Contact: Sammy McDavid
Mississippi State's 11-year-old bachelor's degree program in social work is continuing its accreditation by a national governing body.
The Council on Social Work Education is extending for eight years--the maximum period--official approval of the 132-hour bachelor's degree curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences.
In his letter of notification, Frank R. Baskind said the Alexandria, Va.-based council "appreciates and affirms the many strengths in the program and commends the efforts of the faculty and others associated with it."
Baskind, chair of the council's accreditation commission, specifically pointed to several strengths, among them "a competent, creative and dedicated faculty; strong advisory committee support; articulate, outspoken and knowledgeable students; field placement stipends for students; and an emphasis on program diversity."
The program, which first offered a degree in 1989, currently enrolls more than 90. It gained initial accreditation in 1992.
Director Adele Crudden said the curriculum is designed to prepare undergraduates both for entry-level generalist practice and for further study at graduate schools offering master's and doctoral degrees in the field.
"Generalist social workers are trained to deal with a wide range of issues and our graduates are employed in such diverse settings as hospitals, public welfare agencies, day-care programs, nursing homes, and public and mental health programs, among others," she added.
Noting that enrollment is increasing, Crudden said faculty and students "are excited about the future of social work at Mississippi State" and "extend our appreciation to all who provided support, assistance and encouragement throughout this process."