Master of Social Work (MSW) – General Cognate
Provide Valuable Care to Your Community with a Master of Social Work Degree
Are you passionate about fighting injustice and protecting the vulnerable and oppressed? Do you want to take the next step in your career and become a licensed social worker? If so, Liberty’s Master of Social Work (MSW) – General cognate is for you!
Our program provides advanced training in generalist social work practices. We’ll help you prepare to sit for social work licensure exams* and pursue administrative and supervisory roles in the field of social work and mental health. And, with the general cognate, you’ll have the flexibility to select courses that match your interests and career goals.
*Please note: Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state.
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- You will complete at least 1,000 hours of field experience before graduation.
- Our Master of Social Work can help equip you to sit for social work licensure exams.
- Liberty’s MSW faculty have years of experience in academia and the social work field.
- The general cognate helps develop core skills needed to work in a variety of settings, like schools, hospitals, adoption agencies, nursing homes, group homes, and mental health clinics.
What Will You Learn?
- A holistic approach to social work — one that accounts for the social, biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the human experience
- Generalist methods for serving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Methods for understanding various aspects of diversity, including ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, politics, and religion
- Research-based techniques for advancing social, economic, and environmental justice
Master of Social Work – Career Opportunities
Whether you want to stay in the United States or work abroad, our MSW – General cognate can help open up exciting job opportunities. Some of the areas you could work in include:
- Human trafficking intervention
- Medical social work
- Mental health treatment
- Nonprofit management
- Refugee resettlement
- School social work
- Trauma recovery
Please note: Some roles may require licensure in social work, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. Be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state.
Internships and Resources Available to Students in Our Master of Social Work – General Cognate
- Within the general cognate, you can mix and match courses to fit your career goals.
- Liberty’s experienced MSW faculty can help provide the guidance and mentorship you need to become an expert in the social work field.
- Our courses are taught from a Christian worldview — so you can learn how to live out biblical principles in your career.
- Prepare to sit for social work licensure exams and pursue the credentials you need to further your career.
- By completing 1,000 hours of field experience, you can apply your knowledge to the real world and learn from seasoned professionals.
- As a Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our online research portal and on-campus library.
- We offer graduate assistantship opportunities to master’s-level students.
- Take advantage of our top-notch resources — including a career center, writing coaching, and professional development events.
Admission Requirements for Liberty’s MSW Program
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
- Contact information for 2 recommenders
- Statement of Purpose (400-word minimum):
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I desire to earn a Master of Social Work degree and attend Liberty University because…
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups by…
- In roughly 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 about a challenge with your job.)
- Department questionnaire
- Department approval
- Self-certification form 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
Master of Social Work (MSW) – General Cognate
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- You will complete at least 1,000 hours of field experience before graduation.
- Our Master of Social Work can help equip you to sit for social work licensure exams.
- Liberty’s MSW faculty have years of experience in academia and the social work field.
- The general cognate helps develop core skills needed to work in a variety of settings, like schools, hospitals, adoption agencies, nursing homes, group homes, and mental health clinics.
What Will You Learn?
- A holistic approach to social work — one that accounts for the social, biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the human experience
- Generalist methods for serving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Methods for understanding various aspects of diversity, including ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, politics, and religion
- Research-based techniques for advancing social, economic, and environmental justice
*Please note: Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state.
Master of Social Work – Career Opportunities
Whether you want to stay in the United States or work abroad, our MSW – General cognate can help open up exciting job opportunities. Some of the areas you could work in include:
- Human trafficking intervention
- Medical social work
- Mental health treatment
- Nonprofit management
- Refugee resettlement
- School social work
- Trauma recovery
Please note: Some roles may require licensure in social work, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. Be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state.
Internships and Resources Available to Students in Our Master of Social Work – General Cognate
- Within the general cognate, you can mix and match courses to fit your career goals.
- Liberty’s experienced MSW faculty can help provide the guidance and mentorship you need to become an expert in the social work field.
- Our courses are taught from a Christian worldview — so you can learn how to live out biblical principles in your career.
- Prepare to sit for social work licensure exams and pursue the credentials you need to further your career.
- By completing 1,000 hours of field experience, you can apply your knowledge to the real world and learn from seasoned professionals.
- As a Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our online research portal and on-campus library.
- We offer graduate assistantship opportunities to master’s-level students.
- Take advantage of our top-notch resources — including a career center, writing coaching, and professional development events.
Admission Requirements for Liberty’s MSW Program
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
- Contact information for 2 recommenders
- Statement of Purpose (400-word minimum):
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I desire to earn a Master of Social Work degree and attend Liberty University because…
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups by…
- In roughly 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 about a challenge with your job.)
- Department questionnaire
- Department approval
- Self-certification form 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
Credit Hours
Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Aug 18, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
