The Master of Social Work degree allows educational opportunities for professionals who wish to engage in advanced clinical practice in a variety of settings.
The MSW is a two-year degree. The first-year concentrates on generalist practice. Students gain understanding of the values and ethics of the social work profession, diversity, and social policy, as well as competence in basic practice skills with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. The second year focuses on developing the knowledge, values and skills associated with advanced clinical and community practice in a specific specialty area. The area of specialization is gerontology (older adults). Students will gain an understanding of the intergenerational nature of social issues and family dynamics as well as the advanced clinical skills to work with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities.
Information regarding Licensure / Endorsement / Accreditation: The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Social Work program are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in all phases of the helping process in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Analyze the impact of social policy on client well-being and service delivery systems.
- Advocate for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Integrate research, policy and theory into social work practice.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in social work is NOT required for admission. Students who have completed their undergraduate social work degree more than six (6) years previously are not eligible for Advanced Standing. Entrance into the MSW Program is a competitive process, therefore meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Courses begin in fall semester for all students except those seeking Full Time Advanced Standing who will begin coursework in summer semester.
The deadline to apply for Fall semester is March 1st. Summer Advanced Standing deadline is February 1. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.
Documents required:
- Two Letters of Recommendation - From individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study. One reference needs to come from the undergraduate field instructor or field director. If the field instructor is not available, a letter from the applicant’s current employment supervisor is required.
- Statement of Purpose - a 3-5 page typewritten essay which addresses (a) why the applicant want to be/is a social worker; (b) why a graduate degree is felt to be necessary to fulfill personal or professional objectives; (c) the applicant’s views regarding diversity in society; (d) a situation in which the applicant was the recipient/provider of help, emotionally, socially, or economically; and (e) a description of previous social work/human service work experience
- A minimum 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution. For Advanced Standing, a minimum 3.2 GPA in the major required coursework is also required.
- Applicant must have an undergraduate Research Methods and Statistics courses on the transcript or the applicant must take these classes in the first semester prior to the SOWK 5000 research course offered in spring semester.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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