BEMIDJI, Minn. – The social work program in Bemidji State University’s College of Social and Natural Sciences was recently reaccredited as a baccalaureate social work degree from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The reaccreditation becomes effective this month and continues through February of 2016.
“The reaccreditation process is an intense examination of the program and its curriculum,” Cheryl Byers, director of the social work program, said. “We are extremely proud that CSWE continues to recognize our accomplishments. We’re providing a quality degree program that prepares graduates for generalist practice in culturally diverse urban, rural and tribal communities.”
CSWE accreditation is required for a four-year college or university in the United States to offer a degree program in social work. Accreditation requires rigorous compliance with educational standards that prepare students for social work practice. The reaccrediation process included submission of a detailed self study outlining the social work program’s compliance efforts within eight standards of accreditation.
In September of 2007, a two-member site team from CSWE spent two days on campus reviewing the social work program’s written materials, visiting facilities and meeting with administrators, faculty, students and community social work practitioners.
A degree in social work at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate level is required by all 50 states to become a licensed social worker. CSWE reaccreditation of the Bemidji State social work program ensures northern Minnesota of an accredited bachelor of social work program being available to students for the next eight years.
“This reaccrediation process was a team effort,” Byers said. “I want to give special thanks to Pat Rogers, dean of the College of Social and Natural Sciences, Associate Professor Mary Ann Reitmeier and the program’s administrative support staff, Christie Harris and Deb Krueger.”
The social work program also oversees the educational curricula for Bemidji State’s minor in chemical dependency and the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) certification.
For more information about BSU’s social work program, the chemical dependency minor or LADC certification, please contact Cheryl Byers, program director, at (218) 755-2836. Also, visit the BSU social work program on the Web at:
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/social_work/
About the Council on Social Work Education
The Council on Social Work Education is (CSWE) is a nonprofit national association representing more than 3,000 individual members as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country.
For further information about the NAIT, visit its Web site at: http://www.cswe.org.