Social Work, (MSW)

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Program Admission and Prerequisites

A faculty committee of no less than two members will determine admission to the Master of Social Work program. The following is necessary for application:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Generally a grade point average of at least 3.0 or better (A=4.0) for the final 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate study is necessary for consideration.
Submission of GRE test scores or the Praxis – Core Academic Skills for Educators Writing Exam; admission is competitive.
Experience in a Social Work related field as a paid employee, volunteer or researcher is desirable.
A Professional Goal Statement (see the School’s website for specific instructions).
Provide a professional resume.
Provide three professional references.
1. At least one must be from a former faculty member.
2. Two of the three must be from sources familiar with your volunteer, internship, or paid work experience

The MSW Program accepts students for Fall and Spring admissions. The deadline for fall admissions is March 1st for scholarships/assistantships considerations and April 15th for regular admission. The deadline for Spring admissions is October 15th. Applications received after April 15th and October 15th will be considered if space is available.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours; thirty (30) hours are taken in the foundation curriculum and thirty (30) hours are required in the concentration curriculum.

Thesis Option

30 semester hours of foundation-level graduate coursework (24 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours), 24 semester hours of concentration-level coursework (18 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours), and a minimum of 6 semester hours of SWRK 7996 - Thesis .
All courses in the 30 semester hours of foundation-level graduate coursework (24 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours) are required and must be taken with a passing grade before concentration-level coursework, elective semester hours, independent study semester hours, or thesis hours may be undertaken.
12 hours of concentration-level coursework and 12 hours of concentration-level field and field seminar are required courses.
The 6 semester hours of SWRK 7996 replace 2 electives and must be taken in two consecutive semesters.
A passing score on the capstone Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive examination for the Master of Social Work program consists of three components: 1) an evaluation of the student’s ability to meet MSW program competencies in field placement; 2) a student self-assessment of her/his ability to meet all MSW program competencies; and 3) completion of a social work licensure practice examination with a score of 75 or higher.

Non-Thesis Option

30 semester hours of foundation-level graduate coursework (24 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours), 18 semester hours of concentration-level coursework (18 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours) and field seminar (6 semester hours).
All courses in the 30 semester hours of foundation-level graduate coursework (24 semester hours) and field (6 semester hours) are required and must be taken with a passing grade before concentration-level coursework, elective semester hours, or independent study semester hours may be undertaken.
12 hours of concentration-level coursework, 6 hours of concentration-level field and 6 hours of concentration-level field seminar are required courses.
6 semester hours of electives or independent study must be taken with the non-thesis option.
A passing score on the capstone Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive examination for the Master of Social Work program consists of three components: 1) an evaluation of the student’s ability to meet MSW program competencies in field placement; 2) a student self-assessment of her/his ability to meet all MSW program competencies; and 3) completion of a social work licensure practice examination with a score of 75 or higher.

The foundation curriculum

The foundation curriculum provides evidence-based knowledge, behaviors and skills for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The concentration curriculum allows students to extend the basic knowledge gained in the foundation to a more focused advanced evidence-based practice with families and children or advanced evidence-based practice with adults and families. . Both the foundation and concentration portions of the program emphasize evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills.

To accommodate a wide range of student needs

To accommodate a wide range of student needs, the MSW program of study offers options for full-time (4 semesters of study; 60 credit hours) and extended study (6 to 8 semesters of study; 60 credit hours). Regardless of progression through the program, the educational components of each sequencing option are the same. The concentration curriculum is generally full-time (2 semesters), although students may choose to extend (3 to 5 semesters). All MSW students follow the same learning expectations for field education, take the same comprehensive exam at the conclusion of the program, and meet the same requirements for graduation. Courses are offered in the traditional classroom settings, on-line and in a hybrid format (combination of traditional classroom and on-line).

Students must follow a structured program of study that includes all of the following foundation courses (30 credit hours) (unless advanced standing):

Upon successful completion of at least 8 of the 10 foundation courses

Upon successful completion of at least 8 of the 10 foundation courses students move to the concentration curriculum, which includes 30 credit hours in either the Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, and Families concentration or the Advanced Practice with Adults and Families concentration.

Advanced Social Work Practice Across Systems

SWRK 7025 - Scientific Methods **
SWRK 7026 - Evaluative Research **
SWRK 7028 - Advanced Individual Practice Across Systems
SWRK 7034 - Advanced Community Practice Across Systems
SWRK 7053 - Field Placement III **
SWRK 7054 - Field Placement IV **
SWRK 7055 - Integrative Field Seminar I **
SWRK 7056 - Integrative Field Seminar II **
Two Electives (3 credits each for a total of 6 credits)

Retention Requirements

Students in the MSW program must comply with all retention standards of the Graduate School at the University of Memphis.
All students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. Should the student’s cumulative GPA fall below that mark, a period of one semester will be allowed to correct the deficiency. At the discretion of the chair, the coordinator of graduate studies in the student’s college, and the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, this period may be extended one additional semester. Students failing to improve their GPA to an acceptable level in that time will be dismissed from the program.
No more than 6 hours of “C-,” “C” or “C+” will be applied toward meeting degree requirements. No grade of a D+ or lower will count toward the degree.
All degree requirements for the Master of Social Work must be completed within 6 years of initial enrollment.

Graduation Requirements

All students seeking the Master of Social Work degree must:

Successfully complete all courses required in the program of study
Abide by the honor’s statement which includes a commitment to engage in professional conduct appropriate for a Social Worker at all times in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Adhere to all graduate and University requirements as stated in The University of Memphis Graduate Catalog (available from the Graduate School).
Satisfactorily pass a written comprehensive examination in the final semester of study.