How to Find CSWE-Accredited Programs for Your Social Work Degree

Social work programs teach students to address complex social issues to improve the lives of vulnerable children and adults. As a social worker, you’d counsel clients and connect them to public resources, among other duties.

If this sounds like an ideal career, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). A master’s degree (MSW) can take you further. But before you apply to a social work program, ensure it has CSWE accreditation.

Want to learn what the CSWE is and more about this type of programmatic accreditation? Keep reading to learn all about CSWE accreditation and explore our list of popular CSWE-accredited programs.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only agency that accredits social work programs in the United States.

Founded in 1952, the CSWE supports the education of competent social workers. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The CSWE has accredited 549 bachelor’s programs and 345 master’s programs in social work. CSWE accreditation is a rigorous process that evaluates curriculum quality and faculty qualifications to ensure students are prepared for social work careers.

Its website has plenty of additional resources on professional development, social work research, study abroad opportunities, and scholarships and grants.

The CSWE directory of accredited programs makes it easy to look up the accreditation statuses of your programs of interest. This searchable database lists all CSWE-accredited bachelor’s and master’s social work programs. Here are additional ways to find accredited programs:

“Attending an unaccredited social work program means that you will be unable to pursue licensure and will likely face challenges with your post-graduate job search,” says Melissa Bronstein, LICSW, a licensed independent clinical social worker and psychotherapist.

“It is important to seek an accredited program to ensure you’re receiving the best education possible and setting yourself up for future professional success,” Bronstein says.

Popular CSWE-Accredited Programs

In the table below, you’ll find a list of popular CWSE-accredited social work programs. Note that these are a combination of bachelor’s and master’s programs.

CSWE accreditation proves that your degree is of excellent quality, allowing you to transfer credits, access financial aid, and find a relevant career after you graduate.

Social work programs without CSWE accreditation cannot guarantee a quality education, and graduates from unaccredited programs are unlikely to secure jobs in the field.

Whether or not you want licensure, CSWE accreditation shows that your program’s curricula align with current best professional practices, allowing you to become a compassionate, effective social worker.

“If your program loses accreditation, it will be important to consider your options and find the right path forward,” says Bronstein.

“You will want to talk to an academic advisor and consider reaching out to the CSWE to better understand your future pathways to receiving a degree. If accreditation is important to you for quality of education, financial aid, and future professional goals, you might consider transferring to an accredited program.”