CIP Code: 440701
Program Description
The mission of the Master of Arts in Social Work (MASW) program is to prepare students to become advanced generalist social work professionals. Advanced generalist practice emphasizes effective practice and policy skill development to promote diversity and cultural competency, social and economic justice, reduce oppression, and improve the broader human condition. Students graduating with a Master of Arts in Social Work from this program will be prepared to work in direct practice and administrative social work positions in private and public settings helping clients across the lifespan meet their basic human needs. MASW graduates are also eligible to become Licensed Social Workers (LSW) and Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISW) in the state of Ohio.
Full-time (2 years), part-time (3-4 years), or advanced standing (3 semesters) programs are offered to admitted graduate students. Classes are taught on the WSU campus. Classes are face to face, and some are offered as hybrid/blended classes.
Under the Advanced Generalist Concentration, students choose electives from two Concentration Focus Areas: 1) Families and Children or 2) Older Adults. Students in the advanced standing program will complete 500 hours of field education; all other students will complete 900 hours of field education over the course of the program.
Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Social Work meets the educational requirements for the LSW and LISW in Ohio as regulated by the Counselor, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding that state’s licensure or certification requirements.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Arts in Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as of February 2021.
Program Admission Requirements
- Complete an Application for Graduate Admission
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher (based on a 4 point system) for all previous graduate work.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in social work or behavioral science courses.
- Have completed behavioral science coursework listed on the application.
- Have completed the personal statement following the instructions on the application.
- Have submitted a minimum of two professional references with a preferences of one previous college instructor. Instructions for reference letters can be found on the social work webpage.
Advanced Standing applicants must:
- have earned one of the following within the last five years before applying to the MASW:
- a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- a Bachelor of Social Work degree recognized through the CSWE Recognition and Evaluation service
- a Bachelor of Social Work degree covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors
- have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all previous undergraduate academic work attempted. Students must also have a 3.25 or better grade point average in all required undergraduate social work courses.
Program Learning Objectives
Students enrolled in this program will learn to:
Program Learning Outcomes
As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:
- demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- engage diversity and difference in practice
- advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- engage in policy practice
- engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
This program prepares students to be eligible to apply for a professional license to practice in the state of Ohio. Students planning to work in other states or countries should contact the relevant state licensing board in the state where you plan to work before beginning the program. SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensure requirements. Academic programs and the program graduate must meet standards set by the licensing board in a state in order for the graduate to be eligible for a license in that state.
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