Kuyper College is expanding academic opportunities for its students through new partnerships with two respected Christian institutions—Calvin University and Dordt University.
Through these agreements, Kuyper students can now transition seamlessly from the college’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program to Dordt’s Master of Social Work (MSW)or pursue careers in elementary and secondary education through a collaborative program with Calvin.
Tim Detwiler, Kuyper’s Academic Dean, called both agreements “promising prospects” for future Christian teachers and social workers.
“These kinds of collaborative programs between like institutions are a big plus for our students,” he said.
Jennifer Colin, Associate Professor of Social Work and director of Kuyper’s program, said the partnership with Dordt is an ideal next step for graduates pursuing advanced social work education.
“It gives them the opportunity to expand on the strong foundation of professional knowledge and Christian worldview they build at Kuyper,” she said. “They’ll further cultivate a range of valued skills and experiences, all of which will prepare them to address complex needs in various fields.”
Because Dordt’s MSW program is fully online, students have the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere in the world.
“What sets Dordt apart is that it offers a quality online master’s education that continues to emphasize understanding and articulating a Reformed response to social welfare,” Colin said. “This consistency is unique and valuable.”
Kuyper’s program accreditation also makes students eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs like Dordt’s—saving as much as two years of graduate coursework and significant tuition costs.
Kuyper’s new teacher education partnership with Calvin offers similar advantages, blending Kuyper’s robust Bible and theology curriculum with Calvin’s strong education program.
Detwiler said the collaboration marks a new chapter in teacher preparation at Kuyper.
“This new model is a bit different than what we’ve had in the past,” he said. “Whereas students previously would work toward an education major and a Bible and theology degree from Kuyper, now they in essence earn a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in education.”
Under the new agreement, students graduate with dual degrees—a Bachelor of Science from Kuyper and a Bachelor of Arts from Calvin—while continuing to pay Kuyper tuition and remain eligible for Kuyper scholarships and financial aid. Best of all, the new model allows them to finish in four years rather than five.
Graduates will also be eligible for advanced standing toward a master’s degree from Calvin, should they choose to continue.
“They get a real head start on a quality education program at Calvin,” said Detwiler.
With national demand for teachers and social workers on the rise, both new options offer expanded pathways for Kuyper students to meet those needs.
“Our partners, Dordt and Calvin, are very well-respected organizations who share Kuyper’s Christian worldview,” Detwiler said. “These two new programs will provide quality educational options for our students.”
