Master of Social Work, MSW

Mission: Newman University’s MSW program prepares future social work practitioners to transform society by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address a broad range of social issues through a trauma informed lens and specialized concentrations to ensure a comprehensive and impactful education.

Accreditation: Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The MSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of the MSW program are eligible for licensure as professional social workers through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) in Kansas.

School Distinctive: The MSW program prepares students for advance clinical and school social work practices. Graduates gain specialized knowledge as well as skills based on trauma and school social work curriculum that is evidence based practices. Our graduates are prepared to be effective and efficient social workers in the field of social work. This allows our students to be at the forefront of the social work profession and to become leaders within their society. The MSW program has small class sizes to cultivate the learning experiences in the classroom and in field. In addition, faculty have a wide range of expertise that is brought into the classroom to enhance student learning. Lastly, the MSW course scheduled are tailored to accommodate working professionals.

The MSW program offers both a traditional and advanced standing option. The traditional Master of Social Work program requires 62 semester hours. The full-time option requires two years to complete the 62 credit hours of coursework and field work. The part-time option for the traditional program requires four years to complete. A combination of full and part-time is also available, requiring three years for completion.

Advanced standing admission is available for students with undergraduate degrees in social work from a CSWE accredited program. Both full-time and part-time options are available. Full-time advanced standing students can complete the required 34 credit hours in one year; part-time students can complete in two years.

Admission Requirements:

1. A completed application to the Graduate Studies Program must include:

   1. Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited college or University. A criminal background check. Advanced standing ONLY - must hold a degree from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by CSWE.
   2. Official transcripts from the bachelor degree granting institution and any official transcripts of graduate work. Transcripts must be submitted electronically from the accredited institution or school to Newman University’s Office of Admissions through a secure, nationally recognized online platform.
   3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or previous graduate studies. Applicants who have less than a 3.0 GPA will be assessed for a “Conditional Admit” with the discretion of the program director.
   4. Three professional and/or academic recommendations, using the MSW recommendation form.
   5. A personal statement/essay.

Program Goals:

These following goals collectively aim to produce competent, ethical, and socially conscious social work professionals who are equipped to address the diverse needs and challenges of individuals, families, and communities, and contribute to positive social change.

#1.  Improving Competence in Trauma-Informed Practice by Reinforcing the Curriculum

• Develop specialized courses and modules that focus on trauma theory, assessment, and intervention strategies.
• Utilize evaluation data to refine and enhance the trauma-informed competency program.
• Collaborate with community experts to offer guest lectures, seminars, and training sessions, and provide ongoing training for faculty to enhance their expertise in trauma-informed social work.

#2.  Strengthen Community Partnerships

• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations and agencies that specialize in trauma-informed services. These partnerships will serve as a bridge between academic learning and the dynamic challenges of the social work field, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the program and the communities it serves.

• Implement training sessions and workshops to educate students and community mental health professionals with essential trauma-informed competencies.

• Support innovative initiatives that contribute to the advancement of trauma-informed social work in community organizations.

#3.  Assess and Adjust Recruitment Strategies

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies in attracting diverse students.
• Utilize feedback mechanisms and data analysis to refine and adjust recruitment efforts based on the evolving needs and demographics of the student population and the needs of the organizations.

Recommended Program Preparation:

Study in liberal arts. For purposes of admission, liberal arts include the following disciplines: English, speech, philosophy, history and the humanities, social sciences, math and the natural sciences.

Progression Requirements:

A grade of C (70%) is considered a minimum passing grade for courses at the graduate level. Any grade below this minimum passing standard is considered to be a failing grade for program progression and for financial aid purposes. Completion of the required curriculum with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation; a grade of D or lower will not count toward meeting graduation requirements.

Degree Requirements:

Below is a table showing the courses required for the Master of Social Work program.

Graduation Requirements: A grade of C (70%) is considered a minimum passing grade for courses at the graduate level. Any grade below this minimum standard is considered to be a failing grade for program progression.

Licensure Disclosure: Graduates in Kansas are eligible for state licensure as an LMSW through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). Graduates are eligible for licensure as clinical social workers after two years of supervised post-MSW practice.

State Authorization: Graduates should check their home state requirements for licensure.