The University of Georgia's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a highly respected and accredited graduate degree that prepares students for advanced practice in the field of social work. Located in Athens, Georgia, the program is offered through the School of Social Work, which is part of the university's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The MSW program at the University of Georgia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in social work theory, research, and practice, with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in a variety of settings, including mental health, healthcare, child welfare, and non-profit organizations.
Program Overview
The University of Georgia’s MSW program is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a master’s-level social worker in the state of Georgia. The program includes coursework in areas such as human behavior, social policy, research methods, and practice skills, as well as a field education component that provides students with hands-on experience in a variety of social work settings.
Specializations
The University of Georgia’s MSW program offers several specializations that allow students to focus their studies on a particular area of interest. These specializations include:
- Child and Family Welfare: This specialization prepares students for practice in settings such as child protective services, foster care, and adoption.
- Mental Health: This specialization prepares students for practice in settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice.
- Health and Healthcare: This specialization prepares students for practice in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations.
- Non-Profit Management: This specialization prepares students for leadership roles in non-profit organizations, including program development, grant writing, and fundraising.
In addition to these specializations, the University of Georgia's MSW program also offers a number of certificate programs that allow students to gain specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as gerontology, addiction, and trauma.
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| Child and Family Welfare | Prepares students for practice in child and family welfare settings |
| Mental Health | Prepares students for practice in mental health settings |
| Health and Healthcare | Prepares students for practice in health and healthcare settings |
| Non-Profit Management | Prepares students for leadership roles in non-profit organizations |
Admissions and Requirements
Admission to the University of Georgia’s MSW program is competitive and requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, as well as complete an interview with the admissions committee. The program also requires a background check and immunizations prior to starting field education.
Field Education
The field education component of the MSW program at the University of Georgia is a critical part of the curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in a variety of social work settings. Students complete a minimum of 900 hours of field education, which includes both foundation and advanced field placements. The field education program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world settings, under the supervision of experienced social workers.
The University of Georgia's MSW program has a strong reputation for job placement, with many graduates going on to work in leadership roles in a variety of settings, including mental health, healthcare, child welfare, and non-profit organizations. According to the program's outcome data, over 90% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with a median salary range of $45,000 to $60,000.
What are the admissions requirements for the MSW program at the University of Georgia?
+The admissions requirements for the MSW program at the University of Georgia include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, as well as an interview with the admissions committee.
How long does it take to complete the MSW program at the University of Georgia?
+The MSW program at the University of Georgia can be completed in two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study.
What specializations are offered in the MSW program at the University of Georgia?
+The MSW program at the University of Georgia offers specializations in Child and Family Welfare, Mental Health, Health and Healthcare, and Non-Profit Management.
