SUU’s New Master of Social Work Degree Addresses Regional Need for Human Services Professionals
Published: September 30, 2026 |
Author: SUU |
Read Time: 2 minutes
[Cedar City, Utah.] In response to workforce needs and student demand, Southern Utah University (SUU) is set to launch a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program beginning the fall semester of 2027.
"We are so thrilled that SUU is the campus bringing Southern Utah's first on-the-ground master of social work program to our community. Social work is a quickly growing field across Utah, and has been particularly needed in Iron County for some time," said SUU MSW Program Director Kathy Ruiz. "We have an incredibly skilled team that has been practicing in the field for many years before coming to the classroom. We are passionate about helping to train and support new professionals ready to enter the world of social services."
This MSW program gives students the broad skills needed to help individuals, families, and entire communities. Because social work in rural areas comes with unique challenges, the program offers specialized courses like online therapy for remote areas, trauma care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and outdoor adventure therapy.SUU's Master of Social Work program is in the early stages of getting official accreditation from its governing board, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The courses were designed alongside local community and industry leaders to ensure students learn the exact, practical skills needed for the job.
This degree is offered exclusively on campus, featuring small classes for personalized learning. Applications for the first class (starting in fall 2027) are due by December 15. To learn more, visit the SUU website or attend a live online info session on October 6 at 5:00 p.m. (register at https://suu.edu/online/events).
About SUU Graduate & Online
As part of its more than 128-year history as Utah's first experiment in distance education, Southern Utah University's Graduate and Online department continues its pioneering legacy by offering to students across the globe affordable and flexible college degrees: 14 master's, 13 bachelor's, two associate degrees, and 12 graduate certificates. This includes one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in the nation, Speedway | Bachelor of General Studies. SUU Online's combination of affordability, flexibility, and vast student success programs provides an extraordinary education without compromise.
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