The Judson College Social Work program has received a reaffirmation of its accreditation for its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) until 2026.
CSWE grants new social work programs an initial accreditation period of four years; subsequent reaccreditation periods are eight years in length. The Judson program secured its initial accreditation in 2014. In June of this year, after preparing and submitting required documentation and receiving a spring site visit, the program received news of its reaffirmation of accreditation for the next eight years.
“We could not be more pleased with receiving reaffirmation,” said Angela Dennison, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education. “We look forward to the continued positive impact Judson Social Work students will have on Perry County and surrounding areas in the future.”
The Council on Social Work Education is the national association representing social work education in the United States. CSWE’s accreditation standards address numerous areas of a program, including curriculum, faculty, admission standards, and program evaluation. CSWE accreditation affords graduates of those programs several professional advantages, Dennison explained. “Only graduates of a CSWE accredited program are eligible to sit for state licensure exams. Since most social work positions require licensure as a professional social worker, licensure opens up more job possibilities for our graduates.” Graduates of accredited social work programs are also eligible to apply for “advanced standing” in Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate programs, allowing them to complete their advanced degrees more quickly and at a lower cost. “Having a CSWE accredited BSW degree makes this professional milestone more easily attainable for our graduates,” said Dennison.
In June, the Judson Social Work program graduated its largest cohort of students since classes began in 2010. “We cannot wait to see the results of these students’ hard work as they pursue MSW degrees and take jobs serving vulnerable people wherever they find them, said Dennison. “They are ready to do great things!”
PHOTO: Noaf Bader of Gretna, La., Peyton Walker of Cullman, Ala., Chandra Barnes of Hanceville, Ala., Courtney Tillman of Flat Rock, Ala., and Celicia Maynor of Tuscaloosa, Ala., participated in the June 23 commencement exercises as the largest Judson BSW cohort to date. Photo by Sarah Fowler.