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Master of Social Work

Elevate your Career with a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree

Southern Adventist University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares you to:

IMPACT: Utilize advanced skills to empower individuals, strengthen families, and impact positive change within communities

INFLUENCE: Work in a wide range of professional settings, such as schools, hospitals, government and community agencies, and more

INSPIRE: Transform lives locally, nationally, and globally through evidence-based, Christ-centered service

STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!
 
Now accepting applications for Fall 2026 | Classes begin August 24

Degrees

MSW — Master of Social Work

MSW — Master of Social Work

Equips graduates to provide client support, counseling, and advocacy through evidence-based social work practice. Grounded in a Christ-centered mission. Prepares students for leadership and professional practice in schools, hospitals, orphanages, prisons, hospice settings, government agencies, and community organizations.

The Foundation Placement option is offered for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-social work field or a non-accredited bachelor’s in social work. Advanced Placement is for students with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work.

Program Highlights

  • Foundations Placement: 61–63 credits, approximately two years (six semesters) of full-time study
  • Advanced Placement: 31–33 credits, approximately one year (three semesters) of full-time study
  • Fully online, classes meet twice a month on Sundays with assignments between sessions
  • Part-time enrollment options available
  • Prepares graduates for advanced generalist social work practice in clinical and administrative settings
  • Integrates leadership training with ethical, faith-based social work practice
  • Opportunities for school social-work certification are available.

Areas of Emphasis

  • Mental Health Practice in Social Work
  • School Social Work
  • Crisis and Emergency Management


Important Notice for International Applicants:  The MSW and dual MSW/MBA programs are fully online and therefore not eligible for issuing I-20 forms for student visas. International applicants may be admitted to these programs only if they plan to complete their studies from their country of residence.

 

Online, Social Work
MSW/MBA — Healthcare Administration

MSW/MBA — Healthcare Administration

Combines professional social work education with advanced business and leadership training to prepare graduates for leadership roles in social services, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Emphasizes ethical leadership modeled after Christ, organizational management, and policy influence, equipping graduates to make a meaningful impact across diverse communities and systems.

Program Highlights
  • 56 credits, fully online dual degree
  • Typically completed in two years of full-time study
  • Integrates social work practice with business and organizational leadership
  • Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Social Work and the School of Business
  • Flexible enrollment options, including part-time, designed for working professionals
  • Social work courses held on Sundays twice per month. Business courses typically delivered in the evening on weekdays.

Important Notice for International Applicants:  The MSW and dual MSW/MBA programs are fully online and therefore not eligible for issuing I-20 forms for student visas. International applicants may be admitted to these programs only if they plan to complete their studies from their country of residence.
Online, Business, Social Work

Course Guides

Admissions Process

Important Dates
Our deadlines are flexible and we accept applications year-round. When in doubt, reach out to an enrollment adviser.

Program's Entry Terms: Fall and Winter

Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
Fall: August 24
Winter: January 11

 Fall: July 1
Winter: November 1

 Fall: May 1
Winter: September 1
Admissions Requirements
For comprehensive information regarding the Social Work programs, visit the pogram's catalog page.

NOTE: To enter the dual-degree program, students must be admitted to the School of Social Work and the School of Business. Most complete one set of courses at a time, though some overlap is possible depending on scheduling.

Program Eligibility Admissions Process
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  1. Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $50.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Personal statement: Submit a personal statement describing your motivation for graduate school in social work.
  5. Resumé: Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page
MSW/MBA
  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  1. Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $50.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two  forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Graduate Management Admissions Test is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full-time business experience.
Admission Requirements for International Graduate Students

The MSW and dual MSW/MBA programs are fully online and therefore not eligible for issuing I-20 forms for student visas. International applicants may be admitted to these programs only if they plan to complete their studies from their country of residence.

See Full Requirements

Important Links

Learn more about licensure, field education, and practicum requirements.

MSW Student Resources

National Accreditation

Master of Social Work Accreditation: Competency Outcomes 2023-2024

CSWE logoThe Master of Social Work program at Southern Adventist University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to meet competency requirements for advanced generalist social work practice.

Latest program outcomes »

Why Southern?

The social work programs at Southern Adventist University provide a powerful foundation for compassionate leadership and impactful social change in today's complex world.

Designed with flexibility in mind, curriculum delves into specialized areas of practice—from child welfare to mental health. Focused coursework is delivered both online and on campus, enabling each student to master crucial skills at his or her own pace.  Equipped with the knowledge, ethical framework, and practical skills to become highly effective professionals dedicated to creating a more equitable society, graduates go on to advocate for vulnerable populations, develop innovative community programs, and lead social justice initiatives.

Faculty

Laura Racovita, PhD

Dean

Stephanie Guster, MSW

Professor & Graduate Program Director

Evie Nogales Baker

Professor

Lunelle Bertresse, MSW

Assistant Professor

Candy Dolcy, MSW

Assistant Professor

Nina Nelson

Assistant Professor

Corneliu Rusu, MSW

Professor

Kristie Wilder, JD

Professor