Many graduates from Pacific Union College’s (PUC) social work program are eligible for advanced standing options in master’s degree programs. These options involve exemptions from specific coursework, accelerating the overall completion of their degrees. Several PUC graduates opt to pursue advanced degrees at Loma Linda University (LLU).
In November 2023, PUC and LLU formally agreed to establish a 4+1 Master of Social Work (MSW) program, streamlining the transition from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree for students. This innovative program simplifies the application process for students, requiring only one application and acceptance step. Successful completion of this accelerated social work program results in attaining both a bachelor’s degree from PUC and a master’s degree from LLU.
Damaris Perez, chair of PUC’s Psychology and Social Work Department, emphasized this program’s importance for the college, saying that successfully navigating graduate school is essential for students and receiving support from both institutions is crucial during their academic journey.
“This collaborative effort aims to fortify our relationship with sister institutions, fostering a supportive environment for students pursuing advanced education,” Perez said. “We have confidence in the excellence of the MSW program at LLU, and this agreement serves as a testament to the quality of students PUC is developing, who are successfully gaining admission to esteemed graduate schools, including LLU.”
Throughout the program, students will build relationships with LLU faculty and staff. Perez said LLU began teaching PUC’s Research for Social Work class this year, which has strengthened the bond between the two institutions.
Perez believes this new program will also help attract new students to PUC. “Through our program, students are being actively prepared for the job market and graduate school,” she said. “Many students also believe in higher education at Adventist institutions, and we want to support those pursuits.”
The original version of this story was posted on the North American Division website.