Master of Social Work, MSW

Mission: The mission of Newman University’s Master of Social Work Program (MSW) is inextricably linked to Newman University mission. The mission of the MSW program is to empower graduates to transform society. The goal of transformation goes well beyond an academic understanding of human behavior in the social environment but also implies an emphasis on student’s knowledge of self. Self-knowledge includes many of the skills that are also at the heart of Trauma Competent Practice: self-awareness, empathy, compassion, affect tolerance, self-modulation, attunement, presence, and non-judgment through selfawareness. Therefore, we believe to truly transform others, one must in tandem transform themselves.

School Distinctives: The MSW’s cutting-edge curriculum prepares students for leadership in advanced clinical practice. The MSW program, with a concentration in trauma-competent practice, offers students a supportive and individualized education in the classroom and in the field. Graduates gain specialized knowledge and skills based on the latest advances in trauma theory, neuroscience, and evidence-based practice. This places graduates at the forefront of the social work profession and gives them a competitve edge in the job market. Small class sizes with highly experienced faculty allow for individualized, hands-on teaching. Class schedules are designed 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 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.

Accreditation: Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The MSW Program is fully accredited by the Counsil 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 and through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in Colorado.

Admission Requirements:

1. A completed application to the Graduate Studies Program must include:
   1. Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited college or University. 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.
   4. Three professional and/or academic recommendations, using the MSW recommendation form.
   5. A personal statement/essay.

Program Objectives:

1. Prepare students to be ethical and competent social work practitioners.
2. Prepare students for culturally-inclusive and socially just practice.
3. Prepare students for leadership in trauma-competent social work practice.
4. Prepare students who are committed to lifelong learning and appreciate the dynamic and evolving nature of the social work profession.

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 LSW through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) and gradutes in Colorado as an LSW through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). In both states, 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.