Program Overview

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Introduction to the Online Master of Social Work Program

The Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Howard University is designed for aspiring macro or direct practice social workers who need a flexible schedule. The program is grounded in the Black Perspective, a framework that articulates how oppression, self-determination, and culture inform service to individuals and communities.

Program Tracks

The program offers two tracks:

• Traditional MSW: This track requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum of 60 credits in the liberal arts. There is no minimum undergraduate GPA requirement. The track can be completed full-time in as few as 16 months or part-time in as few as 36 months.
• Advanced Standing MSW: This track requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, awarded within four years of the term start date. Candidates must have earned a B or better in all social work foundation courses and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework. The track can be completed part-time in as few as 16 months or full-time in as few as 8 months.

Curriculum

The online MSW curriculum includes:

• 30 or 60 credit hours
• 16 didactic courses
• 2 or 4 agency-based education courses The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve Black and marginalized populations in a range of contexts and to transform oppressive systems.

Concentrations

The program offers two concentrations:

• Direct Practice Concentration: This concentration develops assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills for working with individuals, families, and groups.
• Community, Administration, and Policy (CAP) Practice Concentration: This concentration prepares students to transform systems and policies, drive structural change, and empower communities to live healthier lives.

Agency-Based Practice Education

The program includes agency-based practice education, which provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The School of Social Work has partnerships with various agencies, including the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency and DC Public Schools.

Admissions

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (Traditional MSW)
• Hold a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution (Advanced Standing MSW)
• Submit an online application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an application essay, and a resume
• International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores

Application Requirements

The application requirements include:

• An online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• College transcripts
• An application essay
• A resume
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only)

Application Essay

The application essay should be no more than 9 pages, double-spaced, and answer the following questions:

• Discuss the most important social justice issue(s) today and what sparked your interest in this issue.
• Discuss your long-term career path in the social work profession and how your interests and career goals will be met at the Howard University School of Social Work.
• Discuss your strategies for managing life/work/school balance.
• Discuss what ethical conduct means to you in the classroom, at an agency, and as a professional.

Transcripts

Applicants must submit digital or hard-copy versions of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to the online application for review purposes, but official transcripts are required upon admission and matriculation.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead from people who can provide an objective assessment of their skills, experience, and qualifications.

Resume

Applicants must submit a formal resume with all relevant academic and professional experience.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Start Dates and Deadlines

The program has multiple start dates throughout the year, with deadlines for application submission. Applicants are encouraged to check the program website for the most up-to-date information on start dates and deadlines.