Dr. Breshell Jackson-Nevels
MSW Program Director
bjnevels@nsu.edu
757) 823-9236
Director of MSW Admissions
(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 a clinical program that provides students will an option of one of four specializations (Child Welfare, Macro, Military, and School Social Work). The Clinical program prepares graduates to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). Students gain the knowledge and skills needed for advanced clinical social work practice in agencies providing direct 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. Students receive in-depth training in the application of a range of theories and practice approaches utilized in clinical services to individuals, groups, and families.
Specializations
Child Welfare Social Work. The Child Welfare curriculum prepares students to understand the child welfare system, emerging trends, and issues, and to provide competency-based services to children and families in the child welfare system.
Macro Social Work. Macro-level social work focuses on the community at large and systems-level functions. Social workers, in this segment of the field, work with large groups of people, communities, cities, and major institutions.
School Social Work. The School Social Work curriculum prepares students to practice as clinical social workers in various school settings with diverse populations.
Military Social Work. The Military Social Work curriculum prepares students to provide optimal clinical services to veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.
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 all degree requirements within four (4) 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.
Continuing Education
The Continuing Education Program of the School of Social Work is based upon the School’s commitment to the delivery of quality social work services and community service. This commitment is based on the awareness that it is by sustained participation in professional development that social workers maintain and enhance their competencies. Also, human service organizations are empowered to respond to change in professional knowledge and in their environment. The Continuing Education Program seeks to provide such opportunities to multi-level groups in a flexible and consumer responsive manner grounded in adult learning principles.
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.
- A minimum of twenty-one (21) credit hours in three content areas (with a GPA of at least 2.7) in the social and behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, political science, economics, counseling, anthropology, women’s studies, family studies and social work and social welfare).
- A minimum of 15 credit hours in the Liberal Arts in three content areas (e.g., art, cultural literature, cultural history, humanities, languages, music, philosophy, religion, and speech).
- A three credit hour prerequisite course in Human Biology. (Lab not required)
- A prerequisite course in Social Science Statistics (three credit hours with a minimum grade of 2.0).
- Evidence of computer literacy, which is a prerequisite for research courses.
- No credit given for life or work experience.
Application Process
Full Time and Extended Time students are admitted in the fall semester only. Advance Standing students are admitted in the summer and spring only.
Application Deadline
March 1 is the deadline for fall semester admissions and for summer admission to the Advanced Standing Program. October 15 is the deadline for Advanced Standing students entering the MSW Program in the spring semester.
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 date of March 1:
- Three reference letters are required (one academic, one professional, one volunteer).
- Copies of official transcripts from all universities attended.
- Personal Statement, following the supplemental guidelines that are provided.
- The Academic Summary Form detailing the completion of all prerequisite requirements.
- 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. An applicant may also request 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 3.50 cumulative grade point average for social work/social welfare courses.
Applications to the Advanced Standing Program will be reviewed by the School’s MSW Admissions Committee. Consideration will be given to the applicant’s scholarship, academic background, field experience, and work experience. Academic records from undergraduate programs will be of particular importance in evaluating the learning acquired during the applicant’s field experience. Furthermore, qualifications that indicate the potential for meeting the requirements to Advanced Standing will be ascertained via references, reports, and an interview with the MSW Admissions Committee.
Advanced Standing is a full-time continuous program consisting of one transitional semester (summer or spring) and two consecutive semesters. Selected applicants must begin the program during the spring or summer semester. Students in the Advanced Standing Program are not eligible for transfer credits, course substitutions or other course exemptions.
Transfer Students
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
Non-Matriculating status is a non-degree admission status. This category of admission is granted to persons with undergraduate degrees who wish to enroll in graduate social work courses but are undecided about curriculum choices or have no immediate plans to study for the Master of Social Work degree. The School will admit a limited number of applicants as non-degree students. Admission to certain courses will be on a space available basis and may require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
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.
All students should review the following items carefully:
- Planning with an assigned academic advisor is required to ensure that all requirements are met according to the defined sequence.
- Students should be aware that only a limited number of courses are offered in the evenings and during the summer session. Specific courses are offered only in the fall and spring sessions.
- Selection of elective courses should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.
- Current employment in a social work setting cannot be used to fulfill field practicum requirements.
- Neither semester of the final year can be reduced to fewer than nine (9) credit hours.
Students should discuss needs for extension with their academic advisor, the Director of the MSW Program, and receive approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
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.
MSW Curriculum
The curriculum is organized around a social/ecological/systems perspective and the degree conferred upon completion of four coordinated semesters of study in the two-year Master of Social Work Program (MSW). The degree requires completion of a minimum of sixty (60) credit hours generally distributed throughout five sequences:
- Social Work Practice Method,
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment,
- Social Welfare Policy,
- Research Methods, and
- Field Practicum. Students in their first year must complete 24 hours of practicum. Students in their second year must complete 48 hours of practicum.
