PUC Partners with Loma Linda University To Launch Accelerated Social Work Master's Program

Many graduates from Pacific Union College’s 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 master’s degrees. A considerable number of PUC graduates opt to pursue their advanced degrees at Loma Linda University.

In November, PUC and LLU formally agreed to establish a 4+1 Master in Social Work 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 important 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 that 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 that LLU began teaching PUC’s “Research for Social Work” class this year, which also 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 be able to support those pursuits.”

Learn more about PUC’s psychology and social work programs