Accreditation and Licensure
Learn more about accreditation and licensure for PNW’s social work program.
As part of a metropolitan university, the Social Work program at PNW serves a diverse student body reflective of our community and region. Students in the B.A. in Social Work (BASW) participate in several experiential-based courses and practicums where they learn and put into practice the theory, tools, skills, methods, and roles utilized in generalist social work as they advocate for individuals and families. Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), the BASW prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that allow them to engage, advocate for, and enrich the communities in which they serve.
CSWE accreditation ensures that our program meets or exceeds peer-reviewed quality standards and has sufficient resources to meet its goals. It also reasonably assures our graduates are ready to practice in the field.
The B.A. in Social Work (BASW) program at PNW fulfills the educational requirements for a bachelor’s degree social worker license as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-23.6-5-1.5). Licensure in social work ensures that social workers possess the proper education and training to provide ethical and competent services. Social work License requirements differ from state to state; students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding licensure requirements.
The data indicate that students graduating from the BASW program at PNW can demonstrate their competency in the nine competencies identified by CSWE.
Form AS B5.0.1 (d) – Assessment Outcomes for 2025-2026
Public Reporting Requirements
Per the CSWE Board of Accreditation’s recognition body, the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and Accreditation Standard B5.0.1(d), baccalaureate social work programs are required to post this form publicly on their website and routinely update findings every two (2) years, at minimum. Programs provide CSWE with a website hyperlink to their posted form. Competency-based student learning outcomes are published in the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
Generalist Practice – Summary of Plan
| Competency | Instrument | Instrument: Expected Level of Achievement for Instrument | Competency: Expected Level of Achievement for Competency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
| Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | Instrument 1: Practicum Assessment Instrument Instrument 2: Course Embedded Portfolio Assignment 6 of 7 points | Instrument 1: 3 of 5 points Instrument 2: 6 of 7 points | 80% |
Generalist Practice – Summary of Outcomes
- Timeframe of Student Competency Assessment: 08/2025 – 05/2026
- Date Publicly Posted on Program’s Website: 07/2026
| Competency | Competency: Expected Level of Achievement Inclusive of All Instruments | Aggregate Actual Outcomes: All Program Options n = (13) | Program Option 1 Outcomes: Purdue University Northwest n = (13) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior | 80% | 96% | 96% |
| Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice | 80% | 96% | 96% |
| Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice | 80% | 96% | 96% |
| Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 80% | 100% | 100% |
| Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 80% | 93% | 93% |
| Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 80% | 96% | 96% |
| Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 80% | 100% | 100% |