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Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Heritage University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), affirming the program’s commitment to preparing highly qualified social workers to serve communities throughout Washington state and beyond.

“This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for Heritage University and a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Chris Gilmer.” This accreditation attests to the quality of our MSW program and the value of a Heritage education. As the only private university in the nation that is both a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Heritage is committed to preparing compassionate, culturally responsive professionals who will make a meaningful difference in their communities. This is true for all our graduates and nowhere is this more critical than in the Social Work profession.”

Development of Heritage University’s MSW program began in January 2023, with social work faculty designing a graduate program that would increase access to advanced social work education across Washington state. The program welcomed its inaugural Advanced Standing cohort of 22 students in August 2024, with those students graduating in July 2025. A second cohort, consisting of both Advanced Standing and Traditional Two-Year students, began in August 2025. The Advanced Standing students completed the program in July 2026, while the Traditional Two-Year cohort will graduate in July 2027.

Accreditation by the CSWE signifies that Heritage University’s MSW program meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards through a rigorous peer-review process. It confirms the program has the resources, curriculum and faculty necessary to fulfill its mission while meeting all accreditation standards. The accreditation applies to all program locations and delivery methods, providing students, employers and community partners with confidence that graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for professional social work practice.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the primarily online program meets on campus just seven times each semester, making graduate education accessible to students from communities throughout Washington. Current students come from the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Othello, Moses Lake, Mattawa and other communities across the state. Enrollment continues to grow, with 52 students expected to begin the program this fall and approximately 60 students anticipated to enroll in the coming academic year.

Ruby Aguilar, chair of the social work department at Heritage University, said accreditation from the CSWE is more than a recognition. “It validates the countless hours, hard work that our faculty and staff invested in building this program. Our students placed their trust in us even before we earned accreditation, and this achievement is meaningful not only to us, but to every student who believed in our vision,” Aguilar said.

Miguel Juarez, director of Heritage University’s Master of Social Work program, said accreditation assures students they are receiving an education that meets the highest national standards.

“Our goal has always been to prepare social workers who are equipped to address complex challenges while honoring the strengths and cultures of the communities they serve. We are proud to develop leaders who will advocate for equity, justice and positive change,” Juarez said.

For more information or help with setting up interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.