Program Overview

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Kennesaw State University in Georgia provides the skills and knowledge needed to become an innovative social worker who facilitates and enhances the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Program Overview

You will learn to make informed, evidence-based decisions regarding best practices in responding compassionately and ethically to diverse human needs through psychotherapy, family counseling, and case management.

Choose Your Path

• Traditional MSW Program – Designed for students beginning their graduate social work education, this two-year program offers a comprehensive foundation in theory, practice, and field experience.
• Advanced Standing Program – Tailored for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, this accelerated option allows you to build on your existing knowledge and enter the field more quickly.

Program Details

Traditional MSW

• Format: Face-to-Face
• Number of Credit Hours: 60 Total Hours
• Entry Terms: Summer and Fall start
  • Summer: February 15
  • Fall: March 1
• Time to Complete: Two-year Program

Advanced Standing MSW

• Format: Face-to-Face
• Number of Credit Hours: 36 Total Hours
• Entry Terms: Summer Start only
  • February 15
• Time to Complete: 3 semesters (Summer-Fall-Spring)

Admissions Requirements

• Online Graduate Application – There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
• Transcripts – Official transcripts from EACH college and/or university you have attended.
• Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university.

Additional Program Requirements

Beyond the general graduate admissions requirements, the MSW program has specific criteria for both the Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks. These include GPA thresholds, prerequisite degrees, letters of recommendation, and other materials.

Social Work Degree Benefits

• Top in Georgia – In 2022, KSU MSW graduates had the highest pass rate for both the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam in Georgia.
• Accredited – KSU's MSW degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Hands-On Clinical Field Practicum – All MSW students complete a clinical field practicum at an agency site approved by the Department.
• Scholarship Assistance Available – The MSW program has scholarship funding supported by a Department of Education 5-year grant for those planning to specialize in school social work.

Upgrade Your MSW Experience

• Master of Social Work / Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA) Dual Degree – Become a leader and change agent by combining social work expertise with business acumen.
• Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship – Learn how to design and launch innovative solutions to complex social, health, and environmental challenges.
• Double Owl Pathways – Current KSU undergraduates can accelerate their education and save on tuition by earning both degrees faster. Available MSW pathways include:
  • Criminal Justice BS / MSW
  • Human Services BS / MSW
  • Integrated Health Science BS / MSW
  • Psychology BS / MSW

Career Opportunities

The social work degree will prepare you for a wide array of career paths, including clinical and nonclinical, such as:

• Human Services Case Manager
• Child Welfare Case Manager
• Human Services Administrator
• Adoption Placement Specialist
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
• Geriatric Social Worker
• School Social Worker
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Social Work Professor
• Healthcare Social Worker

Related Degrees & Programs

• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Science in Conflict Management