Milligan University Social Work has achieved a second year of candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).

Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it has made progress toward meeting standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. A program that has attained candidacy status has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) but has not yet demonstrated full compliance.

Students admitted to candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain initial accreditation. Milligan received candidacy status in the Fall of 2023.

Candidacy applies to all program options, including locations and delivery methods.

Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Review our program’s candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

As part of a Christian liberal arts university, the mission of Milligan University Social Work is to educate and empower bold servant-leaders to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through the field of social work.

To gain admission into Milligan’s School of Social Work, students must meet specific academic and experiential criteria:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Successfully complete SOWK 210 (Introduction to Social Work) with a grade of C or better.
• Document 50 hours of work—either volunteer or paid—with underserved populations or individuals in need.
• Submit a comprehensive application, including an essay and two professional references.

Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on February 15 for spring admission and September 15 for fall admission. This selective process ensures students are well-prepared to thrive in the social work field.

Graduates with a degree in social work from Milligan University are equipped for various entry-level roles and advanced opportunities. Common career paths include:

• Case Management: Supporting individuals and families in accessing services.
• School Social Work: Assisting students with emotional and social development.
• Community Outreach: Promoting social welfare programs within communities.
• Policy Analysis: Evaluating and developing policies to improve social systems.

Many students also pursue an advanced standing program in a Master of Social Work (MSW), enabling specialization in areas like clinical therapy, healthcare, or child welfare. The program’s focus on ethics and human service prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to society.

Yes, fieldwork is central to Milligan’s Social Work field education. Students gain hands-on experience in social service agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. These placements bridge academic learning with practical application, enabling students to develop skills in working with individuals, families, and communities.

Field placements are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, focusing on tasks such as client assessment, case documentation, and intervention planning. Guided by experienced supervisors, students gain insights into becoming a social worker who can effectively navigate diverse and complex environments.

Milligan integrates its Christian mission into every aspect of the Social Work program. This approach encourages students to view human service as a calling to make a positive impact on the world. Coursework emphasizes servant-leadership, fostering a commitment to ethical practice and advocacy for marginalized populations. Faculty mentorship supports students in developing values that align with professional excellence and compassionate care.

Yes, graduates of Milligan’s Social Work major are well-prepared for graduate studies. Many students transition seamlessly into advanced standing MSW programs, completing their graduate degrees in less time due to their strong undergraduate foundation. Others explore specialized fields such as clinical social work, research, or social policy. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking and research equips students for success in a range of graduate opportunities.