--- title: Dordt University forms new partnership with Sterling College for MSW program date: 2025-02-27T08:29:00-06:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-forms-new-partnership-with-sterling-college-for-msw-program" 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) Feb 27, 2025 # Dordt University forms new partnership with Sterling College for MSW program Dordt University has established a new partnership with Sterling College for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, providing psychology students at Sterling the chance to fast-track their graduate studies in social work. ![Female student holding her pencil](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-10-28_002437_2024-07-01-160220_msws.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=da950ed5&v=9f86f97d0410a503d319e7b430ff0c13f51d33a6da3a731ca37784782aab7041) ![]()Dordt University has formed a new partnership for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program with Sterling College. This partnership offers students studying psychology at Sterling an opportunity to accelerate their graduate studies in social work. “Our partnership with Sterling College increases students' access by saving them money and time as they pursue the preparation they need to enter social work, counseling, and other service-oriented fields,” says Joe Bakker, dean for online, graduate, and partner programs at Dordt. In total, these students will be able to waive six credits in Dordt’s MSW program. “Sterling College is excited about this new partnership with Dordt University, as the graduating seniors within our psychology program now have a clear pathway and supportive structure with Dordt to further their education and achieve their master’s degree in social work,” says Dr. Ken Brown, vice president of academic affairs at Sterling College. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-FpGwszZ-X3.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=f24078a4&v=2f526e86bfb834459333c84b84c3006e91e1f2723da3d2639cef3f7e5ae58cd2) By choosing to continue their studies in the field of social work at a Christian university, these students are positioning themselves to make a difference not only through their skills, but also through their Christian faith. “Social work is a profession deeply rooted in service, justice, and compassion, aligning well with Dordt’s mission to equip students to bring Christ-centered renewal,” says Bakker. “The partnership with Sterling College provides a faith-based approach to service and social work that reinforces a commitment to integrating Christian values into professional practice throughout the student’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees.” “Social work is a field in great demand throughout our country and society,” adds Brown. “And this partnership provides a distinct and thrilling opportunity for our graduates to enhance their academic credentials while providing graduates in this program of high need.” 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/2023-24/DSC_0561.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=2bf98859&v=871b7a553573d7478ca92120e738dea506b9f74d96724dccfb175a750b826a75) Athletics Mar 01, 2025 ## Payton Mauldin wins national title as part of Dordt men's track and field team Payton Mauldin secured his second individual national title and fifth overall as he defended his 600m championship at the NAIA Indoor Championships, finishing over 1.5 seconds ahead of the runner-up. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/payton-mauldin-wins-national-title-as-part-of-dordt-mens-track-and-field-team) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-04-19_003179-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=ec8d5968&v=c415bbf354aeae255220895e3082688c0697812432445970311e7d2c91b582c7) Graduate Programs Social Work Feb 21, 2025 ## Dordt MSW to partner with Mid-Atlantic Christian University in North Carolina Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is partnering with Dordt University to offer its students a fast-track pathway to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-msw-to-partner-with-mid-atlantic-christian-university-in-north-carolina) [ ![]() ## 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]]>