Master of Science in
Social Work

ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work program offers an innovative curriculum aimed at preparing leading social work practitioners in the field. Designed to produce versatile social work leaders, you are able to incorporate faith and employ technology into your work in the program. You will identify and make use of what works from the most promising interventions and forward-thinking programs and policies to empower and instill hope in your clients, in essence promoting positive social change.
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ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work program offers an innovative curriculum aimed at preparing leading social work practitioners in the field. Designed to produce versatile social work leaders, you are able to incorporate faith and employ technology into your work in the program. You will identify and make use of what works from the most promising interventions and forward-thinking programs and policies to empower and instill hope in your clients, in essence promoting positive social change.

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Are you ready for the challenge?

ACU’s M.S.S.W. program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is ranked the 3rd best value Christian College, CSWE accredited Social Work program.

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Mission

The mission of the ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work program is to prepare students for professional leadership and ethical advanced generalist social work practice with an evidence-based emphasis. To further this mission, students will effectively address the biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions of human well-being and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice across system levels in domestic and international community contexts

Program Structure

Master of Science in Social Work

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.

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Course Descriptions

Required Hours

Program length: 2 years
Credit hours: 64
Current tuition per credit hour: $1,242

Example Coursework

Diversity, Power, and Oppression
Policy Analysis and Practice
Management and Funding for Nonprofit Organizations
Leading and Managing Change in Nonprofit Organizations

Department

School of Social Work

Application Deadlines

Fall Priority Review: February 16 (Preferred consideration for Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships and Field Placements)
Fall Standard Review: May 1 (deadline may extend if space is available)
Spring – Please contact the Office of Graduate Programs (gradinfo@acu.edu or 325-674-2656)

First-Hand Field Experience

At ACU, our Master’s in Social Work curriculum gives students unparalleled field placement opportunities specifically designed to fit their interests, outside commitments, and future career goals.

Make a difference

Leticia Cisneros

The first year of the program introduces important ideas and concepts that are at the heart of what it means to be a social worker and to engage in evidence-based practice. The second year concentrates on evidence-based social interventions with systems of various sizes. Students also spend a significant amount of time in the ACU MSSW Field Education and Practicum.

The passion to be a voice for those with no voice led Leticia Cisneros (’15) to pursue her MSSW.

Read more about Leticia.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete the online application;
  • Pay the $65 application fee;
  • An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; If undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, the GRE or MAT entrance exam is required. Our GRE code is 6001
  • Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted through the online application);
  • A personal statement addressing your motivation for graduate studies and entering the social work profession, including reflections on the four themes of the ACU School of Social Work- evidence-based practice, God’s gift of diversity, faith and social work, and social justice;
  • A writing sample in the form of a formal graded senior level assignment of at least five pages from the student’s undergraduate work (or acceptable alternative);
  • While the standard program accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in any field, students are expected to demonstrate a broad liberal arts background, including two courses from each of the humanities/fine arts, and communication/language. A course in statistics is highly desirable.

Various forms of financial aid are available to assist you with funding your education. Learn more about these opportunities and visit our Graduate Financial Aid page to apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships.

What outcomes can you expect?

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Nonprofit or Social Services Director
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Military Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • Mental Health Social Worker
  • Child Welfare Advocate
  • Adoption Social Worker
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • Rehabilitation Social Worker
  • Family Violence Counselor
  • Sexual Assault Counselor
  • Immigration Policy Advocate
  • Poverty Advocate
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Analyst/Researcher
  • Legislator/Public Official
  • Community Planner
  • Rural Social Worker
  • Social Work Administrators, Researchers, Planners and Policymakers

ACU also offers an Advanced Standing program for students who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Both programs combine classroom study with supervised internships in social service agencies and include either, a thesis or a research project suitable for dissemination.