Graduate Social Work Programs

Our deadlines are flexible and we accept applications year-round. Please reach out to an enrollment adviser when in doubt.

Semester Starts	USA Deadlines	International Deadlines
Fall: Jul 1 Winter: Nov 1	Fall: Jul 1 Winter: Nov 1	Fall: May 1 Winter: Sep 1

NOTE: To enter the dual-degree program, students must be admitted to both the Schoo 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 bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution. GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 for foundation program for the last 60 college credits of college degree, and GPA of 3.0 for advanced program. Check out the program-specific requirements for each advanced degree offered.	Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with a non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. Personal statement: Submit a personal statement describing your motivation for graduate school in social work. 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.	Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with a non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. GMAT 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.

The Master of Social Work (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.

Overview

“The intent of field education is to connect the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting. Field education is systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated on the basis of criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program competencies” (CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, 2008). 

Through participation in the social service delivery for the generalist social work practice system, the student comprehends agency structures, functions and programs. Field education instruction is an integral component of social work education; it is the culminating application and analysis portion of the curriculum. Field education teaching is conducted by professional practitioners with an accredited master’s degree in social work, selected by the agency, and approved by the School of Social Work.

A fieldwork requirement for obtaining an MSW is consistent with CSWE educational standards. Foundation year students are required to complete 400 hours, and advanced placement students must complete 500 hours. You will work with the Director of Field Education to identify a practicum opportunity that meets our program learning outcomes.

Field Sites

Field placements offer practice opportunities in a number of the following ways: working with individuals, families, groups, organizations (including faith-based organizations), congregations, neighborhoods and communities; participating in direct practice, in program development and/or implementation, in program and practice evaluation and in assessing and even formulating social policy.

In conjunction with the Director of Field Education, MSW students work together to find an agency that works with the population that interests the student.

The School of Social Work's field director must approve your field site. For more information, contact Candy Dolcy, Director of Field Education, at candydolcy@southern.edu or by calling 423-236-2630.


The Field Manual

The School of Social Work's MSW Field Education Manual assists MSW students, program faculty, field instructors, and field placement setting personnel in understanding the objectives and requirements for the field education component of the Master of Social Work program at Southern Adventist University. It summarizes the MSW program's current educational policies and procedures and provides guidelines and instructions for field placement assignments.