Master of Social Work (MSW) 

Shape the future of your community and social services, and elevate your career to new levels of success with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Southern Adventist University.

Graduates of our MSW program are equipped to provide client support, counseling, and advocacy through evidence-based practice.

  • You will be qualified for employment—and leadership—in schools, orphanages, hospitals, prisons, hospice settings, government positions, community organizations, and more.
  • As a graduate of a faith-based program, you’ll be positioned to bring a unique influence to the shaping of social policy.
  • Our distinctive generalist program means students develop a broad spectrum of competencies. You are prepared with advanced practice knowledge and skills for succeeding in clinical and administrative settings.
  • Opportunities for leadership are embedded in the instruction of theory and practical skills.
  • School social-work certification:  A course is available for those seeking school social-work certification.

The School of Social Work now offers two participation options for select courses based on their learning purposes and content. Students may choose to attend these courses in person on campus or synchronously via Zoom every other Sunday during the semester. All other course requirements for both groups of students are completed online. All students, whether full time or part time, Foundation or Advanced Placement, can choose to complete the program fully online. 

How the MSW works

A female social worker, holding a notebook and speaking to an elderly couple seated across from her in a well-lit living room.

Designed to meet the needs of the broadest spectrum of students, official classes meet twice a month on Sundays with the option of joining virtually or in person. In between class sessions, all students complete course assignments online. 

  • Advanced placement: With a bachelor's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) -accredited institution, qualifying students can typically complete the master’s program in 12 months (three semesters) on a full-time basis.
  • Foundation placement: With a bachelor’s degree in another discipline (or from a non-accredited BSW program), full-time students typically can complete the program in six semesters.

MSW Areas of Emphasis 

  • Mental Health Practice in Social Work
  • School Social Work
  • Crisis and Emergency Management 
A smiling teenager sits between two supportive adults on a couch, while another person takes notes in the foreground.

Social Work Information Session:  

We invite prospective students to join us for an Information Session, where faculty members and admission representatives will welcome you and be ready to answer your questions. For more information, please Register for an Information Session »

Applying to Southern’s MSW 

A woman wearing glasses stands by a window holding a pen and writing on a clipboard. She is dressed in a black cardigan over a beige top.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, with coursework indicating a strong liberal arts background. (Advanced placement requires a Bachelor's of
    Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.)
  • GPA requirement: Possess a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale) in social work courses for Advanced placement and 2.75 for Foundation placement.
Apply Now

Application deadlines

All application steps are to be fully completed by the dates listed.

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Term

U.S. Residents

International

Fall

April 1

March 1

Winter

October 1

August 1

How to Apply

Submit a graduate application (with non-refundable fee of $40) 

Apply Now

Explore MSW Careers, Resources, and Stories 

Read our blog

4 MSW Careers That Go Beyond Casework

When most people think of social work, they imagine traditional roles focused on community welfare and support. However, earning a Master of Socialtrue

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Read our blog

What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work?

If you’re considering enrolling in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, you’ve likely been dreaming about what career you can pursue after. Maybetrue

Access the blog

Read our blog

4 Questions to Ask Before Earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work

Pursuing a service-based career is a noble, challenging, and rewarding path—and one of the best ways to make an impact is with a career in socialtrue

Access the blog

Resources for Getting Your MSW at Southern

Master of Social Work Course Guides

MSW Foundation Courses

See the course list

MSW Foundation Courses IMG

Master of Social Work Course Guides

MSW Emphasis Courses

See the course list

MSW Emphasis Courses IMG

Master of Social Work Course Guides

MSW Advanced Standing Courses

See the course list

MSW Advanced Courses IMG

Field Practicum

Faculty

Laura Racovita, Ph.D. headshot

Laura Racovita, Ph.D.

Dean


Evie Nogales Baker headshot

Evie Nogales Baker

Associate Professor


Lunelle Bertresse headshot

Lunelle Bertresse

Assistant Professor


Stephanie Guster headshot

Stephanie Guster

Senior Advisor for Diversity Associate Professor


Nina Nelson headshot

Nina Nelson

Associate Professor


Corneliu Rusu headshot

Corneliu Rusu

Professor


Kristie Wilder headshot

Kristie Wilder

Professor


Candy Dolcy headshot

Candy Dolcy

Assistant Professor


 

 

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