Virginia State University Becomes First U.S. HBCU to Offer a CSWE-Accredited Master of Social Work Program in Trauma-Informed Care

Virginia State University has announced that its Master of Social Work (MSW) program has achieved full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), making it the first Historically Black College or University in the nation to offer such an accredited program specializing in trauma-informed care.

“The accreditation, effective retroactively from fall 2022, reflects VSU's commitment to providing high-quality education and transformative opportunities for its students. The accreditation will last through 2032 and can be extended,” according to a VSU press release.

The MSW program at VSU began two years ago with 10 students. Today, the program has grown to 68 active students, with an anticipated class of 100 expected in summer and spring 2025. According to ZipRecruiter, an online employment marketplace, the average annual salary for MSW graduates in Virginia is $78,213.

The MSW program specializes in preparing graduates to address the well-being of individuals who have experienced trauma. It is also committed to promoting human rights and social and economic justice through community engagement, advocacy, and collaborative scientific inquiry that impacts professional practice locally, nationally, and globally.

Prospective students should visit https://www.vsu.edu/sola/departments/social-work/master-of-social-work-program/.