College of Health and Urban Affairs

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Brief Description of the Program:

        The masters degree program in Social Work (MSW) is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It prepares students for advanced social work practice. The program educates students for empirically-based clinical practice. The MSW program is based on a perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness between people and the environment as the source of both social problems and the appropriate interventions with those problems.

        The curriculum has a generalist perspective based on a life-span developmental foundation that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, empirically-based practice, economic and social justice, and the conduct of ethical practice. Students learn preventive and clinical interventions that enhance human functioning and quality of life. The program emphasizes the ability to work with clients in a variety of settings reflective of the diversity of South Florida.

        Built on the generalist foundation, the advanced curriculum prepares students for clinical social work practice, with certificate options in addictions, social work practice with the elderly, and management. Students may complete the MSW degree (60 credit hours) on a full-time or part-time basis. The School also offers an Advanced Standing Program for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSSW) received within the past five years from a program accredited by the CSWE. Students accepted into the Advanced Standing Program can receive up to 30 credit hours toward the MSW degree. MSW students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Social Welfare should contact the coordinator of the Ph.D. program.

        Graduate students are eligible for student membership in the National Association of Social Work. A graduate may become a regular member of the Association. Students are also invited to join the Student Social Work Association at the University and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

        In addition, beginning in the fall 2003, the School of Social Work is planning to offer a joint degree with the College of Law. Further information will be posted shortly.

Application Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• * Minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate upper division work
• Must contact the School of Social Work (305) 348-5880 to receive a MSW application packet
• Complete the MSW pre-requisite courses as described in the application packet
• Submit the School of Social Work 3-page application, 3 letters of reference and 6-8 page personal narrative as described in the application packet to the School of Social Work
• Non-degree Seeking Students (Special Students) will only be allowed to register for a total of 12 credits; this does not guarantee admission into the graduate program
• No GRE required.

* The College of Health and Urban Affairs may admit students not meeting this requirement. To be considered under this exception to admission requirements, you must apply for a 10% admission waiver.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

• Foreign graduate applicants are accepted subject to space and fiscal limitations
• Must be academically eligible for further study in their own country
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by presenting a minimum score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from an institution within the United States or other English speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL