The Master of Social Work - MSW program at Saint Leo University has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, just four years after the technologically innovative program was launched.

The program has been in candidacy for this important professional accreditation since it began enrolling students in 2009, so that all alumni of the program from previous years will be considered graduates of an accredited program, just as the new graduates will be.

The accreditation assures workplaces, prospective students, and the general public that the Saint Leo University online MSW degree program meets the teaching and curricular standards established by the profession.

The longstanding Saint Leo Bachelor of Social Work - BSW degree is accredited by the same commission. In addition, the professional accreditation permits M.S.W. graduates to sit for the examination necessary to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).

Innovative program delivery.

The Saint Leo MSW program is offered to prospective students who physically reside in Florida, Georgia, or Virginia.

The program is offered online with required webcam videoconferencing sessions. It is this delivery system that makes the program so innovative.

Students enter the program knowing that they have to be available also for weekly evening classes, daytime internship hours, and one weekend seminar during the summer at University Campus in Florida. Students have the option of completing the program in either two or three years.

The M.S.W. program is directed by Cindy Lee, Ph.D., and is offered through Saint Leo's School of Education and Social Services. Dr. Lee also began the program and worked with fellow graduate program faculty members throughout the accreditation process.

Creating pathways to new careers.

"We are so proud of Dr. Lee and our MSW faculty and their dedication to the program," said Dean Carol Walker, Ph.D., of the School of Education and Social Services. "It is an honor and an accomplishment that the rigor and creative technological aspects of this program are recognized nationally."

Saint Leo University President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., said the M.S.W. program's success demonstrates how astute uses of online technology, combined with excellent teaching, can provide committed learners with pathways to new careers.

"We are reaching people who would not have the opportunity to take time away from their family obligations or jobs to attend a daytime program in a traditional college classroom. Yet they are proving they are willing to work through a rigorous online program with additional requirements, and excel in the workforce, making meaningful contributions in a broad variety of positions," Dr. Kirk said.

Please let us know if you have any questions about our MSW degree program!

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

Pursuing An Online Masters In Social Work So He Can Make A Difference

Online Social Work Degree Leads To A Profession On Hope

Image Credits: Rosie O'Beirne, Saint Leo University