In September 1971 as a response to student requests, the Division of Social Sciences under the direction of the Department of Sociology initiated the social work major. Several years prior to that date, students were given the option of a block field placement. The majority of the sociology students chose this option with the intent of finding employment in the human service field following graduation. To better meet the occupational plans of students, during the 1969-1970 academic year, Saint Leo University began research on undergraduate social work education in small liberal arts colleges, designed a social work curriculum, and contacted the Council on Social Work Education (C.S.W.E.).
In November 1971, Saint Leo University applied for program approval from C.S.W.E. The Committee on Standards for Undergraduate Social Work Programs voted to withhold program approval until the University developed, " . . .a coherent education program . . ." with, " . . . faculty resources adequate in terms of expression, training, and member to carry out the objectives of the program . . ." Since that time, Saint Leo University worked continuously to meet these standards, and by 1976 had a curriculum designed and developed according to C.S.W.E. accreditation guidelines and two full-time M.S.W. faculty members.
In September 1977, social work obtained program integrity and became a major within the Division of Social Sciences. A coordinator with decision-making autonomy for the program was appointed. In June 1981, the faculty was given release time to begin the process of writing the self study as part of the first step in seeking accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The self study materials were submitted, and at its January 1982 meeting the Council voted to authorize a site visit to Saint Leo University. The site visitors' report was favorable, and in February 1983, the program was given full initial accreditation for the maximum four-year period. Re-accredidation was obtained for a three-year period in 1987. The program has since maintained its accreditation with the Council.