CTX Blog
Academics-Social-Science

New partnership between Dordt University and Concordia University Texas offers faith-based, streamlined path to MSW degree

June 09, 2025
Students enjoying a stroll on campus

Dordt University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has announced a partnership with Concordia University Texas in Austin, Texas. This collaboration will provide Concordia Texas students with a streamlined path to earning their MSW degree.

“This partnership between Concordia University Texas and Dordt University opens a flexible, affordable path for our students to pursue a Master of Social Work while staying rooted in Austin,” explains Dr. Ann Schwartz, professor of sociology and director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Concordia. “By transferring 18 credit hours, students can finish their graduate degree faster without compromising on quality or values — all through a fully online program that fits their busy lives.”

Not only does this partnership grant students a more affordable and flexible option for their MSW degree, it’s also deeply rooted in both universities’ commitment to equipping students with the critical knowledge, practical skills, and Christ-centered approach needed in the field of social work.

“As the demand for compassionate and skilled social workers continues to rise, this partnership prepares students to serve with excellence,” says Joe Bakker, dean for online, graduate, and partner programs at Dordt. “Building on the strong foundation developed at Concordia, students can seamlessly transition into a program that combines professional rigor with a faith-centered approach to social work.”

“This partnership reflects Concordia’s commitment to helping students live out their calling through meaningful, real-world impact,” adds Schwartz. “As the need for social workers grows in Texas, we’re equipping our students with a direct, purpose-driven path to make a difference faster, locally, and with faith at the center.”

Dordt’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the Higher Learning Commission.

To learn more about Dordt’s MSW degree, visit Dordt.edu/MSW.