Master of Social Work Degree

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. Using the strengths perspective, graduates will practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills that are appropriate for the range of human differences.
2. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to practice at increasing levels of complexity using specialized theories and practice methods.
3. Graduates will demonstrate elements of leadership and the ability to shape the professional environment.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an increasing ability to engage in informed and systematic self-directed practice.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

1. Students must complete all academic requirements to a satisfactory degree, including 1,000 clock hours of practicum.
2. Students must submit a portfolio to the faculty during the last semester in residence, which reflects the way in which they met all program objectives.

This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). VSU graduate students who are not enrolled in the M.S.W. program may take elective courses with the permission of the Head of the Department of Social Work, but required courses are restricted to M.S.W. students. The M.S.W. program is cohort-based, and the order of courses is strictly determined by selection of program. Academic credit will not be given for life experience or previous work experience.

Program cohort options and detailed programs of study are available at the Department of Social Work office and website . Students are admitted to one of the following cohort options:

1. On-campus option: Full-Time (2-year); Part-Time (3- or 4-year)
2. Web-based (3-year) including 5 weekends of on-campus classes each semester
3. Advanced Standing option: Full-Time On-Campus (1-year); Full-Time Web-Hybrid (1-year);
   Part-Time On-Campus (2-year); Part-Time Web-Hybrid (2-year)

Advanced Standing students may request either the on-campus or web-based option and may elect to attend classes full-time or part-time. The Advanced Standing option is available only to students who received a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) from a CSWE-accredited program in the last 5 years. Additional admission requirements apply. Enrollment in this option is extremely competitive, and space is limited.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE, MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements, submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Application Deadlines

Deadline for applications is January 14 of each year for Advanced Standing Admissions (applicants who have earned a B.S.W. from a C.S.W.E.-accredited institution within the last 5 years) and February 14 of each year for standard applications. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. Classes start in May or August for regular M.S.W. students and in May/June for Advanced Standing M.S.W. students.

Go to the Graduate School website  and click on Our Programs, then click on MSW Program for information on:

• Specific MSW Program Admission Requirements
• MSW Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
• MSW Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here . 

Requirements for the Master of Social Work Degree

SOWK 6000	Orientation to Advanced Generalist Practice (Advanced Standing Only)	2
First Year - Foundation Courses		31
SOWK 6004	Social Work Practice with Groups	2
SOWK 6100	Introduction to Professional Social Work Education	1
SOWK 6201	Human Behavior in the Social Environment I	3
SOWK 6202	Human Behavior in the Social Environment II	3
SOWK 6301	Generalist Practice I Individuals and Families	3
SOWK 6302	Generalist Practice II Organizations and Communities	3
SOWK 6303	Practice Skills Lab	2
SOWK 6400	Social Welfare Policy, Problems, and Services	3
SOWK 6500	Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work	3
SOWK 6600	Practicum I	3
SOWK 6610	Practicum Seminar I	1
SOWK 6700	Practicum II	3
SOWK 6710	Practicum Seminar II	1
Second Year - Concentration Courses		29
SOWK 7300	Advance Practice in Rural Areas I Individuals	3
SOWK 7310	Advance Practice in Rural Areas II Families	3
SOWK 7320	Advanced Practice in Organizations and Communities	3
SOWK 7400	Policy in Rural Areas	3
SOWK 7500	Advanced Research and Program Evaluation	3
SOWK 7611	Advanced Social Work Practicum I	3
SOWK 7612	Advanced Social Work Practicum II	3
SOWK 7810	Psychopathology and Assessment for Non-Medical Helpers	3
Select a minimum of 5 hours of General Practice Electives: 1		5
SOWK 7000	Independent Study in Social Work	3
SOWK 7001	Special Topics in Social Work	1-3
SOWK 7700	Social Work with Older Adults	3
SOWK 7820	Issues in Substance Abuse	3
SOWK 7840	Seminar on Loss and Bereavement	3
SOWK 7860	Grant Writing in Human Services	3
SOWK 7870	Social Work Practice with Abusing and Neglecting Families	3
SOWK 7890	Spirituality in Social Work Practice	3
SOWK 7770	Trauma Informed Child Welfare Practice	2
SOWK 7800	Social Work Practice in Health Settings	2
SOWK 7850	Social Work Practice in Schools	2
Total Hours Required for the Degree		60

1	Some elective courses are available in summer semester

Field Practicum

Students in the M.S.W. program complete two separate year-long practicum experiences. These field placements in social service agencies run concurrently with coursework and allow students an opportunity to integrate classroom content with actual practice experiences. Students are required to complete 16 to 18 hours per week in practicum, depending on program cohort option. Practicum placements are geographically limited and determined by the Director of Field Instruction.