The Valdosta State University Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares students for social work leadership and collaborations to enhance the well being and equitable treatment of diverse individuals and communities. As an accredited program through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the curriculum is aligned with the Advanced Generalist practice model. This model focuses on the utilization of eclectic and disciplined approaches in professional social work and uses a competency-based outcome program evaluation. In the M.S.W. program, students will develop innovative and reflective approaches to address the complexities of service provision in today's society.
M.S.W. Program Outcomes
CSWE outlines nine competencies listed in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Examples of Outcome Assessments for Measuring Knowledge, Skills, Values, and Cognitive and Affective Processes
- Field experience evaluation
- Case study analysis
- Simulated practice
- Individual and group projects
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. Academic credit will not be given for life experience or previous work experience.
The M.S.W. program is offered in a two- or three-year format. Courses are taught using a hybrid model of teaching. In this program, students attend five intensive weekends during the fall and spring semesters, starting Friday afternoon and concluding Saturday evening. The remainder of the course work is completed online. Field education hours are required to complete the degree through practicum and seminar courses.
The regular M.S.W. option is for applicants with an undergraduate degree not in social work.
An 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 five years. Additional admission requirements apply.
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 from the applicant's bachelor's degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework, completed application form, fee, and the M.S.W. Supplemental Application, 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
Students are admitted for Fall admission only. The deadline for the M.S.W. prorgam is February 14 of each year. The deadline for Advanced Standing is January 14 of each year. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
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 | 30 | |
| SOWK 6004 | Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| 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 |
| Advanced Courses | 24 | |
| SOWK 7300 | Advanced Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOWK 7310 | Advanced Practice with Families | 3 |
| SOWK 7320 | Advanced Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 7400 | Advanced Practice in Social Welfare Policy and Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 7500 | Advanced Practice in Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 7611 | Advanced Social Work Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOWK 7612 | Advanced Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| SOWK 7810 | Psychopathology and Assessment | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Social Work and Trauma | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice in Health Settings | ||
| Issues in Substance Use | ||
| Social Work Practice in Mental Health | ||
| 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
Field education is the signature pedagogy of social work education. Students in the M.S.W. program are required to complete two separate year-long practicum and seminar 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, totaling 1,000 hours. Practicum placements are geographically limited and determined by the Director of Field Instruction.
Requirements for the Master of Social Work Degree--Advanced Standing Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 24 | |
| SOWK 7300 | Advanced Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOWK 7310 | Advanced Practice with Families | 3 |
| SOWK 7320 | Advanced Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 7400 | Advanced Practice in Social Welfare Policy and Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 7500 | Advanced Practice in Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 7611 | Advanced Social Work Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOWK 7612 | Advanced Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| SOWK 7810 | Psychopathology and Assessment | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Social Work and Trauma | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Social Work Practice in Health Settings | ||
| Issues in Substance Use | ||
| Perspectives in Substance Use and Mental Health | ||
| Social Work Practice in Mental Health | ||
| 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 | |
