Program Features

  • 2 semesters/8 months (full-time)
  • 4 semesters/1 year and 4 months (part-time)
  • 3 intakes per year
  • $660 per credit hour
  • 31 credit hours
  • 450 field hours
  • CSWE accredited
Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
  • Essay
  • Transcripts from all schools
  • Interview
  • 3 letters of recommendation

Note: Graduate students from other accredited two-year MSW programs may transfer to Spalding's advanced standing program if they have completed the foundation content with a 3.20 GPA and have positive recommendations from the first-year practicum instructor. Up to 5 graduate credits earned in other graduate programs may be accepted in place of Spalding MSW electives. Students in the Master of Social Work program who have completed social work foundation courses in another accredited social work program may transfer up to 18 credit hours of coursework plus practicum hours. Academic credit is not awarded for previous work or life experiences in lieu of any coursework in the social work program.

Program Themes

Integrative Social Work Foundations

Understand how social change occurs, what roles social workers can play in change processes, and how social workers engage diversities and differences across systems.

Advancing Social Justice

Build the tools to promote social and economic equity through examination of social justice frameworks and policy analysis.

Critical Thinking and Reflective Practice

Apply theory and skills essential to well-reasoned, justice-promoting decisions as a social work practitioner.

Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

Congruent with the profession’s purpose and the Spalding University School of Social Work mission, the MSW program engages a learning community model to prepare competent advanced generalist practitioners. Our graduates are equipped to use an integrative approach and global perspective in multi-faceted roles and contexts to promote sustainable social justice, peace, well-being and human rights.

Vision Statement

We inspire and prepare social work practitioners to meet the needs of the times by promoting peace and justice, ethical practice and service to the most vulnerable members of society.

Accreditations and Recognition
  • CSWE Accredited: Council on Social Work Education
  • SACSCOC Accredited: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Charter For Compassion: World’s first certified university
  • Nationally Ranked University: U.S. News & World Report