Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Social Work Program Earns CSWE Accreditation

ST. LOUIS (April 18, 2023) — Maryville University today announced that its online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program has received accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

As the sole accrediting body for social work programs in the United States, accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation (COA) allows BSW graduates to apply for advanced degrees and licensures. In addition to future BSW graduates being recognized as graduating from an accredited program, the accreditation also is applied retroactively for students who entered or graduated from the program during its 2020 candidacy period.

“CSWE accreditation for our BSW online program is impactful in that it conveys that Maryville University has established and delivers an active, rigorous, online learning environment that is shaping social work education in the 21st century,” said program director and assistant professor of Social Work Ellie Wideman, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW. “This online program sets up our graduates to acquire the knowledge-base and practice skills required by CSWE, ultimately resulting in graduates who are readied as change agents in the field of social work.”

Social work features prominently on lists of the most fulfilling work, with several positions being cited on U.S. News & World Report’s “26 Best Social Services Jobs” and Forbes’ “Most Meaningful Job” lists.  Aspiring social workers have the opportunity to impact communities, act as advocates for social justice, and give a voice to marginalized individuals, families, and organizations. Social work also is a growing field with overall employment of social workers projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Central Missouri also is listed as a top-five paying nonmetropolitan areas nationally for social workers.

Launched in 2020, Maryville University’s online BSW program is designed to help students enhance their skill set and knowledge base to build a meaningful career. Based on the nine CSWE competencies, a virtual community of top social work professionals and experts, and project-based learning that blends theory with real-world training, the BSW program equips graduates to serve children, aging adults, victims of crime or trauma, people with addiction, and those facing other forms of adversity.

Upcoming BSW 2023 enrollment period and deadlines:

• Summer 2023
  • First Term
    • Application deadline: 5/1/2023
    • Start date: 5/8/2023
  • Second Term
    • Application deadline: 6/26/2023
    • Start date: 7/3/2023

• Fall 2023
  • Application deadline: 8/21/2023
  • Start date: 8/28/2023

To apply or learn more about Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in social work program, visit https://bit.ly/4001TyE.

Founded in 1952, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include over 750 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.

About Maryville University

Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of 10,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the second fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from all 50 states and 56 countries. More than 17,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region. For more information, visit online.maryville.edu.