University of Mary Launches Online Social Work Degree

New flexible program aims to address growing demand for social workers in rural areas

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a social worker meeting with a client in a softly lit, cozy home setting, conveying the warmth and intimacy of this important profession.The University of Mary's new online social work program aims to make this vital field more accessible for students in rural areas.Bismarck Today

The University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota is introducing an online bachelor's degree program in social work this fall. The flexible program is designed to provide more opportunities for rural students to earn a social work degree and address the nationwide shortage of social workers, especially in remote areas.

Why it matters

Social work is a rapidly growing field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% increase in demand for social workers by 2034. However, many rural communities struggle to attract and retain qualified social workers. The University of Mary's new online program aims to make social work education more accessible to students in these underserved areas.

The details

The University of Mary's online social work program will allow students to complete field work in their own local communities, providing hands-on experience while removing geographic barriers. This flexibility is intended to open up the social work profession to a wider pool of prospective students, especially those living in rural parts of North Dakota and surrounding states.

  • The new online social work program will launch in Fall 2026.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in social work jobs nationwide by 2034, with around 74,000 openings per year.

The players

University of Mary

A private Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

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The takeaway

By providing an accessible online pathway to a social work degree, the University of Mary is helping to address the critical shortage of social workers in rural communities across the region. This innovative program could serve as a model for other universities looking to expand educational opportunities in high-demand fields.