Grace College, Dordt University announce affiliation agreement

News Release

WINONA LAKE — Grace College is pleased to announce a new academic affiliation agreement designed to provide a seamless and expedited pathway for Grace College students to pursue an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Dordt University.

“This partnership demonstrates both institutions’ commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in social work through a rigorous, Christ-centered education,” said Dr. Kelly Arney, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences at Grace. “Every year, we have graduating seniors interested in furthering their education in the field of social work, so I am thankful for the opportunity to direct them through this new pipeline to Dordt.”

Dordt University, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a higher education institution committed to the Reformed Christian perspective that equips students for Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the Higher Learning Commission.

Under the terms of the agreement, Grace College students who meet academic qualifications in the behavioral science or human services fields can apply for direct admission to Dordt University’s MSW program. Qualifying students will receive a waiver for up to 12 credit hours for select foundational courses in Dordt’s MSW program, allowing them to complete the two-year program in one and a half years.

The pathway streamlines the transition from undergraduate studies at Grace to graduate-level work at Dordt, allowing students to complete an advanced degree with greater efficiency and ease.

“Dordt University and Grace College are committed to helping students discover how they can use their passions to meet the world’s needs,” says Erin Olson, professor of social work and Master of Social Work program director at Dordt University. “Through this partnership, students who graduate from Grace will be able to get their MSW degree from instructors who are committed to helping them explore how an MSW degree can help them serve their communities and the people in need within those communities.”

For questions about related course plans or the Master of Social Work degree, contact taylor.droog@dordt.edu. For questions about undergraduate requirements at Grace College, contact arneykl@grace.edu.