MSW Student and Faculty Accepted for Publication in Prestigious Social Work Journal

Master of Social Work (MSW) student Iara Vellaro, graduate assistant for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, and Dawn Apgar, Ph.D., LSW, ACSW, director of the BSW program and associate professor, have co-authored an article recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Social Work Education, one of the field’s most respected peer-reviewed journals.

Their article, "Creating Accreditation Standards for Online Social Work Education: Examining Best Practices," addresses the growing need for clear accreditation guidelines in online social work education. With the rise of digital learning platforms, social work has seen unprecedented growth in online course delivery. Yet, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has not established specific standards for online programs, despite maintaining requirements in areas such as faculty ratios and practicum hours. The authors argue that adopting well-researched accreditation standards could ensure both quality and equity in online education, strengthening outcomes for students and the profession alike.

The article highlights how other professions have adopted online-specific accreditation benchmarks and uses empirical research findings to explore best practices applicable to social work. Apgar and Vellaro emphasize that CSWE’s leadership in this area could provide necessary quality control as more schools expand their online offerings. Their work contributes to the national conversation on how to balance innovation in education with the need for consistent, equitable standards that uphold the integrity of the profession.

This recognition underscores Seton Hall’s commitment to advancing social work education through scholarship and collaboration between students and faculty. Vellaro’s contribution as a graduate student co-author demonstrates the valuable role emerging scholars can play in shaping the future of the field.

Categories: Education, Research