Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work

Welcome to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Johnson C. Smith University. The program’s mission is to prepare social work graduates who engage in advanced culturally competent practice with individuals and families, small groups, organizations and communities. This mission reflects the professional application of social work values, including respect for an individual’s dignity and self-worth and a commitment to social justice. Students will leave our program as culturally competent and creative social workers ready for advanced practice.

Points of pride

No GRE

We were one of the first programs to not require the GRE.

Built with adults in mind

Our program was designed with the working adult in mind and approximately 95% of our students working full-time employment schedules.

Weekend work

We offer our courses and internships on evenings and weekends.

Mastery across levels

Our program's concentration is "Advanced Generalist", which means we prepare our students to master their skills across all systems levels (i.e., micro, mezzo, macro).

"Cultural Competence

Our program's focus is "Cultural Competence", which means we prepare students to work with populations across identities and differences.

Designed for our students

The high quality and affordable Master of Social Work program at Johnson C. Smith University is designed for students, just like you, who need flexible learning options to earn their degrees while working and managing their responsibilities at home and in their communities. We offer distinct advantages that help our students pursue their personal and professional goals for the future, such as:

 

Flexible Degrees: We offer two degree pathways- Advanced Standing (1 year) and traditional full-time (2 years), which allows our students to learn at their own pace and balance their educational pursuits with their work, home, and community responsibilities.

 

Evening and Weekend Courses: We offer evening and weekend course schedules that allow our students to continue to work while earning their graduate degree. Our courses are offered during the days and times that are convenient for candidates who choose to continue their education and careers simultaneously.

 

Dynamic Courses: The MSW curriculum includes graduate level courses in cultural competence, human behavior and the social environment, research methods and applied research, data analysis, generalist practice with organizations and communities, as well as your choice of elective courses that tailor your degree to your areas of interest.

 

Field Experience: Field experience is the cornerstone of the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program and at JCSU, we provide you with incredible opportunities. We’re extremely proud of the programs we have in place to provide MSW students with practical experience while making a real difference in our community.

 

Competitive Credentials: We provide our students with the comprehensive and cutting-edge learning opportunities that prepare them to excel in the field of social work and become valuable and vital members of their communities. For instance, our students gain extensive experience via placement with approved social work agencies during their matriculation. This allows them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in the classroom in a real-world setting and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future careers.

 

If this sounds like the educational opportunity you’ve been searching for, Apply Today to the Master of Social Work program at Johnson C. Smith University and seize this moment to pursue your vision for the future.

Field Education

The Council on Social Work Education, our accrediting body, considers field education to be the “signature pedagogy” or most vital component of social work education. As a graduate social work student you are required to complete a field placement in an approved social work agency each semester. A field placement is very similar to what you may think of as an internship. Field Placements provide opportunities to practice and exercise the skills and knowledge obtained in the classroom in a real world setting.

 

Advanced Standing students complete one field placement over one academic year. Two-year students complete two field placements over two academic years.

 

Students will complete a fieldwork placement of four hundred clock hours during their first year (200 clock hours each during fall and spring semesters) with a generalist perspective of social work practice through a wide range of field assignments practice behaviors. During the second year, students have two advanced practice field placements, one each semester, 250 hours each semester for a total of 500 clock hours. Students, in their advanced field internship, take courses that build and enhance their knowledge with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

First Year Students

Internship - Must complete 400 hours for the year or 200 hours per semester/16hours per week. Internships are usually completed on the weekends, however some students who have daytime availability during the week have the option of completing their hours during this time.

 

Second Year/Advanced Standing Students

Internship - Must complete 500 hours for the year or 250 hours per semester/20hours per week

 

Internships are usually completed during the week on Monday through Thursday, however some students who have weekend availability after class have the option of completing their hours during this time.