Master of Social Work

Congratulations on your desire to continue your education at the University of Mississippi. I am excited that the Department of Social Work has been granted the opportunity to offer the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The MSW program will offer a clinical concentration. Students will gain the advanced knowledge, values, and skills to work in a variety of clinical settings in the health, mental health, aging, child welfare and administrative fields of practice.

Our outstanding faculty has a wide range of practice experience from which to draw to enhance student learning. They also contribute regularly to the knowledge base of the profession. Their achievements have also been recognized both nationally and locally. The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors recently awarded the Outstanding Program Director of the Year Award to the chair, of the department, in 2006. Two faculty members received the School of Applied Sciences, Thomas Crowe Outstanding Teaching Award in 2005. Faculty members have also developed study abroad programs in South Africa, England, and Belize.

The MSW program is designed for students who want to work and continue their education. There will be two tracks: a three-year 60-hour track and a two-year 36-hour track. The three-year track is planned for students who do not have a bachelor degree in social work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past five years. The three-year program began in the fall 2008. The two-year program is designed for those highly qualified students who have completed a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program within the past five years. The two-year program is scheduled to start in the Summer 2009.

The faculty and I are excited that the MSW Program received Candidacy Status with the Council on Social Work Education in October 2008. Candidacy is the first phase of the accreditation process. I am delighted that you are interested in our Program, and look forward to working with you in the future. I welcome further exploration into the MSW Program at the University of Mississippi and extend an invitation to call or visit for additional information.