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MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK: CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK

100% ONLINE

GRADUATE IN AS LITTLE AS 12-24 MONTHS

EXCELLENT & QUALIFIED STAFF

The mission of the Master of Social Work program at Oakwood University is to prepare students for advanced clinical practice through a range of methods designed to promote holistic well-being. These methods are deeply rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing respect for human diversity, the integration of scientific inquiry, and the professional application of social work theories. The program’s approach incorporates a person-in-environment framework, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders.

Grounded in the rich legacy and perspective of the African American experience, the program seeks to address systemic inequities while fostering resilience and empowerment. It integrates a culturally responsive lens that acknowledges the historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized communities. By combining evidence-based practices with a commitment to social justice and ethical service, the program equips students to meet the needs of diverse populations with compassion, competence, and a focus on transformative change.

Oakwood University’s master’s social work program is presently in Candidacy. This means that the program is not currently fully accredited yet has taken steps toward earning full accreditation. A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards but has not yet demonstrated full compliance.
 
Once the program is granted candidacy status, they are typically in this stage for 2-3 years until gaining Initial Accreditation. The program’s retroactive accreditation date is the academic year in which they were granted candidacy status, which would go into effect when the program gains Initial Accreditation.
 
Because this program was granted candidacy status in the academic year of 2023-2024, students entering the program in the fall of 2023 and beyond will be considered to have graduated from an accredited social work program so long as the program receives its eventual Initial Accreditation. This program is listed in our Directory, please check this online resource for updates on the program’s accreditation status.
 
Please feel free to read more on our website about the Candidacy process in the Accreditation Policy Handbook in section 5. Candidacy & Initial Accreditation.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Oakwood’s new Online Master of Social Work is open to all applicants from an accredited school regardless of major

NUMBER OF CREDITS

MSW Generalist Practice:
60 credit hours

MSW Advance Standing:
30 credit hours

CONTACT INFORMATION

School of Graduate Studies
256.726.8091
gradadmissions@oakwood.edu

or

Dr. Shalunda Sherrod
Social Work Department Program Director
256.726.7664
ssherrod@oakwood.edu

Admissions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  1. A baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.
  2. A broad liberal arts background (minimum 30cr) including study in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences.
  3. A completed online application
  4. A personal statement
  5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  6. Two letters of reference
  7. Resume 

In addition to the materials requested above for general admission, students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree applying for admission into the MSW Advanced Standing program are required to submit documentation of the following: 

  1. A baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university whose social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  2. A bachelor’s degree in Social Work completed no more than five years prior to enrollment from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Applicants who completed their BSW more than five years ago with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, may submit a letter to the MSW program requesting to be considered eligible to apply for Advanced Standing. Written requests should be addressed to the MSW Admissions Committee and sent directly to the MSW program coordinator. The letter will assist the MSW Admissions Committee in determining the applicant’s eligibility for entering the Advanced Standing option of the program. If the request is denied for consideration for the Advanced Standing, the applicant may apply to the Traditional Program option. A resume and unofficial transcripts should accompany the request.
  3. A minimum of a “C” for all bachelors’ level social work courses.
  4. A copy of the final field evaluation from the student’s undergraduate field placement
MSW GENERALIST PRACTICE COURSES
  • Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals
  • Practice with Diverse Populations
  • Human Development
  • Ethics in the Social Work Practice
  • Social Work Practice with Families and Groups
  • Research in Social Work Practice
  • Social Work Practice with Communities Organization
  • Policies and Practice in Social Work
  • Field Education I & II
MSW ADVANCE STANDING PROGRAM COURSES
  • Psychopathology Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals
  • Evaluation in Clinical Social Work Practice
  • Advanced Clinical Practice with Families & Groups
  • Psychopharmacology
  • License Prep (Capstone Course)
  • Field Education III & IV
COURSES NAMES & REQUIREMENTS FOR YEAR 1

MSW Generalist Practice  • Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals • Practice with Diverse Populations • Human Development • Ethics in the Social Work Practice • Social Work Practice with Families and Groups • Research in Social Work Practice • Social Work Practice with Communities & Organization • Policies and Practice in Social Work • Field Education I & II

COURSES NAMES & REQUIREMENTS FOR YEAR 2

MSW Advance Standing program • Psychopathology • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals • Evaluation in Clinical Social Work Practice • Advanced Clinical Practice with Families & Groups • Psychopharmacology • License Prep (Capstone Course) • Field Education III & IV

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