Social Work Department Receives Accolades

Bethel’s social work program was featured recently on the High-Value Bachelor of Social Work list published by Social Work Degree Guide (SWDG). To identify the value of undergraduate programs, SWDG began with programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in areas with the highest average social work salaries. They then assessed the program’s reputation to offer high return on investment (ROI) according to Payscale.com, a reputable source on employment compensation across the nation.

Bethel’s social work program was named number 10 on the list of Top 20, the highest ranking among Midwest schools. Bethel was the only Twin Cities school on the list. Read the full list of the Top 20.

This summer, the Department of Social Work completed the re-accreditation process with CSWE. New legislation related to higher education accreditation changed the process since Bethel’s last review. The accreditation focus shifted from curriculum content to student outcomes. Amy White, social work program director, worked with her colleagues to revise the entire curriculum to meet 10 compliance areas for graduates and to develop outcomes-based assessments. In June, the department received notification that the program was approved for another seven years, through 2021. Bethel’s social work program has been accredited since 1982.