This year Taylor was recognized for having the number one social work program in Indiana, and the sixth best program nationwide.
These rankings are found through the organization SocialWorkDegree.org.
“We've researched and ranked 413 Council for Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited schools based on tuition and salary data to help you launch your social work career,” SocialWorkDegree wrote on their website.
As SocialWorkDegree is an organization dedicated solely to ranking social work programs in universities, Taylor’s rankings in this system reflects well for the program.
Cathy Harner, the social work department chair, echoed this optimism and positivity towards the program.
“For many years, we have been told by practicum supervisors and employers that our students are more prepared for the profession than students from other programs,” Harner said. “We believe that our students embrace the learning in an effort to take the love of Christ into a world in desperate need of grace.”
The department looks to prepare students for challenges found outside the University and to do so with a Gospel-centered attitude.
Harner even states that Taylor has a program that rivals highly accredited schools.
“Our program has rigorous expectations ― far higher than our external accrediting body requires,” Harner said. “Our students rise to meet and often exceed these expectations. Our students are the ones to be commended for making our program shine.”
As students learn the ins and outs of social work in the classroom, they are also required to complete 30 hours of volunteer work during their time at Taylor for organizations such as churches, schools and mental health facilities.
Current and future Taylor students can look forward to studying social work at Taylor for several years down the road.
According to Greta Kiers, program assistant in the social work department, on Oct. 15 Taylor social work received reaffirmation on their accreditation from CSWE. The accreditation will last for the next eight years.
This intense system has shown positive outcomes based on the success rates of graduated students in the program. Many students from Taylor choose to continue their education into a Master of Social Work (MSW).
“Many of our graduating seniors are offered employment right out of their Senior Practicum experience,” Harner said in an email. “Some choose graduate school right away as their goal in social work requires the MSW. Nearly all of those who pursue the MSW find their graduate degree to be easier than their degree at Taylor. I believe that our students are well prepared for problem solving whatever situation God brings their way.”
