Master of Social Work

Application Information

Traditional Track applications are accepted for the fall term only. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible as this is a limited-access program.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term . . . . . . . . Traditional track May 1

Summer Term . . . Advanced Standing track March 1

Admission Requirements

 

University requirements:   

 

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.

 

Admission to the Traditional MSW program requires:  

 

• $30 Application fee

 

• Transcript of baccalaureate degree indicating successful completion (grade of C or better) of undergraduate courses in:
  • Social and behavioral sciences (9 credit hours, drawing from sociology, psychology, government, economics or related disciplines)
  • Statistics (3 credit hours)
  • Biology with human content (3 credit hours). 
  • These courses may be completed at the introductory level.

   

                          

• A transcript of all graduate coursework (if applicable) is also required.

 

• In lieu of three recommendation letters, please provide recommenders with the detailed Social Work form and instruct them to e-mail it directly to graduateschool@unf.edu or fax it to (904) 620-2414.

 

• Two - three page (double-spaced) letter of intent describing:
  • Preparation for and commitment to advanced study in Social Work
  • Knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
  • Short-term and long-term educational and professional goals

   

• One-page resume including volunteer, internship or paid work experience relevant to Social Work practice and professional affiliations and honors.

 

• Completion of writing assessment:
• Writing assessment instructions
• Writing assessment sample article

 

 

Admission to the Advanced Standing MSW program requires:

 

• $30 Application fee

 

• Transcript of baccalaureate degree indicating successful completion (grade of C or better) of undergraduate courses in:
  • Social and behavioral sciences (9 credit hours, drawing from sociology, psychology, government, economics or related disciplines)
  • Statistics (3 credit hours)
  • Biology with human content (3 credit hours). 
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) must be earned within 6 years of the application deadline from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.                      
   

 

• A transcript of all graduate coursework (if applicable) is also required.

 

• In lieu of three recommendation letters, please provide recommenders with the detailed Social Work form and instruct them to e-mail it directly to graduateschool@unf.edu or fax it to (904) 620-2414.
  • Recommender’s must speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional suitability for advanced study in Social Work with at least one form from a professor or instructor and at least one from an individual who has directly supervised the community/volunteer work or paid employment (preferably from the human services field) of the applicant. Recommender’s can submit a supplemental letter with the rating form but this is not required.
   

 

• Two - three page (double-spaced) letter of intent describing:
  • Preparation for and commitment to advanced study in Social Work
  • Knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics 
  • Short-term and long-term educational and professional goals
   

• One-page resume including volunteer, internship or paid work experience relevant to Social Work practice and professional affiliations and honors.

 

• Completion of writing assessment:
  • Writing assessment instructions
  • Writing assessment sample article

   

   

• A copy of satisfactory final field evaluation from your Bachelor of Social Work program will be required by the Social Work department once all above material has been submitted to the Graduate School. 

 

 

Students should be aware that admission into any graduate program is granted on a competitive basis. Students meeting minimum requirements may be denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion. Likewise, students may be considered for admission as an exception if stated admissions criteria are not met.

Program Overview

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of North Florida (UNF) is to prepare students to serve leadership roles in clinical practice, community practice, administration and policy-making positions with diverse client system in the North Florida region, the state and beyond. Further, the MSW seeks to enhance students's understanding of and sensitivity to economic and social inequalities. Graduates of UNF's Master of Social Work program will demonstrate specialized practice knowledge and skills to successfully serve individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Advanced generalist practice integrates greater theoretical and methodological knowledge, as well as research and evaluation sophistication at micro, mezzo and macro levels. Advanced generalist practitioners competently engage in independent and culturally responsive application of advanced social work knowledge, theories, skills, values and ethics into assessment and intervention. The MSW seeks to prepare students to serve the state's most vulnerable populations in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, hospice and palliative care, crisis intervention, child welfare, disaster relief and criminal justice. These settings demand that students synthesize and apply inter- and multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills in an ethical and competent manner to address needs in complex, multi-system service environments. The MSW prepares graduates for engagement in practice-informed research and research-informed social work practice through its emphasis on community-informed and community-based research.

Special Notes about the Program

The MSW offers two tracks; Traditional Track and Advanced Standing Track.

 

Accreditation

Candidacy status

Curriculum and Requirements

Full-time Traditional Program
Part-time Traditional Program
Advanced Standing Program

Program Policies

MSW Student Handbook

Total Program
Credit Hours

60 for traditional program

Average Length
of the Program

The traditional program offers a full-time and part-time option. The program utilizes a cohort model. The advanced standing program offers a full-time program only.

Approximate Enrollment

45 for Fall 2018