The ACU M.S. in Social Work program is one of fewer than 5 percent of graduate social work programs to require a thesis from all students. The thesis is completed in the advanced year of study in the master’s program in tandem with the field practicum agency. The thesis provides students the opportunity to engage in advanced evidence-based practice and assist a community organization with its research needs, while gaining expertise in their areas of interest. Students are encouraged to select a field practicum opportunity that aligns with their careers interests, and negotiate the topic of the thesis with their practicum organization.

Throughout the thesis process, students meet with their faculty thesis supervisor to discuss the direction of the research and receive constructive feedback on their work. Upon completing the thesis research and paper, students defend their findings and writing before their Thesis Committee.

After completing the thesis process, students may choose to pursue professional publication and/or presentations of their original research findings. Visit the Student Research and Professional Presentations page to view some of the work from ACU graduate and undergraduate Social Work students who have produced refereed publications and/or presented at peer-reviewed professional meetings.