Valdosta State University has been named a best value for students interested in pursuing advanced training in the field of social work.

VSU came in at No. 9 on the 2017 College Values Online Top 20 Accelerated Online Master of Social Work Degrees list. To determine its rankings, College Values Online analyzed data from United States-based institutions of higher education offering an accredited Master of Social Work degree at a faster-than-usual pace and an affordable price.   

Dr. Mizanur R. Miah, professor and head of the Department of Social Work, said that he is proud to be able to offer a Master of Social Work program that is both affordable and well respected across the country. U.S. News and World Report has previously named VSU’s program among the best in the nation through its reputation-based Best Graduate Schools rankings.

“I firmly believe that this ranking will create a very positive image for our program and our university,” Miah shared. “As we make our program more affordable in a nationally competitive scenario, we become more attractive as a university of choice to talented students from a wide variety of backgrounds, especially underserved population groups. As a social worker and a program leader, this in particular makes me very proud and gives me immense pleasure.”

Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, VSU’s Department of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work program that focuses on multi-level, advanced generalist practice. Students learn about both clinical and community practice and are able to develop the requisite skills to practice in many settings, from schools to hospitals, law enforcement to hospice. Students in the program can attend classes on campus full time or part time, or they can take advantage of an innovative web-based program that requires them to meet face-to-face only a few weekends each semester.

VSU’s Department of Social Work is located in the Health Sciences and Business Administration Building. It is one of nine departments that comprise the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services.