TWU Social Work Program Earns Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Tennessee Wesleyan University joined an elite group of Tennessee programs earlier this summer, receiving accreditation during the June meeting of the Commission on Accreditation (COA) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The accreditation is an important leap forward for the TWU undergraduate program.

“Having an accredited Social Work program means that our students have more options following graduation,” said TWU Social Work Program Director, Linda Garza. “Students are eligible to apply for state licensure, as well as advanced standing in accredited Master of Social Work programs.”

The CSWE is “responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and (ensures) that social work programs meet these standards.” The TWU program’s initial accreditation will run through June 2023.

The process for accreditation includes a program self-study, site visits and reviews from COA commissioners and a program response to the COA review, with numerous eligibility guidelines. TWU had previously held Candidacy status with the CSWE and now joins just 17 undergraduate programs in the state of Tennessee to be accredited by the Council.

“The BSW (Bachelor of Social Work degree) is a widely preferred degree with a wide range of social service agencies,” added Garza about the importance of TWU program accreditation.

“Being able to offer this accredited BSW program provides prospective students the opportunity to attend a program in a small university setting, where they will receive individual attention from faculty and staff and be part of a close-knit cohort.”