Master of Social Work | Graduate Studies

At its core, being a social worker is all about empowering others, influencing change, and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Here at Southern, we’re helping to create the next generation of social workers who are passionate about supporting their clients through these principles—all within the Christian framework.

Our program offers an advanced generalist degree to equip you to make an impact in all three levels of social work:

Micro (family, individuals)
Mezzo (communities, churches, schools)
Macro (government, legislation/policy)

Southern graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles as school social workers, medical social workers, foster care professionals, social work administrators for nonprofit organizations, and more.

The answer: almost anything!

More than 600 career paths are open to you once you have an MSW under your belt, so you can pursue your area of interest while enjoying the flexibility to explore new options as you choose. Graduates of Southern’s MSW program have gone on to accomplish incredible achievements and have made a difference in countless lives.

Our program offers three areas of emphasis: Crisis and Emergency Management, Mental Health Practice in Social Work, and School Social Work so that you can pursue the area that aligns with your career goals.

Let's take a look at some common career paths you could explore with an MSW:

Mental Health Social Worker

$62,400

School Social Worker

$52,370

Child and Family Social Worker

$48,430

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

$51,760

Geriatric Social Worker

$51,760

Medical Social Worker

$52,850

To help you discover what you’ll learn in each of Southern's areas of emphasis, the career options you’ll have to choose from, and how our program will prepare you for a successful career as a social worker, we’ve put together this extensive resource: Make an Impact for Good: The MSW Program at Southern. In this online ebook experience, you’ll get insights into:

Each area of emphasis and what type of work you’d do in each field
Personalized career trajectories into each career path
What our distinguished faculty love most about the program
What you actually learn in the MSW program
Southern's unique faith-based approach to social work

Our team of social work professionals and educators will inspire you, challenge you, and fuel your passion for serving others. While earning your degree, you’ll be empowered by our faculty of experienced, compassionate social workers who are committed to helping you achieve your career goals and become the best social worker you can be.

Southern’s faculty members bring unique expertise in a number of areas, which they love sharing with their students. Whichever emphasis you choose, you’ll have a chance to learn from faculty who offer invaluable hands-on experience in providing social services to clients.

Many of our graduates maintain relationships with our faculty and still look to them as mentors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with questions!