Social Work Accreditation

Prior to 1991, the Social Science Division of Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) offered a major in Justice Studies with an emphasis in Social Work. Some of the early courses offered were: Social Case Studies and Interviewing; Social Welfare Policy; Introduction to Group Dynamics; The Family; Methods of Social Work; and Introduction to Social Welfare. Fieldwork for prospective social workers was offered as well. In the fall of 1991, a Social Work major (BSW) was established for the first time in the Social Science Division at the College. In the Fall of 1993 the Bachelor's in Social Work was established for the College's campus in Coeur d'Alene as well.

The LCSC Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

 Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.  

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

The LCSC Social Work Program, which offers the only Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in Northern Idaho, achieved candidacy for accreditation in 1992 from the Council on Social Work Education and achieved full accreditation for the program in 1996. Since 1992, the College's Social Work graduates have been eligible for advanced standing in Master's level (MSW) programs because of the CSWE Candidacy Status. Since 1991 the Social Work program has graduated over 300 students and has over 180 declared social work majors on the two campuses.

Our program is advised by a Social Work Advisory Board.

Accreditation Standards

Council on Social Work Accreditation

CSWE Accreditation Outcomes Report

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Program’s Mission Statement: (Which applies to all program options.)

The mission of the Social Work program at Lewis-Clark State College is to prepare students for entry-level generalist practice within their chosen community. Our program is dedicated to meeting students’ needs by providing in-person and online delivery options to promote success for all students. We are committed to the preparation of professional Social Workers by enhancing cognitive and affective processes, and instilling knowledge, skills, and values to serve the needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

The Program relies on a liberal arts foundation and draws on person-in-environment, ecological, and strengths-based perspectives. Through courses, field education, and student service activities the program prepares graduates to: 

• Provide competent services to promote social, economic, and environmental justice and advocate for human rights. 
• Acknowledge the importance of human relationships and value the dignity and worth of the person.
• Practice respectfully with diverse populations, using a range of prevention and intervention methods, understanding the importance of enhancing the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally.
• Practice from a set of ethical principles inherent to the Social Work profession, including the recognition that professional development is a life-long learning process. 
• Practice with integrity as professional Social Workers.
• Engage in meaningful scientific inquiry, practice-informed research, and research-informed practice. 

(Revised March 2022)