Social Work, M.S.W.

Dr. Breshell Jackson-Nevels
MSW Program Director
bjnevels@nsu.edu
757) 823-9236 

Quinci Rockette Brune, MSW
Director of Admissions
gmbrune@nsu.edu
(757) 823-8668

MSW Program overview

The Master of Social Work degree program is based on the assumption that social workers should operate from a common base of knowledge, philosophy, values, and skills. The program is designed to transmit these basic components through a solid foundation of core and concentration courses. The MSW Program subscribes to an ecological/social systems, diversity, empowerment, and strengths orientation which enables the practitioner to provide services based on the client system’s needs using differentiated models of practice.

The MSW Program produces capable, well-informed graduates who will:

• Achieve a level of analytical, interactional, and technological competence necessary for responsible and effective professional practice.
• Demonstrate mastery of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies to initiate social work practice in clinical social work with individuals, families, and groups.
• Meet the needs, responsibilities, and work requirements of agencies and programs
• Engage in life-long learning and pursue advanced training in a doctoral program in social work in an ever-evolving global and technological community.

The MSW is an Advanced Generalist program that provides students with an option to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Students gain the knowledge and skills needed for an Advanced Generalist social work practitioner to work in agencies providing services to various client populations. Graduates are prepared to competently and effectively intervene with individuals, families, and small groups in a number of organizational settings, such as child and family services, health, mental health, school social work, and military social work. 

Degree Requirements

Completion of a minimum of sixty (60) credit hours which are prescribed from courses offered by the School and other graduate programs. Maintenance of a minimum average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all academic courses taken. Maintenance of a grade of at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale for each field practicum and all practice courses. Two consecutive semesters of full-time residence status. Generally, the final year of study is used to meet this requirement.

Completion of Field Practicum 

• Full-time and Extended students are required to complete 910 clock hours of agency practice for two consecutive academic years that averages 14 hours a week.
• ​Advanced Generalist students are required to complete in 546 clock hours of agency practice that average 21 hours a week.

​Completion of all degree requirements within four (5) years of matriculation. Adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

All financial obligations to the University and to the School of Social Work must be met before degrees are conferred.

Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing program is a two semester program. This program is Fall and Spring semester with a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours total. Maintenance of a minimum average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all academic courses taken. Maintenance of a grade of at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale for each field practicum and all practice courses.

Completion of all degree requirements within four (5) years of matriculation. Adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

All financial obligations to the University and to the School of Social Work must be met before degrees are conferred.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MSW Program is coordinated by the Director of Admissions. Application materials must be submitted online at www.nsu.edu to the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The MSW Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and makes recommendations on admission to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

All prospective students are required to have a baccalaureate degree and meet specific prerequisite course requirements. International students are required to meet all admissions requirements and show equivalent qualifications.

The requirements for admission are as follows:

• BSW or other baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of 2.7 on a four (4.0) point scale.
• Preferred and not required a three credit hour prerequisite course in Human Biology (Lab not required) and Social Science Statistics (three credit hours with a minimum grade of a B or higher).
• No credit given for life or work experience.

Application Deadline

May 1 is the deadline for fall semester admissions to the Advanced Standing and Advanced Generalist Programs. Admissions deadline is April 1 for only Extended Students which begins in the Summer.

Norfolk State University’s Graduate School is the portal through which all applications for graduate study enter. The following documents must be uploaded with the online application by the deadline:

• Two reference letters are required (one academic, one professional and/or one volunteer).
• Copies of official transcripts from all universities attended.
• Personal Statement, following the supplemental guidelines that are provided.
• A current resume that details work, volunteer, and academic experiences. (Include information about special recognitions.)

The MSW Admission Committee evaluates the admission packets. Applicants for admission to the MSW program should have at least a 2.7 grade point average as 50% of the weight is given to that component of the application. Applicants must follow the supplemental guidelines that are provided for the personal statement, as this component is 40% of the application. Additionally, applicants receive a 10% rating for their work, volunteer experience, and letters of recommendations.

An applicant may be requested by the MSW Admissions Committee to come for an interview. 

Matriculating Admission

Full-Time Students

This admission status is granted to applicants who meet all admission requirements. Persons admitted under this curriculum enroll for the normal sequence of courses and field work with the goal of meeting all requirements for the Master of Social Work degree in two academic years.

Extended-Time Students

The Extended-Time MSW Program permits students to complete requirements over a six (6) semester period. This plan requires full-time enrollment but extends the course of study beyond the normal two-year academic period.

