M.S.W. in Social Work

Residential Master of Social Work (MSW)

Be at the forefront of advocacy for justice, compassion, and care for people who find themselves in need of social, mental, or spiritual help. With a Master of Social Work (MSW), you can help people, communities, and organizations both domestically and internationally. Liberty’s Department of Social Work will prepare you to be the hands and feet of Christ in this gratifying and meaningful field.

This Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which cognate you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the real world.

Students are able to complete the program within 2-calendar years with a full-time plan of study. Students are also able to complete the program within 4-calendar years with a part-time plan of study. These plans of study may include Summer semesters. All plans of study are available in the MSW Student Handbook.

Social workers can be found in a wide range of careers. Your profession could include counseling, program development, program director, social work supervisor, and so much more!. Get equipped for a career that helps people build better lives.

The MSW is offered residentially and online.

Gain Practical Experience Through Field Placement

You will gain 1,000 of hands-on experience performing the duties of a professional social worker through two different field placements. This experience will prepare you to enter the field of social work immediately upon graduation in a wide range of settings. Review the Field Education requirements.

Benefits to Your MSW Degree

• Many social service agencies prefer to hire candidates with a social work degree
• Pursue administrative and supervisory roles in the field of social work.
• Become equipped to sit for social work licensure exams* — so you can pursue the credentials you need to further your career.

*Please note: Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state.

Academic Information for the MSW

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) indicates that the program has met the criteria for the assessment of program quality, compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, and expected competence of graduates, as established by CSWE and as evaluated through a peer-review process. This accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

Program Evaluation

CSWE Form AS 4 Updated 9.18.2023 (PDF)

Admission Requirements

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

• Admission application
• A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 or above GPA
• 2 recommendation forms
• 400-word Statement of Purpose:
  • In 150 words, complete the following prompt: I desire to earn a Master of Social Work degree and attend Liberty University because…
  • In 150 words, complete the following prompt: I show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups by…
  • In 100 words, discuss the following prompt: Please share about a personal challenge in your life and discuss how you have worked through this challenge. (Please do not share a challenge with your job).
• Department questionnaire (PDF)
• Department approval
• Self-certification form (PDF) for students in the final term of their bachelor’s degree
• Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account

**The Social Work Program does not give academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience. The program does recognize the value of previous work and life experience. The program encourages students to integrate the knowledge gained in the classroom with their work and life experience.

Program Mission

The mission of the Liberty University Social Work Master’s Program is to prepare healthy advanced generalist social workers to be servant leaders who follow the example of Christ and will influence the world by enhancing the lives of all individuals, families, and communities through research-informed knowledge, values, and skills consistent with the purpose of the profession.

Start Your Career in Social Work