This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

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

First Year - Foundation Courses31
SOWK 6004Social Work Practice with Groups2
SOWK 6100Introduction to Professional Social Work Education1
SOWK 6201Human Behavior in the Social Environment I3
SOWK 6202Human Behavior in the Social Environment II3
SOWK 6301Generalist Practice I Individuals and Families3
SOWK 6302Generalist Practice II Organizations and Communities3
SOWK 6303Practice Skills Lab2
SOWK 6400Social Welfare Policy, Problems, and Services3
SOWK 6500Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work3
SOWK 6600Practicum I3
SOWK 6610Practicum Seminar I1
SOWK 6700Practicum II3
SOWK 6710Practicum Seminar II1
Second Year - Concentration Courses 29
SOWK 7300Advanced Practice I - Individuals3
SOWK 7310Advanced Practice II - Families3
SOWK 7320Advanced Practice in Organizations and Communities3
SOWK 7400Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Practice3
SOWK 7500Advanced Research and Program Evaluation3
SOWK 7611Advanced Social Work Practicum I3
SOWK 7612Advanced Social Work Practicum II3
SOWK 7810Psychopathology and Assessment for Non-Medical Helpers3
Select a minimum of 5 hours of General Practice Electives: 15
SOWK 7000Independent Study in Social Work3
SOWK 7001Special Topics in Social Work1-3
SOWK 7700Gerontology3
SOWK 7820Issues in Substance Abuse3
SOWK 7840Seminar on Loss and Bereavement3
SOWK 7860Grant Writing in Human Services3
SOWK 7870Social Work Practice with Abusing and Neglecting Families3
SOWK 7890Spirituality in Social Work Practice3
SOWK 7770Trauma Informed Child Welfare Practice2
SOWK 7800Social Work Practice in Health Settings2
SOWK 7850Social Work Practice in Schools2
Total Hours Required for the Degree60
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.

Requirements for the Master of Social Work Degree--Advanced Standing

Required Courses28
SOWK 6000Orientation to Advanced Generalist Practice2
SOWK 6100Introduction to Professional Social Work Education1
SOWK 7300Advanced Practice I - Individuals3
SOWK 7310Advanced Practice II - Families3
SOWK 7320Advanced Practice in Organizations and Communities3
SOWK 7400Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Practice3
SOWK 7500Advanced Research and Program Evaluation3
SOWK 7611Advanced Social Work Practicum I3
SOWK 7612Advanced Social Work Practicum II3
SOWK 7810Psychopathology and Assessment for Non-Medical Helpers3
Select a minimum of 5 hours of General Practice Electives:
SOWK 7000Independent Study in Social Work3
SOWK 7700Gerontology3
SOWK 7770Trauma Informed Child Welfare Practice2
SOWK 7800Social Work Practice in Health Settings2
SOWK 7820Issues in Substance Abuse3
SOWK 7840Seminar on Loss and Bereavement3
SOWK 7850Social Work Practice in Schools2
SOWK 7860Grant Writing in Human Services3
SOWK 7870Social Work Practice with Abusing and Neglecting Families3
SOWK 7890Spirituality in Social Work Practice3
Total Hours Required for the Degree33