Abilene Christian University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Social Work

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers an innovative curriculum aimed at preparing cutting-edge social work practitioners. It is designed to produce versatile social work leaders who can incorporate their faith and employ technology to identify and use the most promising interventions and the most forward-thinking programs and policies to empower and instill hope in their clients, and to promote positive social change.

Degree Process

There are two programs of study leading toward the M.S.S.W.: Standard and Advanced Standing. The Standard Program requires two years of full-time study (64 hours). The first year introduces important ideas and concepts at the heart of what it means to be a social worker and to engage in evidence-based practice. The second year concentrates on the evidence-based process with systems of various sizes.

The Advanced Standing Program is for students who have completed a B.S.W. from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Following a 6-hour summer seminar, Advanced Standing students move directly into the 32-hour second year of study.

Both programs combine classroom study with supervised internships in social service agencies and include either a thesis or a research project suitable for dissemination. Additionally, in cooperation with the Graduate School of Theology, the School of Social Work has developed plans whereby students can pursue the M.S.S.W. degree concurrently with the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.) degree.

Why a Master of Science in Social Work?

• M.S.S.W. graduates become competent practitioners who take on leadership roles within the nonprofit and social service fields.

• The M.S.S.W. program prepares students for the state licensure exam.

• The M.S.S.W. has more credibility in professional settings than any other human service licensure.

• The M.S.S.W. degree is honored nationwide, however, each state may have its own licensing criteria.

Why the M.S.S.W. at ACU?

• ACU’s M.S.S.W. program emphasizes social and economic justice for the poor and vulnerable and celebrates diversity through the integration of faith and social work.

• ACU was one of the first graduate social work programs in the nation to offer a concentration in evidence-based practice.

• The Advanced Standing Program enables graduates with bachelor’s degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to complete their master’s degrees in one year.

• The flexible degree program allows students to take courses one or two days a week, depending on the program, enabling them to dedicate focused time to their field practicum.

Affordability/Financial Aid

The M.S.S.W. program at ACU offers scholarships, graduate assistantships and paid internships to assist its students. These include:

• Academic scholarships

• Paid graduate assistantships

• Paid internships

• Hogg Foundation Bilingual Fellowships (Covers full tuition and fees. For Spanish speakers with an interest in working with Hispanic clients in the field of mental health.)

Accreditation:

ACU’s M.S.S.W. program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the regional body responsible for accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America.

Eligibility Requirements:

ACU's Master of Science in Social Work program is open to students from all undergraduate disciplines. For admission to the Advanced Standing Program, students must have a recent Bachelor's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition In-State Full Time:

15662 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

15662 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999