Helena, MT – Carroll College was recently awarded accreditation of its Master of Social Work (MSW) program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a significant achievement that underscores the college's commitment to delivering educational excellence. This initial accreditation, effective for eight years and retroactive to 2021, certifies that Carroll's MSW program meets and exceeds the rigorous standards expected in the social work profession.
The accreditation process was a comprehensive three-year endeavor that involved the collective efforts of faculty, students, administration, and community partners in highlighting the program's mission, goals, and resource capabilities. Carroll College's MSW program is among the select 30% of programs that have achieved initial accreditation without the need for further progress reports or additional findings.
Obtaining accreditation holds significant importance for the program for several reasons. It's essential for graduates who aim to pursue professional licensure to be part of an accredited program, and numerous organizations require that their employees have degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many scholarship opportunities are available exclusively to students enrolled in accredited programs.
“We’re thrilled to have achieved this important programmatic milestone. It’s a recognition of our curriculum and the commitment of the faculty and staff to offer a cutting-edge clinical social work program,” said MSW Director, Dr. James Petrovich. “Throughout the accreditation process, students and community members have continued to compliment the program and we appreciate their support. We will also continuously strive to be better because we fully recognize the important work our graduates will do in their communities.”
This accreditation arrives at a critical time, with the demand for qualified social workers on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in social worker employment from 2020 to 2030, outpacing the average for all occupations. Social workers play an essential role in addressing pressing societal challenges, including mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, and the needs of aging populations.
"Receiving this accreditation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and our mission to address societal needs," said Carroll College President, Dr. John Cech. "The MSW program is an important addition to our academic offerings, and this recognition advances our vision to prepare social workers who are not only ready to serve but also to lead in their communities."
The newly accredited MSW program introduces a clinically-focused curriculum that combines synchronous and asynchronous online learning with intensive in-person fieldwork. The program also facilitates weekend intensives five times each year, which students can attend virtually or in-person. Full-time traditional students can complete the program in 21 months while students possessing an undergraduate degree in social work may be eligible for the advanced standing track, which can be completed in nine months. The program is tailored to provide highly individualized clinical training, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to tackle the complex behavioral health and social service needs of their clients. In addition, it is designed to be accessible to students across various locations, with the majority of the program achievable via remote learning.
From its inception in 2021, the MSW program has aimed to train clinical social workers to support individuals, families, and groups dealing with behavioral health challenges through a curriculum that emphasizes trauma-informed/resilience-focused care, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership. The program's success is reflected in its positive impact on local and regional communities. In the past three years, the MSW program has graduated 20 students, with 15 more candidates this year, underscoring its key role in addressing Montana's need for behavioral health practitioners.
Carroll College extends deep gratitude to lead donor Terry Payne, for his foundational support of the program, and to Dr. James Petrovich, MSW Director, and faculty and staff members Erin Butts, Jean Ollis, Molly Molloy, and Jaime Borrego, for their tireless work in achieving accreditation. Their extraordinary efforts have been pivotal in reaching this milestone.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, as well as our faculty, staff, and students, I am grateful to Dr. Petrovich and the MSW faculty for their steadfast work on this national accreditation effort,” said Cech. “It is truly exceptional that our accreditation was granted without any findings, particularly when our MSW advisors emphasized that such an outcome is uncommon. My gratitude also extends to Terry Payne for his financial backing and confidence in our program. Thanks to Terry's generosity, numerous communities across Montana in dire need of mental health services will greatly benefit from this program."
As Carroll College celebrates this significant accomplishment, it reaffirms its commitment to shaping a future where its graduates make meaningful contributions to the social work field. The college looks forward to the ongoing success of the MSW program and its continued impact on the broader community.
For more information about the MSW program and Carroll College's innovative response to the growing demand for social work professionals, visit carroll.edu/msw. The college continues to welcome applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, offering students an accredited program that prepares them for impactful careers in social work.