Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.)

About the MSSW Degree

The MSSW degree is respected nationally and prepares graduates for advanced practice in a variety of areas and settings, including family and child services, addiction services, mental health agencies, social service administration, poverty programs and gerontology.

Students graduate as competent and creative social workers who are ready for advanced practice. Our MSSW program combines classroom study and supervised internships in social service agencies and includes a thesis or research project suitable for dissemination.

We are looking for students who have a passion for social justice and who are interested in faith-based social work. Our program emphasis is in evidence-based practice, which means that you will learn to use technology to identify interventions that work with the clients you serve. You will have plenty of opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge in supervised field placements in social service agencies in Abilene and beyond.

Programs of Study

There are two programs of study leading toward the MSSW: Standard and Advanced Standing.

The Standard program requires two years of full-time study. The first year introduces students to important ideas and concepts that are at the heart of what it means to be a social worker and to engage in generalist practice. During the second year students concentrate on evidence-based practice with children and families in agency and community settings.

The Advanced Standing program is for students who have completed a BSSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Following a summer seminar, advanced standing students move directly into the second year of study in evidence-based practice with children and families in agency and community settings.

Application Requirements

Admission to the Standard program requires a baccalaureate degree with a liberal arts concentration from an accredited college or university.

Admission to the Advanced Standing program requires:

a Bachelors of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work accredited program AND
the BSW must have been completed within the past 5 years OR the applicant must have recent social work practice experience.

BOTH programs require:

a personal statement that addresses the following areas: a time when you helped someone in need; your motivation for pursuing graduate studies; and your motivation for entering the social work profession AND
Three letters of recommendation: one MUST come from a former professor, and one MUST come from an employer or field instructor.

Applicants with a final GPA of at least a 3.0 overall or in the last two years of study can waive the School of Social Work requirement for a graduate admissions exam (GRE or MAT).

Applicants who are admitted prior to February 15 ensure priority consideration for field placements and shcolarships/assistantships.

How to Apply

Applications are now being accepted. All prospective students apply through the ACU Graduate School. You may visit their website for information and to submit an online application.

Questions?

For more information regarding the MSSW program, please email Dr. Tanya Brice, MSSW Program Director, or call the School of Social Work at 325-674-2072.