Redeemer University is announcing a new partnership with Dordt University (Iowa, United States) between its applied social sciences program and Dordt’s master of social work (MSW).

Students who graduate from Redeemer University with a degree from the applied social sciences honours program can fast-track their path to an MSW at Dordt. The preparation that students receive at Redeemer will allow Dordt to waive some of the courses in the MSW program, which creates an opportunity for students to graduate early and save tuition.

“This partnership represents two institutions with similar perspectives working together to help students achieve their career and educational goals,” says Dr. Erin Olson, chair of Dordt’s MSW program.

Dordt’s Master of Social Work is offered 100 per cent online, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the world. It is taught from a Christian perspective, supporting Dordt’s mission to equip students to work toward Christ-centred renewal in all areas of life.

“Redeemer students are able to get a high-quality MSW degree from a Christian institution while remaining in their own communities,” says Olson. “The MSW degree will help them further their social work education and career prospects while also helping them develop as Christian social work practitioners.”

The program offers students three tracks: clinical practice, community practice and administration, and advanced generalist. Students can participate in the program on a part-time or full-time basis, and students can enter the program at the beginning of the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

“This opportunity is valuable to our students in at least three ways,” says Dr. James Vanderwoerd, professor of social work at Redeemer. “The online format provides a highly flexible platform that allows students to tailor the program to their own situations; the U.S.-based accreditation is recognized in Canada; and, most importantly, it offers one of the only opportunities to pursue an MSW based on the Reformed tradition that Redeemer and Dordt share.”

Dordt’s master of social work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the Higher Learning Commission. The accreditation from CSWE is a key component to allowing Canadian students to practice social work in Canada once they graduate.

Learn more about studying social work at Redeemer by listening to episode six of the Redeemer podcast: