Graduate Social Work Programs

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

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

Degrees

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

Online, Social Work

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.

Online, Business, Social Work

Course Guides

STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!

Now accepting applications for Fall 2026 | Classes begin August 24

Semester Starts	USA Deadlines	International Deadlines
Fall: August 24 Winter: January 11 Summer: Not an entry term	Fall: July 1 Winter: November 1	Fall: May 1 Winter: September 1

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.	Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two 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 completed application with a non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two forms completed by work supervisors or professors. 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.

Important Links

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

MSW Student Resources

Typical plan of study

Foundation Placement. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline or from a non-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program must take foundation curriculum before advanced courses. Full-time students typically can complete the entire program in six semesters.

Advanced Placement. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or successful completion of the Foundation year of education in an accredited Master of Social Work program qualify to register for advanced courses. Full-time students typically complete this portion of the program in three semesters.

National Accreditation

Master of Social Work Accreditation: Competency Outcomes 2023-2024

CSWE logo The 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 »

Licensure Resources

Graduates are qualified to apply for master social worker (LMSW) and clinical social worker (LCSW) licensing. Graduates are responsible for fulfilling the licensure requirements for the state to which they are applying.

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.

WHY SOUTHERN?

Southern’s social work program prepares students to be local and global leaders in providing services to individuals, families, and communities.

CHRIST CENTERED

Students are introduced to the latest in concepts, theories, and field experiences, all within the context of a Christ-centered environment. They are able to implement the knowledge gained in the classroom during assigned field practicums.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Proximity to Chattanooga's urban environment provides a variety of practicum and internship partners.

HIGH STANDARD ACCREDITATION

Southern’s social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The high curriculum standard required to achieve CSWE accreditation thoroughly students.