Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a wide range of career opportunities for social workers, particularly those with a Master of Social Work degree. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to practice in a variety of public and private settings.

Program Overview

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers full-time and part-time options. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester, while part-time students are enrolled in 3 to 9 semester hours per semester. Students must be registered for at least 6 credit hours per semester to qualify for financial aid.

Field Education Requirement

The field education requirement is a critical component of the MSW program. Traditional students complete a total of 900 hours of field education, while advanced standing students complete a total of 600 hours. Students should estimate spending a total of 20 hours per week in an agency setting during these semesters. All field placements are coordinated by the Field Education Office, and most placements are not employment-based and do not include a stipend.

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the MSW program, students must meet certain criteria. There is no particular undergraduate major required for the traditional program, but students are expected to have a strong liberal arts background. Students admitted to the advanced standing program must have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Social work experience is not required, but it is considered a plus for admission.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants are required to take either the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the MAT (Miller Analogies Test).
• The graduate admission test will be waived for applicants who have an institutional undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Students can enter the program in any semester, but to complete the traditional program in five semesters, students must enroll in the Fall.
• Advanced Standing students must enroll in Summer to complete the program in three semesters.

Program Structure

The MSW program is designed to be completed in five semesters for traditional students and three semesters for advanced standing students. Classes are offered on the Pensacola Campus and online. Upon admission, students must meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan.

Accreditation

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE Commission on Accreditation recently reaffirmed accreditation through 2025.

Financial Assistance

Student financial aid is administered by the Financial Aid Office. Graduate student financial aid is limited, and many students take advantage of Federal Student Loan Programs.

Conclusion

The Master of Social Work program at the University of West Florida offers a comprehensive education in social work, with a focus on practice in a variety of public and private settings. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers full-time and part-time options. With its strong curriculum and experienced faculty, the MSW program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in social work.