Master of Social Work Program Receives Accreditation

Clarke University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program just received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

“The accreditation is a testament to the quality of the Clarke program,” said Joanne Burrows, Ph.D., SC, president of the university. “We are proud of the students and faculty in the social work department and the work they do in careers that carry out our mission of justice.”

To gain accreditation, the program is evaluated in four areas: mission and goals, curriculum, faculty and resources, and assessment of the 10 social work competencies and practice behaviors. The Clarke program received the maximum accreditation allowed at this time.

“Accreditation of an MSW program helps to ensure that people graduating from the program have the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to be licensed to work with our most vulnerable populations.  Students graduating from Clarke are prepared to enter into a variety of social work careers in mental health counseling, medical facilities and clinics, substance abuse treatment, advocacy and policy work with nonprofits, and many others,” said Regina Boarman, MSW, Ph.D., professor and chair of the program.

In addition, the MSW program has recently added another new pathway option to achieve a degree. The new Hybrid Weekend Program holds classes every other weekend on Friday night and Saturday day plus online homework. This program begins in the fall of 2017 and is a three-year extended program that allows individuals to achieve an MSW while still working full time. The other MSW pathways are the traditional day programs of Advanced Standing, for those who have a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and the traditional Two Year Program.  Extended pathways are available for both the Advanced Standing and Two Year Traditional Program for those needing more time.

Please visit clarke.edu/msw for more information.