Dordt Offers Accelerated 3+1 Social Work Degree

Dordt University has launched a new Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work accelerated 3+1 program. This means that students have the option to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work in three years, and then go on to earn their Master of Social Work (MSW) in a fourth year (three semesters).

Students pursuing this track will spend their first three years on-campus with in-person classes as an undergraduate, and the final year of master’s classes will be 100 percent online and full-time.

“There is a growing demand for MSWs as people are retiring, but also due to an increased need for the provision of high-quality social services,” says Dr. Erin Olson, professor of social work and program chair. “As mental health needs increase, there’s also a greater demand for competent mental health therapists, and an MSW degree enables students to get a license and step into those positions.”

The program is designed to get students into the workplace faster, to fill these needs. It is rigorous, and students are required to do work in a shorter time frame.

“Students will be able to meet their career goals more quickly while not compromising the quality of their education,” says Olson.

Students are continually looking for ways to minimize their time and costs to earn their degrees. Some may choose to pursue the traditional route and timeframe which Dordt also offers, whereas others will be eager to participate at an accelerated rate.

“The 3+1 program for students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work in four years opens the door for students to choose the pace and approach for their education,” says Joe Bakker, director of online education.

The courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs are all taught from a uniquely Christian perspective and Reformational worldview. The program is designed to provide a high-quality curriculum, delivered by faculty who are experts in their field, and give students the knowledge and experience they need to be competent, professional social workers.

“Students should expect to consider all courses from a uniquely Christian perspective providing them with opportunities to think about how they can see all people as God’s image bearers,” says Olson.

The master’s program offers three tracks for students to choose from: Clinical Practice, Community Practice and Administration, and Advanced Generalist. These tracks are available for both the accelerated and traditional option.

To learn more about the program visit dordt.edu/social-work.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. To learn more, visit dordt.edu.