Advanced Standing Students

This admission category is in recognition of superior academic performance during prior education in a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited undergraduate Social Work/Social Welfare program. Based on the Admissions Committee assessment of this performance, a student may be granted the opportunity to accelerate his/her MSW program.

Application to the Advanced Standing Program must be within five (5) years of graduation. Applicants must have completed, with a grade of B or better, a minimum of 400 clock hours of educationally directed field experience as part of the bachelor’s degree program. The minimum academic requirement for consideration is the attainment of a 3.00 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale for academic courses other than social work, and a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for social work/social welfare courses.

Transfer Students (only for Advanced Generalist and Extended Programs)

Transfer students applying to the School of Social Work may receive a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester credit hours for work completed in an accredited graduate school of social work. Courses must have been completed within the past five (5) years and a grade of “B” or above must have been received in each course for which transfer credits are requested. Transfer credits will be awarded for field practicum to students who have completed their first year practicum requirements.

Non-Matriculating Students

A non-degree student, who, at a later date, desires to study for the Master of Social Work degree, must apply for admission as a matriculating student. Because of the competitive nature of admission, completion of non-degree coursework does not guarantee admission. Should admission be granted, a maximum of six (6) graduate credit hours can be taken as a non-degree student. Courses completed at Norfolk State University or other accredited institutions may be considered for transfer credit provided that the credits have not been applied toward another degree, the grade earned in each course is “B” or above, the courses are approved by the School of Social Work, and courses are completed within 5 years of admission to the MSW program.

MSW Information Sessions

Information sessions and individual appointments are available during the fall and spring semesters. Applicants are encouraged to attend a session to receive an orientation to the School and the University. Interested persons should call (757) 823-2463.

Criminal Record Policy

Applicants for admission will be required to disclose information about their backgrounds, including whether they have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. Prospective students who acknowledge prior criminal convictions will be requested to provide an explanation of their criminal record. Admission to the University, School of Social Work, and field practicum will be subject to review and approval by the appropriate committee.

Full-Time and Extended Curricula

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area	Credits
Major Requirements	36
Social Work Electives	6
Field Experiences	18
Total Credit Hours	60

Full-time Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
SWK 626	Human Behavior I
SWK 630	Generalist Practice I: Individual/Family	3
SWK 651	Social Welfare Policy and Services	3
SWK 697	Research Methods I	3
SWK 690A	Field Practicum I	3
	Credits	12
Spring
SWK 627	Human Behavior II	3
SWK 639	Diversity, Inclusion, and Oppression	3
SWK 633	Generalist Practice II: Community Org	3
SWK 698	Research Methods II	3
SWK 690B	Field Practicum I	3
	Credits	15
Second Year
Fall
SWK 730	Differential Assessment	3
SWK 779	Advanced Generalist Practice I: Ind	3
SWK 780	Adv Gen Practice Ii: Families	3
SWK 790A	Field Practicum II	6
	Credits	15
Spring
SWK 781	Advanced Generalist Practice Iii: MacRo	3
SWK XXX	Elective	3
SWK XXX	Elective	3
SWK 790B	Field Practicum II	6
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	57

Extended Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid

First Year		Credits
SWK 626	Human Behavior I
SWK 627	Human Behavior II	3
SWK 630	Generalist Practice I: Individual/Family (SWK 633::Generalist Practice II: Community Org)	3
SWK 651	Social Welfare Policy and Services	3
SWK 633	Generalist Practice II: Community Org	3
SWK 639	Diversity, Inclusion, and Oppression	3
	Credits	15
Second Year
SWK 690A	Field Practicum I	3
SWK 697	Research Methods I	3
SWK 690B	Field Practicum I	3
SWK 698	Research Methods II	3
SWK 730	Differential Assessment	3
SWK 779	Advanced Generalist Practice I: Ind	3
SWK XXX	Elective	3
SWK XXX	Elective	3
	Credits	24
Third Year
SWK 790A	Field Practicum II	6
SWK 780	Adv Gen Practice Ii: Families	3
SWK 790B	Field Practicum II	6
SWK 781	Advanced Generalist Practice Iii: MacRo	3
	Credits	18
	Total Credits	57

Advanced Standing Curriculum

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Subject Area	Credits
Major Requirements	24
Social Work Electives	6
Total Credit Hours	30

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
SWK 730	Differential Assessment	3
SWK 779	Advanced Generalist Practice I: Ind	3
SWK 780	Adv Gen Practice Ii: Families	3
SWK 790A	Field Practicum II	6
	Credits	15
Spring
SWK 781	Advanced Generalist Practice Iii: MacRo	3
SWK 790B	Field Practicum II	6
SWK XXX	Elective	3
SWK XXX	Elective	3
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	30