Master of Science in

Social Work

ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work two-year program offers an innovative curriculum for students who are new to social work education. Our residential program will prepare you as a leading social work practitioner in the field who promotes positive social change while incorporating your faith. You will learn to identify and use effective, evidence-based interventions, programs and policies that empower and instill hope in your clients.
About MSSW
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ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work two-year program offers an innovative curriculum for students who are new to social work education. Our residential program will prepare you as a leading social work practitioner in the field who promotes positive social change while incorporating your faith. You will learn to identify and use effective, evidence-based interventions, programs and policies that empower and instill hope in your clients.

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KEY DATES

Apply Now

Application Deadline (Priority)

February 16

Application Deadline (Standard)

May 1

Learn More

M.S. in Social Work

Complete this short form to learn more about our M.S.S.W Standard program. ACU’s Office of Graduate Programs will reach out shortly to discuss your interests and answer your questions.

ACU’s M.S.S.W. program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Find answers to some of our more frequent questions at the button below.

MSSW FAQs

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Program Structure

What To Expect

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.

VIEW THE CATALOG

Required Hours

Program length: 2 years
Credit hours: 64
2023/2024 tuition per credit hour: $1,323

Example Coursework

  • Diversity, Power, and Oppression
  • Policy Analysis and Practice
  • Management and Funding for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Leading and Managing Change in Nonprofit Organizations

Department

School of Social Work

Application Deadlines

*Fall Priority Review
February 16
Preferred consideration for Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships and Field Placements

Fall Standard Review
May 1 (deadline may extend if space is available)

Spring
Please contact the Office of Graduate Programs (gradinfo@acu.edu or 325-674-2656)

About the Program

The mission of the ACU’s Master of Science in Social Work program is to prepare students for professional leadership and ethical advanced generalist social work practice with an evidence-based emphasis. Students will effectively address the biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions of human well-being and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice across system levels in domestic and international community contexts. You can learn more about all the opportunities with our MSSW program by clicking the button at the top of this page.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete the online application;
  • Pay the $65 application fee;
  • An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
    If undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, the GRE or MAT entrance exam may be required.
    Our GRE code is 6001
  • Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted through the online application);
  • A personal statement addressing your motivation for graduate studies and entering the social work profession, including reflections on the four themes of the ACU School of Social Work:
    • evidence-based practice;
    • the gift of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging;
    • spirituality and social work; 
    • social justice;
  • A writing sample in the form of a formal graded senior level assignment of at least five pages from the student’s undergraduate work (or acceptable alternative);
  • While the standard program accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in any field, students are expected to demonstrate a broad liberal arts background, including two courses from each of the humanities/fine arts, and communication/language. A course in statistics is highly desirable.

Make a Difference

Leticia Cisneros

The first year of the program introduces important ideas and concepts that are at the heart of what it means to be a social worker and to engage in evidence-based practice. The second year concentrates on evidence-based social interventions with systems of various sizes. Students also spend a significant amount of time in the ACU MSSW Field Education and Practicum. The passion to be a voice for those with no voice led Leticia Cisneros (’15) to pursue her MSSW.

Read More about Leticia

First-Hand Field Experience

At ACU, our Master’s in Social Work curriculum gives students unparalleled field placement opportunities specifically designed to fit their interests, outside commitments, and future career goals.

Students who complete the MSSW program have the ability to:

  1. Function as effective and ethical professionals who incorporate best evidence in practice;
  2. Promote social justice for vulnerable persons everywhere through service and leadership roles; and
  3. Advance social work knowledge through research and other scholarly activities.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Nonprofit or Social Services Director
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • Child Welfare Advocate
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • Sexual Assault Counselor
  • Immigration Policy Advocate
  • Poverty Advocate
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Analyst/Researcher
  • Legislator/Public Official
  • Community Planner

Various forms of financial aid are available to assist you with funding your education. Learn more about these opportunities and visit our Graduate Financial Aid page to apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships.