Program Description
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is the widely-recognized terminal practice degree for social work practitioners and enables students to practice advanced social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. It is appropriate for students who are interested in clinical practice, have a passion for the well-being of people and social justice, and seek leadership roles in communities, nonprofits, and social service agencies. The MSW is required for students who seek licensure, though it does not guarantee it. According to the National Association of Social Work’s Code of Ethics, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession’s dual focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.“
Valpo Social Work offers an MSW program with three options:
- A 35-credit, 4+1 Advanced Standing MSW Program for qualifying students graduated from accredited BSW programs. Advanced Standing is a pathway to an MSW that recognizes the successful completion of an undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). This program is delivered full-time, in-person, with limited online coursework. Students begin coursework in June and graduate in May (12 months). Students complete 26 credits of core advanced coursework, which includes credits for 500 hours of supervised specialized practicum experience that matches their specialization and unique interests. Students also complete 9 additional credits of specialized coursework of their choice.
- A 60-credit, 2-year MSW Program for non-BSW graduates. This program is delivered full-time, in-person, with limited online coursework. Students complete summer intensive courses in June before their first and second years and graduate in May. Students complete 26 credits of core generalist social work coursework, which includes 400 hours of a supervised foundation practicum experience, and 25 credits of core advanced coursework, which includes credits for 500 hours of a supervised specialization practicum experience that matches their unique interests. Students also complete 9 additional credits of specialized coursework of their choice. Students who are social work minors or have taken other accredited social work courses may transfer up to 12 credits for the following classes: SOCW 510, 520, 555, 556, 557, and 560, with the approval of the MSW Program Director.
- A 60-credit, part-time, 3-year MSW Program for non-BSW graduates. This program is delivered part-time online, and students must come to campus once a year for two weeks in June for intensive skills classes. Students complete 26 credits of core generalist social work coursework, which includes 400 hours of a supervised foundation practicum experience, and 25 credits of core advanced coursework, which includes credits for 500 hours of a supervised specialization practicum experience that matches their unique interests. Students also complete 9 additional credits of specialized coursework of their choice. Students who are social work minors or have taken other accredited social work courses may transfer up to 12 credits for the following classes: SOCW 510, 520, 555, 556, 557, and 560, with the approval of the MSW Program Director.
All programs involve intensive skills courses in advanced communication, advanced theory and practice, advanced research for practice, and values-based leadership for equitable and ethical policies related to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students are engaged in the university mission of leadership and service through transformative practicum experiences in the field of their choice. Practicum students in all programs receive student-centered support from faculty mentoring, intensive supervision from an expert in the field, and access to an intentional alumni network. Students also receive a class in the practical application of research, as well as workforce development, which includes understanding social work licensure, job readiness, and networking.
Additionally, the program offers three specialization tracks to meet the needs of a diverse set of MSW practitioners. These three specializations include:
- Direct Practice: a track for students who want to be clinical practitioners guided by the values and ethics of the social work profession.
- Advanced Generalist: a track for students who want an individualized, tailored program to meet their specific needs and interests.
- Macro Practice: a track for students who want to practice in organizations, communities, or policy settings.
Students take three specialization courses, ranging in advanced topics and including psychopathology from a social work perspective; cross-disciplinary teams in healthcare, schools, libraries, and other settings; public safety social work and crisis intervention; program development, planning, and evaluation; community mental health and substance use recovery; community organizing; government affairs and advocacy, and additional topics that emphasize social justice and the knowledge, values, and skills of social work.
Admission
Students must meet university requirements for graduate admission and MSW program requirements.
The 4+1 Advanced Standing MSW program
As previously stated, the Advanced Standing is a pathway to an MSW that recognizes the successful completion of an undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. It is designed so that students may complete both a baccalaureate and master’s degree in less time. This program applies to Valpo and non-Valpo BSW students as follows:
A. First-year Valpo BSW students are guaranteed a place in the MSW program provided they continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress into enrollment in the graduate program. Thus, Valpo 4+1 Advanced Standing MSW students undergo expedited review and have a space reserved for them in the graduate program beginning in their first year as long as they meet the criteria and achievements required to progress into the graduate program, as outlined below:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA*
- One essay responding to specific questions that discuss the student’s readiness and motivations for their career as reviewed and approved by MSW faculty.
- Name of one professional reference, with contact information, who can attest to professional readiness.
- Evidence of the student’s successful progression in the development of the professional and interprofessional skills necessary for successful participation in the MSW program, as determined by the collective BSW faculty.
*Valpo students who do not achieve the GPA requirement are still encouraged to apply with the addition of one essay responding to questions regarding readiness for graduate-level academic work.
B. Non-Valpo students who have graduated from an accredited BSW program are encouraged to apply and have to meet similar clear criteria as Valpo-BSW students, as outlined below:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA*, as demonstrated through an official transcript.
- One essay responding to specific questions that discuss the student’s readiness and motivations for their career as reviewed and approved by MSW faculty.
- Name of one professional reference, with phone number, who can attest to the professional readiness of the student.
- Recommendation form from the Program Director or Faculty member of the student’s BSW program who can speak to evidence of the student’s successful progression in the development of the professional and interprofessional skills necessary for successful participation in the MSW program.
*Non-Valpo students who do not achieve the GPA requirement are still encouraged to apply with the addition of one essay responding to questions regarding readiness for graduate-level academic work.
Non-Advanced Standing, MSW Programs
Further, students from Valpo and all colleges and universities with bachelor’s degrees in any field interested in social work are strongly encouraged to apply. For admission, students should meet similar criteria as Advanced Standing students, as outlined below:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA*, as demonstrated through an official transcript.
- One essay responding to specific questions that discuss the student’s readiness and motivations for their career as reviewed and approved by MSW faculty.
- Name of one professional reference and one academic reference, with contact information, who can attest to the professional readiness of the student.
- One essay responding to specific questions which discuss the student’s readiness and motivations for their career.
- Recommendation form to be completed by either an academic or professional reference.
*Students who do not achieve the GPA requirement are still encouraged to apply with the addition of one essay responding to questions regarding readiness for graduate-level academic work.
International Students
International students will undergo an additional layer of assessment, which meets the graduate admissions requirements for the university and will involve a virtual interview to assess verbal communication skills. Interested students should reach out to the BSW or MSW program directors.
Professional Ethics for All Students
Due to the nature of this helping profession, students admitted to this program are expected to exhibit and be committed to high ethical standards that align with the National Association of Social Work’s Code of Ethics. A Student Handbook and program website valpo.edu/social-work/ are maintained by the Social Work Department and contain information and procedures related to the program and the admissions process. Those interested should contact the Social Work program.
Note About Criminal Background Check
In connection with the practice component within the MSW program, all students must pass a criminal background check. Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to work in practicum placement sites and risk dismissal from the program.
Note About Research Methods
Most BSW degrees and some bachelor’s degrees require students to take a statistical methods course. Thus, students are not required to take a statistics course, provided that they can demonstrate on a transcript that they received at least a C grade in a university-level statistics class. Students who cannot demonstrate this will be required to take a statistics course prior to the start of the SOCW 666: Advanced Research Methods for Practice in the Spring of their final year.
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