Admission to the MSW program is on a selective basis. Prospective students apply to the Graduate Admissions Office. The completed application is sent to the Social Work Admissions Committee for evaluation. The committee makes its recommendations to the MSW Program Coordinator. Completed admission applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- A baccalaureate degree with liberal arts courses from the social sciences, behavioral sciences, natural sciences, biological sciences, and humanities from an accredited college or university
- Grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission
- Grade point average (GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale for Advanced Standing
- Minimum GRE score of 850
- Official transcript(s) direct from all colleges/universities attended
- Official Graduate School Application with Directed Essay
- Three letters of reference (academic and/or professional persons)
- An in-person interview is scheduled when determined by admission committee
Regular Full Time Admission
Regular admission requires students to satisfy the GRE (850) and GPA (2.8) requirements. This is a two-year 60 credit hour program with students completing 15 credit hours per semester. The Full Time curriculum begins in the fall semester.
Advanced Standing Admission
Only students who have earned the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program are eligible for the Advanced Standing admission. Students must satisfy the GRE (850) and the GPA (3.3) requirements. The Advanced Standing curriculum begins in May. Students admitted into the
Advanced Standing program who fail to earn a grade of “B” in any course will be removed from Advanced Standing. The student may be given the option of continuing in the regular two-year MSW degree program. be allowed back in the Advanced Standing curriculum.
Part Time Admission
Part Time admission is available for students who want to earn the MSW degree. The curriculum is designed for students to complete the degree within 3 ˝ years. The Part Time curriculum begins in the fall spring semester. Students are strongly encouraged to remain with the Part Time curriculum once admitted.
Provisional Admission
Applicants who want to obtain the MSW degree, but do not fully satisfy the requirements for admission may be given consideration for provisional admission status. Provisional Admission may be granted to applicants whose GRE score and/or GPA fall below the minimum required for admission. The student must earn a grade of “B” in each course during the first semester of enrollment in order to remain the MSW Program.
TRANSFER CREDIT
The Department of Social Work may accept up to 30 credit hours for transfer. Transfer credit may be granted if the applicant meets the following:
- All admission requirements for the MSW Program and Savannah State University Graduate School requirements
- MSW course(s) completed in a CSWE approved program within the last five years
- A minimum grade of “B” earned in each course for transfer credit
- Inclusion of catalog description for each requested course for transfer credit
- Course outline or syllabus, including bibliography for each requested transfer course
- A letter of recommendation from the Chair of the Department related to the student’s enrollment status at the previous or current Social Work Program.
ORIENTATION
A required orientation to the MSW Program is held at the beginning of the fall semester during the registration period. All MSW students are required to attend orientation.
DUAL CONCENTRATION
Students are permitted to pursue a Dual Concentration. Students must declare a concentration by the second semester of full time enrollment or four semesters of part time enrollments.
FIELD PRACTICUM
Field practicum is an integral part of social work education. The experience offers an opportunity for students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and social work practice skills in diverse human service settings under the instruction of approved agency based social workers. Affiliation agreements between the University and human service organizations are established for educational purposes.
MSW students must complete 1000 clock hours of field practicum for a total of 12 semester credit hours. After the completion of the first semester of course work, the foundation practicum is offered, typically, at 20 hours a
week for 300 hours (4 credits). In the advanced year, the concentration field practicum is offered, typically at 24 hours a week for two semesters for a total of 720 700 hours (4 credits each semester). Field practicum is
taken concurrently with social work practice classes. In the advanced year, field learning experiences are focused on students’ declared concentration (Clinical Practice or Social Administration Practice).
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM
Foundation 31 hours
SOWK 5501 Law, Race and Poverty in the Welfare of Children 3 hours
(Required for First Year IV-E Child Welfare Recipients)
MSWK 6650 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3 hours
MSWK 6651 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II 3 hours
MSWK 6652 Cultural Diversity and Social Work Practice 3 hours
MSWK 6660 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families 3 hours
MSWK 6661 Social Work Practice with Groups, Communities, and Organizations 3 hours
MSWK 6670 Research Methods I 3 hours
MSWK 6680 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 hours
MSWK 6690 Field Practicum I 4 hours
MSWK 6782 Advanced Policy and Planning 3 hours
Elective 3 hours
Choose one concentration:
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK CONCENTRATION 29 hours
MSWK 6750 Clinical Practice I 3 hours
MSWK 6751 Clinical Practice II 3 hours
MSWK 6752 Crisis Intervention and Brief Therapy 3 hours
MSWK 6762 Mental Health Issues with Adults: Psychopathology 3 hours
MSWK 6760 Research Methods II 3 hours
MSWK 6790 Field Practicum II 4 hours
MSWK 6791 Field Practicum III 4 hours
MSWK 6805 Integrative Seminar 3 hours
Electives 3 hours
SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION 29 hours
MSWK 6780 Social Administration I 3 hours
MSWK 6781 Social Administration II 3 hours
MSWK 6834 Public Budgeting and Finance 3 hours
MSWK 6762 Mental Health Issues with Adults: Psychopathology 3 hours
MSWK 6760 Research Methods II 3 hours 4 hours
MSWK 6791 Field Practicum III 4 hours
MSWK 6805 Integrative Seminar 3 hours
Electives 3 hours
Total Hours Required for Master of Social Work 60 hours
Application Deadlines:
Fall:
May 15 - International Students & Graduate Assistantships
July 1 - Regular Admissions
Spring:
October 1 - International Students & Graduate Assistantships
November 17 - Regular Admissions
