George Fox University in Oregon will launch a new master of social work program, school officials announced.

Applications to the institution's new social work program will be accepted beginning in October through March 2015 in advance of the graduate degree program's launch in the fall of 2015.

The program is a 60-credit-hour, two-year program. Students who already have a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from George Fox University or another program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can apply for admission to the MSW's Advanced Standing program, which enables full-time students to complete their MSW at George Fox in 10 months.

The social work program builds on the successful foundation of George Fox's bachelor of social work program, which is accredited by the CSWE.

 "An important piece of our mission is that our students serve with passion, and this degree aligns with that mission," Cliff Rosenbohm, director of George Fox's School of Social Work, said in a statement. "We stress the integration of Christian faith and the highest standards of social work scholarship and professional practice, with the goal of training leaders to be professionally prepared and globally engaged."

The first year prepares graduates for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. In the second year, graduates are prepared for advanced levels of social work practice in one of two concentrations: direct practice with families, children, individuals and groups, and community practice with an emphasis on organizations, community empowerment and program development.

Consistent with the university and program mission, both concentrations incorporate themes related to the ethical integration of personal beliefs and competent professional practice. Both stress the importance of working with diverse spiritual and religious beliefs, practices and organizations; meeting human needs; and seeking social justice locally, nationally and globally.

George Fox University will be the only faith-based college or university in Oregon with an MSW program and one of only three institutions in the state to offer the degree.