Master of Social Work

The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at Governors State University is to prepare students to practice with a social justice ethos. Our social justice ethos is our guiding principle of challenging barriers and promoting access to political, social, and economic freedoms and rights. Students specialize in child and family practice and school social work practice. Students demonstrate proficiency in social work knowledge, values, and skill-based competencies to improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Through policy and program development, students learn to promote and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with client populations. The Full MSW Program comprises 60 credit hours for students without a (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program. Students complete their MSW degree in as little as two years (full-time). A three- or a four-year part-time option is also available. Students complete field education at the generalist and specialized levels, completing 14 hours weekly at the generalist level and 16-20 hours weekly at the specialized level based on practice specialization. Each level requires a Fall and Spring term of field education, totaling four semesters of field education.

In addition to meeting the university admission criteria, the following are required of applicants:A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scaleA liberal arts foundation that includes coursework in the following areas:behavioral/social sciences (equivalent of nine credit-hours);science/mathematical reasoning, which must include human biology and statistics (equivalent of six credit-hours); andhumanities/fine arts (equivalent of six credit hours).Submission of supplementary application packet which includes:official transcripts of all previous college work;M.S.W. application form;prerequisite Evaluation form with required catalog descriptions, if not GSU course work;three letters of recommendation; andessay responses.