Full-Time Students
Summary of Graduation Requirements
| Subject Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 24 |
| Social Work Specialization/General Electives | 18-21 |
| Field Experiences | 18 |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-63 |
Curriculum
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SWK 626 | Foundation of Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK 651 | Social Welfare Policy and Services | 3 |
| SWK 675 | Social Work Profession | 3 |
| SWK 697 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| SWK 690A | Field Practicum I | 3 |
| SWK 693A | Msw Field Practicum Orientation I | 0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWK 639 | Ethnicity | 3 |
| SWK 698 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| SWK 771 | Social Work With Individuals | 3 |
| SWK 772 or SWK 762 | Social Work With Groups or Community Practice | 3 |
| SWK 690B | Field Practicum I | 3 |
| SWK 693B | Msw Field Practicum Orientation I | 0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWK 730 | Differential Assessment in Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 790A | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793A | Msw Field Praticum Orientation I | 0 |
| XXX XXX | Specialization Courses | 6-9 |
| Credits | 15-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWK 790B | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793B | Msw Field Praticum Orientation II | 0 |
| XXX XXX | Specialization Courses/General Elective | 9 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60-63 | |
Specialization Requirements
Military Curriculum Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 529 | SW Practice With Military Families | 3 |
| SWK 663 | Trauma and the Military | 3 |
| SWK 715 | Intervention Strategies With Miltary Families and Personnel | 3 |
| SWK 740 | Stem-Health for Social Workers | 3 |
| SWK 761 | Military Policies and Services | 3 |
| SWK 772 | Social Work With Groups | 3 |
Macro Curriculum Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 652 | Health Pros Child A | 3 |
| SWK 762 | Community Practice | 3 |
| SWK 763 | Advocacy and Social Planning | 3 |
| SWK 764 | Social Service Administration | 3 |
| 3 | ||
| SWK 765 | Community Devel | 3 |
| SWK 775 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
Child Welfare Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 760 | Child Welfare Policies and Services | 3 |
| SWK 772 | Social Work With Groups | 3 |
| SWK 775 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
| SWK 736 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| XXX XXX | Trauma/Informed Clinical Practice: Children & Families | s |
Extended
Summary of Graduation Requirements
| Subject Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 48 |
| Social Work Electives | 9 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 |
Curriculum
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 626 | Foundation of Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK 651 | Social Welfare Policy and Services | 3 |
| SWK 697 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| SWK 639 | Ethnicity | 3 |
| SWK 698 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| SWK 736 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| SWK 675 | Social Work Profession | 3 |
| SWK 775 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
| SWK 690A | Field Practicum I | 3 |
| SWK 693A | Msw Field Practicum Orientation I | 0 |
| SWK 771 | Social Work With Individuals | 3 |
| SWK 760 | Child Welfare Policies and Services | 3 |
| SWK 693B | Msw Field Practicum Orientation I | 0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| SWK 772 | Social Work With Groups | 3 |
| SWK 790A | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793A | Msw Field Praticum Orientation I | 0 |
| SWK XXX | Policy Elective | 3 |
| SWK XXX | Practice Elective (Restricted) | 3 |
| SWK 790B | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793B | Msw Field Praticum Orientation II | 0 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
Note: Other courses may be required upon examination of transcripts
Advanced standing
Summary of Graduation Requirements
| Subject Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 30 |
| Social Work Electives | 9 |
| Graduate Elective | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 39 |
Spring Curriculum
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 639 | Ethnicity | 3 |
| SWK 730 | Differential Assessment in Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 771 | Social Work With Individuals | 3 |
| SWK 698 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| XXX XXX | Graduate Elective | 3 |
| SWK 772 | Social Work With Groups | 3 |
| SWK 775 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
| SWK 790A | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793A | Msw Field Praticum Orientation I | 0 |
| Credits | 27 | |
| Second Year | ||
| SWK XXX | Policy Elective | 3 |
| SWK XXX | Practice Elective (Restricted) | 3 |
| SWK 790B | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793B | Msw Field Praticum Orientation II | 0 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Summer Curriculum
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 639 | Ethnicity | 3 |
| SWK 730 | Differential Assessment in Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 771 | Social Work With Individuals | 3 |
| XXX XXX | Graduate Elective | 3 |
| SWK 772 | Social Work With Groups | 3 |
| SWK 775 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
| SWK 790A | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793A | Msw Field Praticum Orientation I | 0 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Second Year | ||
| SWK XXX | Elective | 3 |
| SWK 698 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| SWK XX | Practice Elective (Restricted) | 3 |
| SWK 790B | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| SWK 793B | Msw Field Praticum Orientation II | 0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |