FAQ: Is the Hybrid Program entirely online?

No. Social work’s hybrid, competency-based, “signature pedagogy” program is offered for full-time (2-year) or part-time (3-year) students. In this program, students attend five intensive weekends during the fall and spring semesters starting at 5:00 pm on Friday and all day Saturday. The remainder of the coursework is completed online. This combination of weekend intensive face-to-face classes and web-based coursework has proven to be a popular program among students who work full-time or who live at a considerable distance from campus.

FAQ: Where can I complete my Practicums?

The Field Director maintains educational contracts with over 120 agencies Georgia representing many different areas of Social Work Practice. 

FAQ: Are applications accepted after the Early Deadline?

Applications received before the early deadlines are given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.

FAQ: Is this program accredited by CSWE? Does that really matter?

The MSW program at VSU is accredited by the . In order to take the  Exams (LMSW and LCSW), a MSW degree from a CSWE accredited program is required. CSWE Accreditation is also important because it ensures that students will receive a high quality professional education.

FAQ: Can I transfer electives to the Master of Social Work Program?

The policy of the Department of Human Services is to allow students to apply for up to 6 credit hours of "course substitution"/transfer credit for previous master's coursework. However, the content of those classes must closely match courses in our program. The process is to submit a course substitution request form with the syllabus and course description from the class(es) you completed for faculty review.

FAQ: Can I start taking classes in the summer or spring semesters?

Students are not able to begin the program in the summer or spring semesters due to the cohort structure of the MSW program. 

FAQ: Where do MSW graduates work?

MSW graduates work in state and federal agencies as well as private organizations and offices. VSU graduates are working in almost every field mentioned in the Fields in Social Work section and NASW career website. Career paths in social work are varied - from school social work, medical social work in public and private facilities, community resource centers, child welfare, etc. You can also look at the Employment Links on our web site to see examples of the types of openings that are available in social work. Examples of specific agencies are: Hospice, Greenleaf Center, Public Schools, DFCS, Child Advocacy Center, Behavioral Health Services, United Way, Hospitals.

FAQ: What does it cost to attend the MSW program?

With an MSW degree you can generally expect an increase in pay scale by at least $5,000-10,000 and much greater upward mobility. With this pay increase, a graduate could reimburse themselves within the first two years of work. See also Financial Assistance Information.

FAQ: Can I work full time and attend the MSW program?

Graduate school takes a significant commitment of time. Students must realistically consider the time they will need to spend in class, time outside of class studying and working on projects, travel time, and field practicum requirements. Each person has to negotiate the best balance of work, education, and family for themselves. Field placements are usually not available in the evenings or weekends because licensed MSW field supervisors are seldom available to supervise during these hours. Information about possible worksite field placements is available from the Field Director at mswfield@valdosta.edu.

FAQ: What if I don't meet the listed admission requirements?

The graduate admissions committee uses a holistic approach to the evaluation of your application. If you have an area of weakness, try to improve it (study and retake an exam, take a graduate level course and make a high grade, etc.). Make sure that you highlight your strengths in your admission application.

VSU Graduate School FAQ page