"The Department of Social Work at Philadelphia Biblical University exists to prepare students for entry into generalist social work practice by equipping them with professional knowledge, values and skills understood within the context of a biblical world view. The final goal of its holistic education is to enable students to minister to all those in need with empathy, expertise and integrity and to advocate for social change within the Christian church and society. "

PBU’s Social Work Department provides our students with the best well-rounded education possible to equip them for their calling. Some distinctive features include the following:

1. Conviction to transform values to reflect the revolutionary nature of the gospel
2. Provide training to work with all people facing any imaginable social challenge
3. Balanced scholarship focused first on biblical truth, second on the diverse disciplines of the liberal arts, third on the professional excellence and skills of social work
4. Strategically located in close proximity to three cities: Trenton, Camden and Philadelphia, enabling our students to minister to diverse, challenging communities in tremendous need
5. Committed to an eternal perspective that reflects a holistic understanding of the biological, psychological, social, and the spiritual
6. Passionate to surpass the intellectualization of ministry to actual service and sacrifice
7. Advocates for a Christian church and society that pursues justice and dignity for all people

• Field Placement
• Career Opportunities
• Advanced Standing
• Chi Beta Sigma

Field Placement

Field placement is an integral part of the Social Work program. It gives students an opportunity to function in a professional setting under the supervision of a social work professional. The department offers field placement for B.S.W. students in a variety of areas. Field placement decisions are a collaborative effort between faculty and students. There are two field placement requirements. The first is for two semesters with a minimum of eight hours per week; the second is for one semester with a minimum of 32 hours per week. Both placement opportunities are concurrent with social work classes.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Social Work Department are trained to work in entry level positions within human service organizations, both sectarian (faith-based) and non-sectarian. Careers are available in a variety of areas that address human relationships, including children’s services, family services, services in gerontology, services in educational settings, services for the developmentally disabled, corrections, community services, mental health services, and church-based social work. Other graduates go on to pursue advanced studies.

Advanced Standing

A number of accredited graduate schools of social work offer advanced standing of up to one year in a traditionally two year Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree program. This privilege is available to graduates of baccalaureate social work programs that are accredited by CSWE.

Chi Beta Sigma

As a student-run part of the Social Work Department, Chi Beta Sigma endeavors to work with the Department in promoting the excellence of its educational function.

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