate both fields and assume leadership roles both in terms of training and service delivery. Creative interdisciplinary projects in multiple courses require students to complete cross-disciplinary research and develop innovative ways to apply that research to improve agency functioning. 

The personalized attention that students receive does not diminish the academic rigor of the social services program. The individualized attention allows for higher standards to be established, but those expectations are accompanied by faculty support needed to achieve those standards. We believe that this approach to learning is reflective of Geneva’s mission. We strive to promote both academic and spiritual growth, equipping students for a life of service rooted in biblical principles.

Graduates from Geneva’s social service program are not just prepared for careers; they are equipped to pursue their calling to serve others in Christ-honoring ways. Our goal is to challenge and empower students to make a meaningful impact throughout their time at Geneva and to continue that excellent work after graduation. 

Interested in learning more? Contact our admissions office today! 

By Megan Tritt, DSW, LCSW, associate professor of psychology and social services, and Stephanie Schindel, associate professor of psychology and social services and chair of the Department of Psychology and Social Services