Overview
The Master of Social Work program, established in 1974, is the oldest graduate social work program in the state of Mississippi. Through high-quality classroom and field instruction experiences, students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful social work professionals. While in field placement, students receive direct guidance and supervision from experienced instructors who hold the MSW degree. Field placements are available in more than 130 social services agencies, located primarily in South Mississippi.
Social workers provide social services to more people in Mississippi and across the United States than any other professional group. Social work professionals use a wide variety of empirically based methods to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities solve a broad range of problems. Career opportunities for well-prepared master’s-level social workers are extensive. Social work professionals are in demand in many human service arenas, including:
| Home Health and Hospice |
Public Health |
Public Policy |
| Child and Family Welfare |
School Systems |
Employee Assistance |
| Mental Health |
Early Childhood |
Corrections and Court Systems |
| Substance Abuse |
Youth Services |
Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Family Violence |
Armed Forces |
Hospitals |
| Public Welfare |
Gerontology |
|
To accommodate the needs and qualifications of a diverse student population, including working professionals, the school offers a number of program models. The regular program model is a traditional, 60-hour course of study available in a five-semester full-time model and an eight-semester part-time model. The advanced standing program model, designed for students who have a BSW from a CSWE accredited program, requires a minimum of 34 hours and is available in a three-semester full-time model and a five-semester part-time model. All four models are available at the Hattiesburg campus and the Gulf Park campus.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements detailed in Academic Requirements and Procedures , all applicants must meet the following requirements and submit the following documents:
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (4.00 scale) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
- Statement of Purpose - Follow instructions for Statement of Purpose and Career Goals.
- Writing Sample - Respond to the assigned Case Vignette.
- Professional Statement - Complete Social Work Professional and Technical Standards.
- Résumé
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Advanced Standing: Upon admission to the MSW program, students who hold a BSW from a CSWE accredited program, may qualify for an exemption of up to 26 credit hours of MSW foundational coursework, leaving a minimum of 34 hours required to complete the degree. Advanced standing status is not guaranteed. Students must meet the following additional requirements for consideration:
- Hold a BSW from a CSWE accredited program (less than five years since graduation).
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 (4.00 scale) in the undergraduate social work program, with no grade lower than a “B” in all social work courses.
- Pass a qualifying exam administered by the School of Social Work.
- Approved by the MSW admissions review committee for Advanced Standing.
The regular full-time and part-time models and the advanced standing part-time model admit each fall. The advanced standing full-time model admits in the summer only.
