by Natalia Kirychuk, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s recently re-accredited social work program has been named one of the top programs in the country by TheBestSchools.org (TBS).
Cedarville’s social work program was No. 28 on TBS’s list of top bachelor’s degree programs -- and is ranked second among all social work programs in Ohio.
“I’ve worked with higher education social work programs for years and I can honestly say there is no program like Cedarville University’s,” said Dr. Michael Sherr, the newly appointed chair of the social work program, who joined Cedarville this year from the Middle Tennessee State University. “We work very hard to never cut corners or compromise our high expectations for students. No other school invests in advising like Cedarville faculty do. Each student is cared for and known individually.”
The average social work program expects students will complete up to 400 hours of in-field experience during their junior and senior years. Cedarville’s program requires nearly 600 hours of field work starting with a first-year immersion experience class and internships their junior and senior years. The program also emphasizes biblical integration in the classroom, making it unique compared to other universities.
Cedarville University also has a thriving international field placement program with opportunities in Romania, Uganda and India. Leah Vance, senior social work major from Bonaparte, Iowa, spent two months in Romania this summer working with children and people with special needs.
“In Romania, I stayed with a host family, which really immersed me in Romanian culture,” said Vance. “I got to practice the skills I had learned at Cedarville in a completely new environment. The international location allowed me to see how social work is a global occupation that is conducted differently in each location. It really helped me break out of the American bubble.”
“I can see why our program is ranked as one of the best social work programs in the country,” said Vance. “I am receiving a wonderful education from professors who are enthusiastic about social work and who have worked in a variety of social work situations.
“Our small class sizes allow for more questions and our professors have more time for student interactions. I also love getting to choose my internship opportunities, so I can try different areas of social work and determine where I want to have my career.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4.193 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.