St. Bonaventure and St. Francis universities have established a new 4+1 pathway that will allow qualified St. Francis students to earn both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) in an accelerated timeframe.

The agreement creates a direct route for St. Francis undergraduate Social Work students to transition into St. Bonaventure’s MSW program, streamlining admission and reducing the time required to complete graduate study.

Under the partnership, eligible St. Francis students will complete their undergraduate degree before enrolling in St. Bonaventure’s MSW program, which can be completed in as little as 12 months full time. The program is designed to support a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate education while maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) reflects a shared commitment between the two Franciscan institutions to expand access to graduate education in social work and address growing workforce needs across the region.

“St. Bonaventure and St. Francis University share values grounded in human dignity, compassion, and care for others, so we are excited to partner in expanding opportunities to educate highly trained, empathetic social work professionals across New York and Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Erin Sadlack, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at SBU.

“The work of social workers has never been more vital — to individuals, families and communities — and this partnership helps ensure that talented students can move efficiently into careers that make a meaningful and lasting difference throughout our region.”

Each year, up to five qualified St. Francis students may be admitted into the 4+1 pathway, contingent on meeting admission requirements established by St. Bonaventure’s MSW program. Candidates must complete their bachelor’s degree, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate strong academic performance in social work courses.

“I’m proud to support this 4+1 articulation agreement with St. Bonaventure,” said Dr. Kerri Golden, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education at Saint Francis. “This partnership reflects not only our shared Franciscan heritage, but our collective commitment to expanding access, creating meaningful academic pathways, and preparing students to lead with both competence and compassion, while responding to a workforce need."

Students will apply during their senior year and must submit a formal application, including a faculty recommendation from St. Francis. Final admission decisions will be made by St. Bonaventure, which will oversee graduate program requirements and enrollment policies.

Faculty and staff at both institutions will collaborate closely to support students throughout the process. Coordinators at each university will guide advising, admissions and program communication, ensuring students are prepared for the academic expectations of graduate-level social work education.

The agreement also strengthens academic collaboration between the two institutions, with St. Francis faculty helping identify and nominate qualified students and St. Bonaventure faculty determining appropriate advanced standing placement for incoming MSW students.

The MSW program at St. Bonaventure is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, providing flexibility for students pursuing careers in clinical practice, community organizations, and human services leadership.

The MOU will remain in place for an initial five-year period, with the option for renewal upon mutual agreement.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).