Master of Social Work

Connect, Empower, Change Lives.

Prepare for advanced generalist social work practice when you earn this degree fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The MSW program is offered in four options:

• Advanced Standing, full-time
• Advanced Standing, part-time
• Regular Standing, full-time
• Regular Standing, part-time

Advanced Standing:

Already have a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program? You may be eligible for the Advanced Standing program.

You must also meet the Advanced Standing program admission requirements. Work experience in the social work field does not count for eligibility. Also, coursework in social work (even a minor) but no degree will not qualify you for Advanced Standing program. The Advanced Standing program involves 34 credit hours. The MSW in full-time status takes (three semesters) or part-time status (six semesters). Advanced Standing courses begin during the summer semester.

Regular Standing:

If you don't hold a bachelor's (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program, the Regular Standing Program is for you. Or, if you do not meet the Advanced Standing admission requirements. The Regular Standing program requires 62 credit hours to earn the MSW degree. The MSW takes two calendar years in full-time status. Or four calendar years in part-time status. Regular Standing courses begin in the fall.

Social Work is an important part of many career fields. Here are some to consider:

• Poverty and inequality
• Health care and health challenges
• Global and international social work
• Mental health
• Substance use/addictions
• Aging
• Adult and juvenile justice
• Communities and housing
• Workplace
• Veterans and military
• Enviromentalism
• Family and child welfare

Combine online coursework with select on campus experiences.

Advanced Standing full and part-time students are required to come to campus three times:

• Before classes begin for the MSW New Student Orientation
• The semester before they begin their field placement for a field orientation
• Their final semester to do an oral comprehensive exam

Regular Standing full and part-time students are required to come to campus four times.

• Before classes begin for the MSW New Student Orientation
• The semesters before they begin BOTH field placements (i.e., SWK 740 and 780) for a field orientation
• Their final semester to do an oral comprehensive exam

All on-campus meetings are one day and the dates and locations are provided as early as possible so you may plan accordingly.

Maximize your investment of time and money.
MSU strives to put education within your financial reach.
This program is competitively priced. Earn your accredited degree fully online.

Choose from the program track that suits your needs an previous degrees.
Advance and regular standing tracks ensure that you are taking the classes you need to graduate as soon as possible.

Enjoy a high level of academic excellence.
Learn first-hand from highly-qualified instructors who have a vast knowledge base and background in the area of their expertise.

The Master of Social Work is a part of Missouri State's School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. Find out more about application and program admission requirements.