Department of Social Services

The social services major exposes Belhaven students to a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills necessary to provide assistance with the human needs and problems addressed by medical, religious and charitable organizations. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Services emphasizes practical application of psychological and sociological knowledge, and the courses are designed to prepare students to work in human service organizations. Social work degrees vary widely among both secular and Christian colleges, but Belhaven University, formerly Belhaven College, offers an accredited degree program founded on the biblical worldview. Christian motivation to assist and aid the weak, suffering, and underprivileged is stressed as a major component to this higher education degree.

To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services, Belhaven students must complete an on-site research or clinical practicum. Previous practicum locations have included the University of Mississippi Medical Center eating disorder clinic and sleep disorder lab, Crisis Pregnancy Center, Youth for Christ and Baptist Hospital Drug Treatment Program. Social services coursework, along with the practical, hands-on experience, has been successful in securing positions for Belhaven graduates in numerous counseling fields, social service providers and business.