Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina
    Go to University of South Carolina

    Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina

    University of South Carolina
    University of South Carolina
    United States of America
    United States of America, Columbia
    University Rank:#628
    Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina

    The Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Columbia , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 18, 2027.

    About Social Work, M.S.W.

    Mission

    The College of Social Work MSW Program prepares graduates to become advanced practitioners who serve diverse communities in South Carolina and beyond through specialized practice competencies in one or more of the following areas: Children, Youth, and Families; Health and Mental Health; and/or Community, Social, and Economic Development. The MSW Program will provide students essential knowledge, skills, and values to practice effectively, ethically, and collaboratively to promote social well-being and social justice for vulnerable populations.

    Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

    Goal 1

    The program produces Master's-level social workers who provide competent and ethical practice with, and on behalf of, diverse and vulnerable populations.

    • Learning Outcome 1:  Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice (2.1.2)1
    • Learning Outcome 2:  Engage diversity and difference in practice (2.1.4)
    • Learning Outcome 3:  Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (2.1.10)

    Goal 2

    The program produces Master's-level social workers who demonstrate a strong professional identity and ability to advance human rights and social and economic justice.

    • Learning Outcome 4:  Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services (2.1.8)
    • Learning Outcome 5:  Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly (2.1.1)
    • Learning Outcome 6:  Advance human rights and social and economic justice (2.1.5)

    Goal 3

    The program produces Master's-level social workers whose professional judgment demonstrates an understanding that person-in-environment perspective requires a critical analysis of practice contexts and research findings.

    • Learning Outcome 7:  Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments (2.1.3)
    • Learning Outcome 8:  Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research (2.1.6)
    • Learning Outcome 9:  Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) (2.1.7)
    • Learning Outcome 10:  Respond to contexts that shape practice (2.1.9)
    1

    Numbers refer to the CSWE's 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) Core Competencies.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina

    Entry Requirements

    The admission policy for the M.S.W. degree program applies to every applicant.  All applicants must fulfill the general admission requirements of both The Graduate School and the College of Social Work. Applicants must be recommended to The Graduate School for acceptance by the MSW Program. Acceptance by The Graduate School and the M.S.W. Program is based on the evaluation of an applicant's total academic profile. The M.S.W. Program is committed to diversity in its student body. Admission is limited and competitive. Admission to the College of Social Work is contingent upon admission to The Graduate School.

    Deadlines

    • The deadline for Advanced Standing Program admissions is March 1. Classes begin in the summer.
    • The deadline for Full-time and Part-time Program admissions is April 1. Classes begin in the fall.

    Minimal requirements for admission include:

    • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
      • Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have earned a bachelor's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution within the last 5 years.
    • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
      • Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have also earned a B or better GPA in the last 60 credit hours of an accredited bachelor's degree and a B or better in all required undergraduate social work classes.
    • Official transcripts of all college and university credits earned
    • Autobiographical statement stating the applicant's desire to enter the degree program and outlining long-term professional goals, motivation and capacity to work with people.
    • At least two letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can address characteristics such as maturity, self-discipline, commitment, cooperativeness and professionalism. The M.S.W. program requires letters be written by individuals who can attest to an applicant's potential for graduate study and social work practice (e.g., professor, supervisor or community leader). Letters from those an applicant has a personal relationship with (e.g., relative, friend or neighbor) will not be adequate.
      • Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Of the three letters of recommendation, one must be from the B.S.W. program director or faculty advisor recommending readiness for Advanced Standing and one be must from the undergraduate field supervisor or current social work supervisor if employed.
    • A current CV or resume that demonstrates evidence of service and/or work experiences congruent with social work values, skills, and knowledge.

    Note: An interview may also be required. 

    Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option should be aware that meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission to this program option. 

    Progression

    Students in the MSW Program must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to be in good academic standing. Any student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 is no longer in good academic standing and will undergo a review by the MSW Program Coordinator, the student's Academic Advisor and Faculty Advisor. The student will also be placed on academic probation and will have one semester to raise their GPA to a 3.0 or higher. If the cumulative GPA is not 3.0 or higher at the completion of the subsequent term, the student will be suspended from the MSW Program.

    Additionally, no earned course grade below C will be accepted as part of a program of study for the MSW degree. If a student earns a grade below C in a required course, they will have one attempt to retake the course for credit.  If a student earns a grade below C in an elective course, they may either have one attempt to retake the course for credit or they may take a different elective for credit. 

    Transfer of Course Credit

    The MSW Program follows the Transfer of Course Credit policy in the Graduate Academic Regulations Bulletin. Students may request transfer of graduate course credits from other programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

    Credit for Life Experience

    In accordance with the mandates of the Council on Social Work Education, no credit is given for life experiences. Students will not receive academic credit for life experience or previous volunteer, service learning activities or assignments, or work experience in social work.

    Academic credit will not be granted for life experience or previous work experience, and such experience will not be substituted for any of the courses in the professional foundation areas or the field practicum.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 74

    English Program Requirements

    Applicants whose native language is not English must: 

    1. Submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. 

    2. Take a diagnostic test in English when they arrive at the university.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina

    Application Fee 50
    Social Work, M.S.W. at University of South Carolina
    University of South Carolina
    University of South Carolina
    United States of America

    United States of America, Columbia

    WhatsApp student consultation with YouApply