Bowie State University’s Department of Social Work had its full accreditation reaffirmed through 2026 for the bachelor’s degree program, recognizing its success in producing students and graduates with skills and knowledge to become generalist social work practitioners or pursue a master of social work degree in advanced standing programs.
The department has maintained full accreditation since 1972 with the Council on Social Work Education, which defines the standards for professional social work education. To achieve full accreditation, the degree program met rigorous benchmarks set for the curriculum, faculty expertise, students’ ability to master professional competencies and the program’s assessment of student outcomes, among other requirements. Full accreditation also means that Council on Social Work Education found no areas of concern in its assessment of the Bowie State program.
“By maintaining continuous full accreditation for more than 45 years, Bowie State University’s premier bachelor of social work program prepares graduates for study at some of the nation’s top master of social work (MSW) degree programs,” said Dr. Makeba Green, chair of the Department of Social Work. “Our graduates often enroll in top MSW programs with advanced standing status, meaning that they skip the foundation year of coursework and complete a two-year program in just one year.”
The Department of Social Work excels in developing 21st century social workers who can address the changing demographics of an increasingly diverse nation. The faculty and staff prepare culturally competent practitioners to become change agents with a commitment to diversity and social justice. The social work faculty have years of experience as clinical social work practitioners and researchers, with expertise in a wide range of specialties, including mental health, family therapy, disabilities, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse policy development.
Bowie State’s bachelor of social work program is unique because students must complete a requirement in American Sign Language or Spanish, in addition to having the opportunity to travel to countries like Cuba, Germany, Japan and South Africa in global learning visits. Students participating in the international programs experience new cultures, learn social work practices from other countries and understand how to address needs of diverse populations.
For those who cannot travel abroad, the department provides access to a software platform called Soliya, which allows them to interact virtually with students from across the globe. Having its full accreditation reaffirmed marks the continuation of the department’s commitment to preparing future social workers to make a positive impact in their communities.
News4usonline is a multi-ethnic driven website focused on providing readers with an alternate view on social issues, sports, lifestyle news, entertainment and culture as it relates to the various communities we cover. The end goal for News4usonline is to provoke thought as well as to uplift, inspire and encourage through artful storytelling.