Respond to the rural needs
You’re ready to grow your professional impact and sharpen your ability to serve rural communities. The Master of Social Work program helps you build the skills to advocate for those facing the unique challenges of rural life.
You’ll graduate ready to tackle complex problems in fields like mental health, family violence and community development. A deeper understanding of rural poverty and social justice prepares you for leadership roles that make a real difference.
Field instruction
You’ll apply what you learn through hands-on field practicums. These opportunities are essential for your development as a professional social worker. By working directly with agencies to serve communities, you'll gain the experience necessary to succeed in your career. Your faculty advisor will help you navigate the process to select an appropriate site that matches your interests.
Curriculum tracks
You'll choose the curriculum track based on whether you've earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work.
Earned a BSW?
- The 35 credit-hour "Advanced Standing Track" is for you if your Bachelor of Social Work was earned in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Courses may be completed online and in as little as 10 months of full-time study.
Earned a different baccalaureate degree?
- The 64 credit-hour "Nonadvanced Standing Track" is for you if you don't hold a BSW degree.
- You’ll spend your first year building a foundation in generalist social work before moving into advanced practice. Your foundation courses will be in-person and online, and advanced practice may be taken fully online.
- This track is designed for completion within two years of full-time study.
Professional integrity
Social work requires a commitment to ethical practice. As a student, you'll uphold the standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. You'll develop the emotional and intellectual maturity required to serve your clients with compassion and respect.
See curriculum
Applying to the social work master's program
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's graduate school requirements
- be one of the following:
- in your final year of undergraduate work
- or holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- and achieve an undergraduate 3.0 GPA or higher overall.
Probationary admission
Under the guidance of the graduate studies advisor, you may be admitted on a provisional basis if you:
- demonstrate exceptional qualifications in admission criteria
- and don't meet the minimum GPA requirement.
Ready?
- Complete the graduate school application.
- Complete the MSW application packet.
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