Selected Educational Outcomes
- Using the strengths perspective, graduates will practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills that are appropriate for the range of human differences.
- Graduates will demonstrate the ability to practice at increasing levels of complexity using specialized theories and practice methods.
- Graduates will demonstrate elements of leadership and the ability to shape the professional environment.
- Graduates will demonstrate an increasing ability to engage in informed and systematic self-directed practice.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Students must complete all academic requirements to a satisfactory degree, including 1,000 clock hours of practicum.
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 Human Services, 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 Social Work Program website. Students are admitted to one of the following cohort options:
- Web Hybrid Option: Full-Time (2-year); Part-Time (3-year)
- Advanced Standing Option: Full-Time (1-year)
The Web Hybrid option is for applicants with an undergraduate degree not in social work.
The Advanced Standing option is available only to students who received a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program in the last 5 years. Additional admission requirements apply. Enrollment in this option is extremely competitive, and space is limited.
Two specialization tracks have been developed for MSW students: Direct Practice Social Work and Macro Practice for Social Workers. MSW students will select one of the tracks to guide their program of study during their advanced year. Courses have been selected for each track based on their applicability. In addition, one course from the track not selected may be used as an elective for the track selected.
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, 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 August for both regular M.S.W. students and 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year - Generalist Courses | 27 | |
| SOWK 6203 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SOWK 6204 | Diversity | 3 |
| SOWK 6301 | Generalist Practice I: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOWK 6302 | Generalist Practice II Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 6310 | Models of Intervention | 3 |
| SOWK 6400 | Social Welfare Policy and Services | 3 |
| SOWK 6500 | Generalist Practice in Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 6800 | Field Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOWK 6900 | Field Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Second Year - Specialization Courses | 33 | |
| SOWK 7500 | Advanced Practice in Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 7611 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SOWK 7612 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| SOWK 7613 | Advanced Practice Seminar | 3 |
| SOWK 7810 | Psychopathology and Assessment | 3 |
| Specialization Track (Select either Direct Practice or Macro Practice) | 9 | |
| General Practice Electives | 9 | |
| Independent Study in Social Work | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Advanced Practice in Social Welfare Policy and Practice | ||
| Social Work Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Social Work and Trauma | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice in Health Settings | ||
| Issues in Substance Use | ||
| Seminar on Loss and Bereavement | ||
| Social Work Practice in Schools | ||
| Grant Writing and Program Development for Human Services | ||
| Human Services Organization Management | ||
| Working with Victims and Perpetrators of Abuse and Neglect | ||
| Advanced Direct Practice with Children and Adolescents | ||
| Spirituality in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 60 | |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 33 | |
| SOWK 7500 | Advanced Practice in Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 7611 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SOWK 7612 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| SOWK 7613 | Advanced Practice Seminar | 3 |
| SOWK 7810 | Psychopathology and Assessment | 3 |
| SOWK 7000 | Independent Study in Social Work | 3 |
| Specialization Track (select either Direct Practice or Macro Practice) | 9 | |
| General Practice Electives | 9 | |
| Independent Study in Social Work | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Advanced Practice in Social Welfare Policy and Practice | ||
| Social Work Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Social Work and Trauma | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice in Health Settings | ||
| Issues in Substance Use | ||
| Seminar on Loss and Bereavement | ||
| Social Work Practice in Schools | ||
| Grant Writing and Program Development for Human Services | ||
| Human Services Organization Management | ||
| Working with Victims and Perpetrators of Abuse and Neglect | ||
| Advanced Direct Practice with Children and Adolescents | ||
| Spirituality in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 33 | |
Specialization Tracks
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Practice Track | 9 | |
| SOWK 6004 | Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 7300 | Advanced Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOWK 7310 | Advanced Practice with Families | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Macro Practice Track | 9 | |
| SOWK 7320 | Advanced Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 7321 | Community Organizing and Planning | 3 |
| SOWK 7322 | Program Development for Human Services | 3 |
