Begun three years ago, UTC’s masters of social work program has already reached significant milestones, including recognition as one of the best in the nation.
The program has been ranked as one of the best in the United States by HumanServicesEdu.org, a website that provides information and resources for students and professionals who want to begin or advance a career in human services. Out of 261 accredited MSW programs nationwide, UTC is one of 53—and the only one in Tennessee—to be chosen by HumanServiceEdu for its 2019 rankings.
“The Best of the Nation award is an exciting achievement for our program. It allows others, who might not otherwise, think about UTC to stop and take a look,” said Amy Doolittle, director of the MSW program. ” It validates and celebrates the work we have done to offer a program that is accessible to students who are looking for a non-traditional course offerings and training to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities as they age through the life course.”
To make the list, a program must have been accredited by the Commission on Social Work Education, another recent milestone earned by UTC’s master of social work. On its first try, the program was awarded accreditation this month.
“We are very proud of our Social Work program for this achievement. The CSWE review and assessment process is arduous and rigorous and earning accreditation demonstrates the quality and excellence of our faculty and students,” said Beth Crawford, director of the School for Professional Studies, which houses UTC’s Social Work program.
The designation, which will be officially posted to the CSWE’s website on March 11, means MSW graduates, including those who have already completed the program, can earn their state licenses, which they must have to practice social work.
The HumanServiceEdu rankings were created “to help potential students find information about CSWE accredited programs and bring recognition to top quality programs,” said Kelly Simpson, managing editor at the website.
“We assessed hundreds of schools around the nation to find Master’s in Social Work programs that we are excited to list as the best of the best,” she said.
