--- title: Dordt University and College of the Ozarks partner to streamline pathway for MSW students date: 2025-04-28T10:03:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-and-college-of-the-ozarks-partner-to-streamline-pathway-for-msw-students" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) [Graduate Programs](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=graduate-programs) [Social Work](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=social-work) Apr 28, 2025 # Dordt University and College of the Ozarks partner to streamline pathway for MSW students Dordt University and College of the Ozarks have partnered to streamline the pathway to an MSW degree. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-g4fQkbj-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=710bd231&v=49631300876c91c2df21d5f03dd413662aa412eb8d9a3b5dabb3b0e49187c4c3) ![]()Dordt University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has partnered with College of the Ozarks to offer students a fast track to an MSW degree. “The partnership helps remove barriers to graduate education for College of the Ozarks students, many of whom are first-generation college graduates,” says Rebecca McGarry, assistant professor of behavioral sciences at College of the Ozarks. Through this collaboration, eligible College of the Ozarks students will be able to waive up to 15 credits in Dordt’s MSW program, making it possible to complete the degree more quickly and affordably. “By reducing both the time and cost, this partnership will allow students easier access to a master’s degree in social work, empowering them for success,” explains McGarry. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-sDrXmMf-X3_2025-04-28-150239_kixc.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=563c4030&v=8826110a3d51a5b058ca25f50ce1f04f1354119f075ee27de6c5d07e3e67ef5c) In addition to opening doors for students, the partnership also responds to the growing need for well-equipped professionals in the field of social work. “The field of social work offers a tangible way to live out Dordt’s mission of Christ-centered renewal,” says Joe Bakker, dean for online, graduate, and partner programs at Dordt. “By partnering with College of the Ozarks, we are equipping even more students to serve with compassion and bring restoration to those in need.” “Finding ways to coordinate in our community to support one another makes a stronger community all around,” adds McGarry. Dordt’s MSW program is accredited by [**Council on Social Work Education**](https://www.cswe.org/) (CSWE) and approved by the Higher Learning Commission. To learn more about Dordt’s MSW degree, visit [**Dordt.edu/MSW**](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work). **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/buadklein.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=cc710a87&v=bcaf50ca82f0fe35c1c89c1fcddc1d60bfcfefa87ae1ab351ca4a174da4ff1c6) Academics Business Apr 28, 2025 ## Dordt University launches new Healthcare Management concentration within BUAD program Designed to meet the growing demand for professionals with both business and medical expertise in the field of healthcare, Dordt University has announced a new concentration in healthcare management within the Business Administration (BUAD) program. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-launches-new-healthcare-management-concentration-within-buad-program) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-07_003067.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=3ad21d83&v=217ffb2595aa50fd5e633525351468a20f9825f66bd9377c699410c020f85d0a) Academics Apr 23, 2025 ## Two Dordt students awarded prestigious Verberg Prize Dordt University students Beatrice Shackelford and Elias Obbink received the 2025 Lambertus Verberg Prize for Excellence in Kuyperian Scholarship, one of the university’s most significant academic awards. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/two-dordt-students-awarded-prestigious-verberg-prize) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>