Master of Social Work Program

Mission

The University of North Florida (UNF) Master of Social Work (MSW) program fosters a commitment to creating social change through a holistic practice of social work that emphasizes the attainment of biopsychosocial-economic and spiritual wellbeing, especially among people who experience systematic marginalization and oppression. Through an educational experience founded on critical thinking, research, service, and social justice and enriched through diverse community partnerships, the program prepares professional advanced generalist social workers for multi-method clinical and administrative practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Goals 

The MSW program aims to prepare advanced generalist practitioners who:

1. are self-reflective and competent to engage in autonomous and ethical social work practice with multiple systems and diverse populations;
2. continually strive to increase cultural appropriateness including understanding of and sensitivity to economic and social inequalities;
3. demonstrate a commitment to serve and advocate for those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed;
4. engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research; and
5. demonstrate the ability to evaluate their own practice and programs based upon critical analysis and assessment.

Competencies

As dictated by the CSWE’s (2015) Educational Policy & Accreditation Standards (EPAS), all UNF MSW students will demonstrate the following Social Work Competencies:

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

MSW Program of Study 

The UNF MSW Program offers both Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks. The Traditional track is designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The Traditional Program of Study begins in the fall semester and may be completed full-time in two years or part-time in four years. The Advanced Standing track is designed for students who have a BSW degree and are academically prepared for accelerated graduate study. The Advanced Standing Program of Study begins during the summer semester and may be completed in one academic year. MSW courses are offered face-to-face on the UNF campus during the late afternoon and evening hours. More information regarding the program’s academic requirements, policies, and procedures may be found in the MSW Student Handbook.

MSW Field Education

Field education is the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Traditional MSW students are required to complete 900 hours of field education, including 400 hours at the generalist practice level and 500 hours at the advanced generalist level. Advanced Standing students must complete 500 hours of field education at the advanced generalist level. More information about field policies and procedures may be found in the MSW Field Manual. Questions regarding field education should be directed to Professor Rachel Mullins, MSW Field Education Director, at (904) 620-1113 or rachel.mullins@unf.edu.

Admission Requirements 

Students who wish to be admitted to the UNF MSW Program must complete an online application through the Graduate School; pay a $30 application fee; submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework; submit a resume; provide three letters of recommendation; and submit a personal essay. Visit the Graduate School for application instructions, deadlines, and detailed requirements for both the Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks. 

MSW Program Assessment

The MSW Program utilizes multiple measures to assess the degree to which students master the core competencies of generalist and advanced generalist social work practice as well as the quality of the learning environment in which the program of study is delivered. See our WORD DOC for 2022-2023 MSW Student Learning Outcomes. 

MSW Accreditation Status

The UNF MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For more information, visit CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

For More Information 

For more information about the MSW Program, please email msw@unf.edu.