The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work’s bachelor’s and master’s programs have each received a full eight-year reaccreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. In addition, the bachelor’s program received approval for an inaugural undergraduate distance education option effective in the 2018 fall semester.

With social work among the fastest growing occupations in the nation—the predicted growth rate is 19 percent from 2012 to 2022—the school continues its efforts to create opportunities for increased access to a social work degree.

“With dedicated strength from program leadership, I recognize the numerous contributions from all faculty, staff, students, community partners, administration and, of course, the support of the Thompson ʻohana,” said Dean Noreen Mokuau. “The collective efforts of the kauhale (Hawaiian village) demonstrates poʻokela (the best) performance.”

In 2017, the school ranked in the top 24 percent of all graduate social work programs in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. The ranking, combined with its eight-year reaccreditation, highlights the school’s capacity to support the next generation of social workers.

The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. and its territories.

—By Theresa Kreif