Minot State to offer social work degree fully online
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is proud to announce the launch of a fully accredited online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program in Summer 2025.
The program is designed to provide greater access to social work education for students in rural communities, tribal and community college graduates, and working professionals who need a flexible, high-quality path to completing a social work degree.
"Social work isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about connection, resilience, and the ability to truly understand and support others,” said Lacy Corneliusen, assistant professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice. “We don’t just teach theory; we mentor, challenge, and guide students to become competent, ethical professionals in the field. Just because the program is online doesn’t mean it will be distant. Our faculty are deeply committed to building relationships with students, ensuring they graduate not just with a degree but with the confidence, skills, and heart to make a real impact.
“Our hope is to inspire students to love the field of social work as much as we do and to see the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities.”
This four-year degree program mirrors MSU’s established in-person BSW program by maintaining a commitment to student success, cost-effective tuition, and skills-based program content. Upon completion, students will be prepared for a meaningful career in the field and will be eligible to sit for the national bachelor’s-level social work licensure exam.
The online program offers opportunities to complete concentrations that allow students to cross-train and specialize in high-demand social justice arenas, including addiction studies, human trafficking awareness, and special education. Students who declare a concentration complete 12 elective credits (four classes) specific to the concentration. The addiction studies concentration, which, when paired with addiction-specific practicum hours, allows graduates to qualify for dual licensure in both social work and addiction counseling. This added credential expands career pathways while addressing the growing need for professionals trained in both fields.
"We designed this program to be flexible without sacrificing the quality of learning or the relationships that make social work education so impactful,” said Nancy Gordon, assistant professor and program director. “Our MSU faculty bring years of real-world experience and are committed to making sure students feel supported, challenged, and prepared for the realities of the field. This is more than just an online program. It’s an interactive, supportive learning experience that prepares students to confidently step into the field of social work and make a real impact in their communities.”
A distinguishing aspect of the BSW program is the depth of practice experience brought by its faculty. Each professor is an experienced, licensed social work professional with diverse backgrounds in multiple fields, including clinical settings, child welfare, mental health services, policy development, crisis intervention, corrections, disability services, geriatrics, transplant/dialysis, and medical social work. Faculty members bring real-world knowledge from the front lines of social work, allowing students to learn from instructors who have navigated the rewards and challenges of the profession.
What makes the Minot State Bachelor of Social Work program stand out?
- Designed for working and rural students: The program provides flexibility for students who cannot relocate or attend traditional, in-person classes.
- Cost-effective tuition: MSU remains committed to providing affordable education, making this an accessible option for students concerned about the financial burden of a degree.
- Hands-on approach in an online setting: While courses are fully online, students will experience interactive, engaging coursework, with faculty offering direct mentorship and guidance throughout the program.
- Small cohort sizes for stronger connections: MSU keeps cohort sizes small to ensure professors truly know and support their students. The program fosters relationship-building and connection in order to provide a collaborative and engaging learning environment.
- Career-ready structure: The final year consists of courses that focus on skills-based, hands-on learning, with a 400-hour field practicum in the last semester. This ensures students graduate with real-world experience and are ready to enter the workforce.
For more information on the Department of Behavioral Science and Criminal Justice, see the department’s WEBSITE. For more information on social work, see MSU’s WEBSITE or PROGRAM PAGE.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 03/12/25
