About Our Department

Focusing on individuals, groups, and entire populations from a strengths-based, solution-focused approach, the profession of social work pursues social justice and personal empowerment by drawing on human strength and individual faith experiences. The Social Work Department of Andrews University offers you the tools you’ll need to make an impact.

Whether you want to work in the inner city, in the classroom, or around the world, Andrews University will prepare you with an education based on excellence, action, and Christian compassion. We will prepare you with knowledge, values, and decision-making skills that may be used in a variety of settings and situations.

Our department motto summarizes and energizes our efforts in the field of social work: Preparing individuals for excellence during a lifetime of professional service and Christian compassion in action. Rather than simply meeting minimal standards, we strive for excellence. We emphasize a lifetime learning partnership that will take you where you want to go. At Andrews the Christian perspective in social work comes to life. You’ll develop practical skills for making a difference in the lives of hurting people and within broken communities. Here you will prepare to excel professionally while making friends for life.

Watch one of our faculty members, Ingrid Slikkers, talk about her journey into social work: