Bachelor of Arts in Social Service

• Overview
• Concentration in Christian Ministries
• Curriculum Summary
• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule
• Admission Information
• Application Process

Overview

Belhaven College, now Belhaven University, seeks to introduce all students to the study of human behavior and mental processes within a Christian worldview context. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Services degree is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and prepare students for future study in the field of social services. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ ability to understand and apply social service principles in their everyday lives, and an important goal is to help students in their ability to appropriately interrelate their social work degree and the Christian faith.

Belhaven University has developed each course to build upon the previous one in a sequence. The format is an accelerated “lock-step” approach, in which an entering class stays together throughout the program. Each course is offered in a five to seven week format. Students meet one night a week for four hours of classroom instruction and one night a week for project team meetings.

Concentration in Christian Ministries

Students interested in a concentration in Christian Ministries to prepare them for further study in the area of Christian Ministry must complete the BASS degree requirements along with eleven additional credits in biblical studies. (See catalogue for specific course information.)  This degree prepares students to serve in churches, social services agencies and other faith based organizations.

Curriculum Summary

Course Descriptions

See College Catalogue for Bachelor of Arts in Social Services course descriptions.

Admission Information

As you apply for admission to Belhaven University, you can use this checklist to assist you in the process. Each item required is necessary to apply, be accepted and register at the college.  If you have any questions about admission, contact memphisadmission@belhaven.edu.

1.  COMPLETE the APPLICATION for Admission

• Minimum age of 21  (If you are unable to meet the admission requirements, please contact the Office of Admission.)
• One year of relevant work experience required

2.  REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

• Please submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.
• Students applying with fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit acceptable by Belhaven must also submit an official high school transcript showing the date of graduation. A 2.0 grade point average is required.
• A student who has earned the General Education Development (GED) certificate may be admitted. An official GED transcript must be provided from the State Department of Education of the state that issued the certificate; subscores must be 45 or higher or an average standard score of 50 or higher.

3.  TRANSFERRING CREDITS - Transferability of credit notice.

Full credit is usually allowed for students transferring work from another regionally accredited institution. The registrar will determine if the work is consistent with a liberal arts curriculum. The final decision is made on the basis that work must:

• be from an accredited institution,
• be college level, and
• equal a 2.0 average.

4.  SUBMIT TEST SCORES

• Diagnostic Testing will also be available to students during orientation in order to determine the student’s level of Math and English skills.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English by scoring 550 or above paper-based or 173 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL).  The TOEFL requirements may be waived if English proficiency can be demonstrated through other reliable documentation. Proficiency is usually demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States.
• A veteran who wishes to be assessed for military credit or who will use veteran benefits must submit a copy of Form DD214 and/or DD295 to Belhaven University.