June 19, 2016 (Jackson, Miss) - Belhaven's Social Work Department reached an important milestone when the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) awarded the program national accreditation.
“This is a momentous step for our program,” said Dr. Angela Gaddis, chair of the social work department. “This status gives our social work program national recognition by accrediting bodies and licensure boards. We are excited about this accomplishment and know that it will benefit our current and future social work students.”
Graduating from Belhaven's accredited social work program can give students an advanced standing in graduate schools, and depending on the institution, helps them complete their master's degree in less time. This saves money on future tuition and time toward their career.
Accreditation means more opportunities for learning and field placement. Dr. Gaddis adds, “This status provides learning experience in the medical field, schools, international agencies and in more intricate mental health centers. It also allows our students to sit for licensure exams equipping them to better compete in the job market.”
Anita Trigg, assistant professor of social work, points out, “CSWE's accreditation shows prospective students the value of a social work degree from Belhaven University throughout the United States as well as globally. It also communicates to social work and social service agencies that our students can be groomed into potentially great employees who have received a well-rounded, accredited academic course of study.”
The CSWE is the only social work accrediting body in the nation. The multistep, four-year process involved self-studies, site visits and reviews by the Commission of Accreditation (COA).