Master of Social Work

The Social Work program, housed in the Department of Human Services, offers a Master of Social Work (M.S.W). Social workers help individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities restore and enhance their capacity for social functioning. Social workers care about their fellow citizens, want to help people improve their situations and strive to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The Social Work program at Valdosta State University prepares students for clinical practice and licensure in social work and produces graduates who are qualified to practice with diverse populations in multiple settings.

The Master of Social Work program at Valdosta State University prepares students for advanced generalist practice. Social workers in advanced generalist practice use their skills as direct service providers in interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students in the Social Work program learn about both clinical and community practice and are able to develop the requisite skills to practice in many settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health, residential treatment, child welfare, forensic, geriatric, hospice and more. The program combines coursework and practicums to prepare graduates for careers in the field.

All social work faculty members have practiced as professional social workers and are knowledgeable in a variety of areas with differing client populations. The curriculum is divided into multiple track options to fit the needs of many different students. The Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is designed to prepare students for a career in professional social work practice. The advanced generalist curriculum provides students with the knowledge, values, ethics, and skills to engage in multi-level practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities. Students in the program gain invaluable field experience by completing two separate year-long practicum placements. Students have many opportunities to gain additional experience. For example, the Social Work program sponsors My Friends House, which is a day program for seniors with special needs.

The completion of the graduate school application package which includes a statement of career goals, a resume, three professional recommendations, transcripts and immunization forms is also needed. Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience will not be given.See the MSW admissions guide at: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/graduate-school/our-programs/master-of-social-work.php