
An Exploratory Study on Integrating the Christian Faith in an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Curriculum
Issue: Vol.4 No.13 Article 1 pp.1415-1423
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234131 | Published online 8th December, 2023
© 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Social work curricula frequently lack the inclusion of Religion, Faith and Spirituality (RFS). While faith and religious beliefs are often connected with professional calling, values, and practice, the integration of faith and social work practice is uncommon. This research explored the experiences of students in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program that integrated Christian faith throughout the curriculum and its effects on their spiritual understanding, development, and identity. A qualitative study of student responses was completed to gain insight into the impact of the curriculum on students’ spiritual growth, understanding, and views regarding the ethical integration of Christian faith and practice. The research findings confirmed the value of faith integration in social work education and helped inform the development of more effective curricula in faith-based settings. The results of this study may benefit other evangelical Christian universities seeking to increase students’ personal growth in faith as well as competencies and ethical practices as social workers.
Keywords: Faith Integration, Christian Higher Education, Spirituality, Social Work
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David King, DSW, MA, MSW is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the MSW program online at Indiana Wesleyan University. His research interests include the integration of Christian faith and social work practice, social work ethics and non-profit leadership. Dr. King also currently serves on the board of directors for the Association of Christians in Health and Human Services, a non-profit organization providing professional support and education for Christians in health and human services professions. He completed his doctoral work at Walden University in 2020 and has previously published articles on elements of effective teaching online and outcomes driven practice in children’s services.
Toby Buchanan, PhD, MSW, MA is a Professor and subject matter expert for the generalist field at Indiana Wesleyan University. His research interests include the use of virtual reality or augmented reality in higher education, adoption and foster care outcomes, integration of faith and practice, and fostering best practices in online education. Dr. Buchanan completed his PhD at the University of Texas at Arlington. He has over 10 years of social work practice experience and has been teaching online for over 16 years. He is a proponent of using best practices in online education.
King, David and Buchanan, Toby. “An Exploratory Study on Integrating the Christian Faith in an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Curriculum.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4, no.13 (2023): 1415-1423. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234131
© 2023 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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