Herzing University's Master of Social Work Program Earns Full Accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education

Milestone highlights Herzing's commitment to preparing future social workers for impactful careers

MILWAUKEE, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Herzing University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is awarded full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and professional preparation in social work.

Accreditation by the BOA signifies that Herzing's clinically focused MSW program meets or exceeds the rigorous standards set by CSWE through a comprehensive peer review process. This recognition confirms that the program provides students with the specialized clinical training, faculty expertise and curriculum necessary to excel in direct practice with individuals, families and communities. Accreditation ensures that every graduate receives a high-quality, accredited clinical education, preparing them for licensure post-graduation.

"The Council on Social Work Education's decision to award our online MSW degree program full accreditation confirms Herzing University's commitment to excellence by providing a program that prepares students to work with clients in diverse settings," said Elizabeth Wilson, PhD, MSW, LCSW, chair of MSW Program. "The accreditation is the result of countless hours of work by many social work faculty, our advisory board members, field instructors, university leaders and our students. We are proud and confident that Herzing MSW students are receiving a rigorous, clinically focused, culturally informed, accredited master's degree in social work that prepares them to improve the lives of clients in their communities."

Herzing University's MSW can be found in CSWE's Directory of Accredited Programs, providing assurance to students and employers about the program's quality and the competence of its graduates.

About the Program

The Herzing online MSW program equips both Bachelor of Social Work graduates and bachelors-level career changers with the clinical skills and experience to make a meaningful impact on individuals and families.

"At Herzing University, our mission is to support students in achieving their highest potential through career-focused education that meets the needs of today's workforce," said Dr. Kitty Kautzer, chief academic officer at Herzing University. "The full accreditation of our MSW program reflects this commitment, ensuring that our graduates are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact as clinical social workers in their communities."

Herzing's field education bridges classroom learning with real-world social work practice. As part of Herzing's commitment to accessibility, this fully online clinical program reaches underserved and rural areas by offering 100% online coursework combined with 500 to 900 hours of specialized in-person field practicum. 

"Field education is at the heart of social work training, and at Herzing, we ensure our students are prepared to step into real-world roles with confidence," said Nicki Schoonover, director of field education at Herzing University. "Our practicum experiences provide invaluable hands-on learning, allowing students to apply clinical skills in their own communities while making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve."

Additionally, Herzing is a military-connected university, recognizing the unique needs of service members and veterans pursuing careers in social work. The Herzing MSW program is an ideal pathway for veterans and active duty military members who want to pursue social work.

Seeds for Strong Futures: Supporting Mental Health & Workforce Development in Milwaukee

A key highlight of the program's commitment to service, the Herzing online MSW program was awarded the 2024 Seeds for Strong Futures grant—funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment—to support mental health training and workforce development for caregivers of youth in the greater Milwaukee area.

Through this initiative, the MSW program partnered with Medical College of Milwaukee (MCW) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) to provide educational resources for caregivers, complementing BGCGM's youth programming. This collaboration aimed to empower caregivers, strengthen their relationships with the children they support and ultimately foster healthier, more confident youth.

"The Seeds for Strong Futures grant not only allowed Herzing to support caregivers in the Milwaukee community but also provided an invaluable learning experience for some of our students," said Elizabeth Wilson, program chair of social work at Herzing University. "Our MSW honor students, members of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, played a key role in planning the project and gained hands-on experience working with grant partners from initial planning through implementation. Through their experience with BGCGM, they developed real-world skills in community engagement and mental health training—experience that will serve them throughout their careers in social work."

SUDEALS: Preventing Substance Use Disorder

The Herzing MSW program was also recently selected as one of ten programs across the country to participate in the CSWE Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars (SUDEALS) program, awarding the university a $33,000 grant over the next three years to enhance social work workforce capacity in substance use disorders.

The program will provide stipends for students and faculty, as well as specialized learning opportunities focused on substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery. Students will also benefit from travel stipends to attend a policy event in Washington D.C. and mentorship with the project director, Dr. KaRon Spriggs-Bethea.

"The SUDEALS program is yet another example of many opportunities I have had at Herzing to give back to the students and the communities. As a social worker, I am so honored to serve as the Project Director of the program," said Dr. Spriggs-Bethea. "As I have told the SUDEALS program selected students, had I not had this experience in the methadone clinic, I don't think that I would be where I am today. Working in substance use treatment has opened up so many doors for me, and I am so grateful for that!"

For more information about Herzing's accredited MSW, visit the CSWE's Directory of Accredited Programs.

About Herzing University

Herzing University is an accredited, private nonprofit institution with 11 campuses across eight states and an online division. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in the heart of Milwaukee, more than 50,000 students have graduated from the University's career-focused and flexible master's, bachelor's, and associate degree, and diploma programs. Fields of study include nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program through Herzing's School of Nursing, as well as programs across healthcare, technology, business, and public safety. Since 2013, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Herzing University annually for having some of the nation's top online programs. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. More information about Herzing University is available at www.herzing.edu. 

Herzing University's Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

Herzing University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master's social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).  Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program's accredited status in CSWE's Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE's Department of Social Work Accreditation.

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