Missouri State University’s social work programs have been reaffirmed through 2033 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The renewal verifies that both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs meet national educational standards. For students, it protects eligibility for licensure and reinforces professional credibility after graduation.
Program structure and milestones
The BSW program has been continuously accredited since 1977 and will mark 50 years of accredited social work education in 2027. It enrolled 134 students in spring 2026.
The MSW program enrolled 142 students this spring and continues Missouri State’s decades of nationally recognized social work education since the 1970s.
“During the recent review cycle, we worked with faculty and practicum leaders to align the MSW curriculum, policies and procedures with CSWE standards,” said Dr. Michele Brown, MSW program coordinator. “That work led to a virtual site visit in April 2025 and official reaffirmation in November 2025.”
The review also included coordination of field education led by Heather Eckhart, clinical assistant professor in the MSW program. Her practicum oversight contributed to the program’s preparation throughout the review process.
The BSW program completed a comprehensive review during the same cycle. According to Natalie Curry, BSW program coordinator, the process spanned nearly two years and focused on documenting curriculum alignment and assessment outcomes, with practicum serving as the signature pedagogy of social work education.
Working closely with Regina Russell, clinical professor and BSW practicum coordinator, Curry helped demonstrate how the program meets accreditation requirements. The BSW program received official reaffirmation in November 2025.
“Having our accreditation reaffirmed demonstrates the university’s longstanding commitment to high-quality social work education,” Curry said.
Practical training from the onset
Field education is central to both programs. The review process affirms that practicum placements meet supervision and learning expectations across sites and community settings.
For MSW students, Brown noted that the review strengthened alignment between coursework, practicum education and workforce preparation, reinforcing graduates’ readiness for effective practice.
Curry described accreditation as foundational for students beginning their careers.
“Accreditation provides confidence that students are receiving an education aligned with national professional standards and preparing them for competent, ethical generalist practice,” she said.
“Graduating from an accredited BSW program can support eligibility for advanced standing in many MSW programs. It can also help meet licensure requirements in states that recognize the bachelor’s-level social work credential.”
A growing impact
Reviewers highlighted strengths reflected in students’ day-to-day experiences. MSW students described a well-rounded education that integrates theory and practice while reinforcing the cycle of practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
In the BSW program, the site visit report described a strong sense of pride across stakeholder groups. It also noted a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where students reported feeling supported, heard and valued by their instructors.
Both Brown and Curry see this milestone as part of an ongoing process, not an endpoint.
Brown emphasized the importance of “continuous curriculum enhancement informed by student feedback, community needs and the evolving demands of the social work profession.”
Curry added, “Looking ahead to the next review in 2033, a key priority is building on what we do well while remaining responsive to student feedback and the evolving needs of the profession.
“Overall, our goals focus on continuous improvement, maintaining strong accreditation standards and supporting student success.”
