“We are very pleased to have achieved reaccreditation from this prestigious group,” said Harry Macy, chair of the Department of Social Work. “We feel the Ball State program is very strong, nationally-recognized and prepares future social workers for the challenges of the workplace.”

The baccalaureate or four-year degree prepares students for careers as social workers. Graduation from an accredited program allows students to enter a professional position, to seek advanced standing through master's degrees and to meet the legal regulations of social work practitioners in all 50 states.

Ball State's program, one of the first in the nation to achieve this distinction, has been accredited since 1974.

In granting reaccreditation, the Council on Social Work Education noted the strengths of the graduates, the programs' ability to incorporate the university's mission in its goals, the high-caliber of faculty members and their level of expertise, and the large number of graduates and field instructors who are committed to the continued development of the educational curriculum.

“Although there are many objectives, the most important is making certain that our students have the level of education and experience they need for a successful future,” Macy said. “Students who graduate from the baccalaureate program are prepared for professional responsibility and life-long learning, as well as understanding the use of computer technology in their chosen profession.”

For more information about Ball State's social work major, visit the department's web site at www.socwk.bsu.edu or call the department at (765) 285-1016.