Virginia Union University

The Master of Social Work program is a two-year, formal program with 51 credits (four-semester courses of study) for full-time students. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree may apply for the Advanced Standing (AS) program which is a 24-credit program to complete their MSW in one academic year. Students without a BSW may complete their MSW degree in two academic years. All accepted applicants can choose full-time or part time enrollment.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Social Work program is to prepare trauma-informed advanced generalist social workers committed to intellectual excellence, research, civic engagement, and the amelioration of social injustice and discrimination through advocacy and anti-racist practices. The program seeks to provide students with a rigorous, nationally recognized, and accredited curriculum that promotes professional excellence, success, advancement, life-long learning, and a commitment to the values of the social work profession.

The Master of Social Work program also prepares advanced generalist social workers who recognize trauma as a social determinant of health and who support marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in achieving health equity and social justice both locally and globally. Students must complete a formal graduate admissions application. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA within the program. 

Goals

The major goals of the Master of Social Work program are to: 

• Develop competent advanced generalist practitioners. 
• Enhance students oral and written communication through self-reflection and reporting. 
• Prepare students for their roles as client advocates at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. 
• Prepare students for advanced, trauma-informed social work practice. 

Social work majors are required to adhere to all policies as set forth in the Social Work Student Handbook (i.e. attendance, mandatory meetings, etc.). Additionally, social work students are expected to abide by the Ethical Principles and Standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programs, students will be able to:

• Demonstrated ethical and professional behavior.
• Engage in culturally aware practices that honor diversity and differences.
• Participate in the advancement of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
• Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
• Engage in practices that advance social policy.
• Engage with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Assess and evaluate individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Evaluate their practice with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.