Social Work, M.S.W.

The mission of the Department of Social Work is to prepare students to promote social and economic justice by engaging in problem solving efforts, and offering direct and macro interventions with individuals, communities, and organizations. Baccalaureate level social work students are prepared at the generalist level and graduate students at advanced levels of knowledge, values, and skills. The graduate program places special emphasis on preparing students to develop, deliver and evaluate services either for youth involved in the juvenile justice system or with families involved with child and family services. Consistent with the history and mission of the University, the department of social work affirms its tradition of serving African American students while expanding its commitment to educate a diverse work force.

Goals of the Program

The Department of Social Work is committed to the following goals, which are derived from our mission statement as well as from the Curriculum Policy Statement of the Council on Social Work Education. The program goals are to:

1. Prepare students to provide ethical, culturally relevant professional social work services.
2. Prepare students for advanced practice with at-risk youth involved with the juvenile justice system or families involved with child and family services.
3. Prepare students to intervene in social problems and to challenge social and economic injustice.
4. Support and strengthen the social work community through evaluation and research, professional consultation and innovative training.

MSW Applicant Procedures

Applicants must make an online application to both the College of Graduate Studies and the Department of Social Work’s MSW Program. Two applications, must be completed: a) the “Application for Admission into the College of Graduate Studies,” and b) the supplemental application for admission into the MSW program. The MSW supplemental application contains several forms and guidelines for completing the personal narrative and writing sample.

Both applications are submitted online to the College of Graduate Studies. The MSW program admits students for the fall semester only. To be considered for the fall semester enrollment, applications must be completed and submitted to the College of Graduate Studies by Feb. 1^st. The MSW program at North Carolina Central University does not require the GRE.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, applicants requesting admission into the MSW program must meet the following requirements:

1. An official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The applicant’s transcript should indicate a strong liberal arts background, including courses in human biology, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, math, history, etc. International students must hold an equivalent degree based on a four-year curriculum; and, follow the admissions policies and procedures of North Carolina Central University’s College of Graduate Studies.
2. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better (4.0 scale) and a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) in the major course of study.
3. A personal narrative statement reflecting the applicant’s ability to communicate in writing, demonstrate critical thinking about a social problem, and demonstrate introspection (e.g.,understanding of self, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, acknowledge personal growth, etc.)
4. A professional resume. The applicant will submit a current resume that includes his/her work history, community/volunteer services, and evidence of leadership skills.
5. Two professional letters of recommendation from persons who can speak to the applicant’s ability and potential for success as a graduate student and professional social worker (e.g., former professors, employments supervisors, etc.).
6. Writing sample. The applicant will submit a writing sample based on a professional social work journal article. The writing sample should reflect excellent writing skills, organization and integration of content, comprehension, and clarity. Instructions for the writing sample and a link to the journal article are provided in the online supplemental social work application.

A personal interview with MSW faculty may be required of an applicant in order to better evaluate his/her potential for becoming a professional social work practitioner.

Although we seek students with life experience and previous work experience, we do not grant social work credit for these experiences.

The MSW Program at North Carolina Central University does not offer an Advanced Standing Program. Applicant’s who are transferring from a MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may transfer up to six credits of courses taken during the foundation year/1^st year and earned a grade of “B” or better in those courses.

Graduation Requirements

1. Successfully complete the two-year MSW curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Complete the capstone courses (Social Work Practicum I, II, III, and IV and the Master’s Research Project) with a minimum grade of “B”.
3. Complete the application for graduation
4. Complete the application for candidacy at least three months prior to the conferring of the MSW degree and received approval from the Graduate Council to be considered a candidate for graduation