Online Masters of Social Work (MSW) Program

Accreditations

Tuskegee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tuskegee University.

Tuskegee University online MSW program is currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Pre-candidacy for a master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it submitted an application to be reviewed for candidacy and received approval of its Benchmark 1 from CSWE accreditation staff to move forward for a candidacy review within 1-year. A program that has attained pre-candidacy status has not yet been reviewed by the BOA nor verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Students that are admitted to pre-candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining pre-candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain candidacy and initial accreditation. Pre-candidacy applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s pre-candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation. The CSWE is a nonprofit national association representing more than 2,500 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA) as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country.

Memberships

The Department of Social Work at Tuskegee University is a member of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), which is the worldwide association of schools of social work, other tertiary-level social work educational programs, and social work educators. The IASSW promotes the development of social work education throughout the world, develops standards to enhance the quality of social work education, encourages international exchange, provides forums for sharing social work research and scholarship, and promotes human rights and social development through policy and advocacy activities.

Tuskegee University Department of Social Work is a member of the Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center that serves as a focal point for advancing the effective use of TeleHealth and support access to TeleHealth services in rural and underserved communities in the southeastern region of the United States. We have extensive TeleHealth experience and can provide services, resources and tools to both developing and operating programs. The Center's role is complementary to the activities of the telemedicine programs in the Southeast in that the SETRC provides the basis for widespread application of educational and clinical support services and technical advances that have been studied as well as validated at the Georgia Partnership for Telehealth (GPT) and its partner sites.

The Department of Social Work is a member of Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), whose mission is to ensure that new and current health professionals are proficient in the competencies essential for patient-centered, community- and population-oriented, interprofessional, collaborative practice. To view IPECs strategic framework, click here.

Students have the opportunity to join Phi Alpha Honor Society for social work, National Association of Social Work, National Association of Black Social Workers, and other Student Organizaitons, and the National Pan-hellenic Associations.

The program’s vision is for the next generation of social workers to diligently fight for social and environmental justice for vulnerable communities in Alabama and across the nation. This new generation of social workers will also be more aware of global social problems and global social work opportunities. It will also be the most diverse generation of advanced social work professionals produced. The new cohort will be recognized for their outstanding leadership, practice skills, ethics, and knowledge of research and technology. 

We believe, as the University’s founding principal, Booker T. Washington did, that, “Education is not what a person is able to hold in his head, so much as it is .... skill of hand, and strength of mind and heart; and we help you in these ways.”

Overview

Tuskegee University's online Master of Social Work graduate program is a professional program focusing on the clinical specialized practice that has a trauma focused curriculum that emphasizes health disparities research, telehealth, and global education. Program concentrations will include Social Work with Children, Youth, and Families; Social Work in Healthcare; and Social Work in Behavioral Health (clinical and substance abuse).

Objectives

The objectives this program is to offer a competency-based education through the program context that encompasses the needs and opportunities of practice communities, which are informed by their historical, political, economic, environmental, social, cultural, demographic, institutional, local, regional, and global contexts and by the ways they elect to engage these factors. Additional factors include new knowledge, technology, and ideas that may have a bearing on contemporary and future social work education, practice, and research.

Outcomes

The desired outcome of the online masters of social work program are students whose technical, scientific, and professional prowess have been not only rigorously honed but also sensitively oriented in ways that produce public-spirited graduates who are both competent and morally committed to public service with integrity and excellence. In addition, students who are grounded in a values perspective that emphasizes client strength, actively opposes all forms of oppression, and supports social, economic, and environmental justice.  After completing the program, students will have enhanced capabilities to work in a multidiscipline profession with clinical, critical and analytical thinking, writing, technical skills, and creative and collaborative abilities for professional practice. As a result, graduates of the clinical program will be well-rounded in specialized practices of behavioral health, health, and children youth, and family services that will have a trauma-focused curriculum that emphasizes health disparities research, telehealth, and global education.

The goals of the Department of Social Work online masters clincial program at Tuskegee University are listed below and are a derivation of its mission:

Educate students to become ethical, empathetic, and culturally competent professionals prepared to work with diverse individuals and communities
Integrate cutting edge technology into the curriculum thereby furthering students’ comfort with technology
Prepare students to deliver tele mental health services and integrate new technologies into their practice and advocacy work
Prepare students to understand the effects of trauma on clients and work with traumatized populations using the latest evidence-based trauma interventions.
Prepare student for social work practice in global settings, to understand global social policy and practice problems, and recognize the many opportunities to make change abroad.
Provide a range of research and field study opportunities that further students’ knowledge of global social work practice, disparities in health outcomes, effective work with children and families, work in healthcare settings, and practice with diverse people, families, and communities.
Provide students with a foundation for pursuing life-long learning, ongoing professional development, and public service.
Prepare advanced generalist social work practitioners for practice in smaller, rural, and non-urban communities
Tuskegee University is a national, independent, and state-related institution of higher learning located in the State of Alabama. The University has distinctive strengths in the sciences, architecture, business, engineering, health, and other professions, all structured on solid foundations in the liberal arts. In addition, the University's programs focus on nurturing the development of high-order intellectual and moral qualities among students and stress the connection between education and the highly trained leadership Americans need in general, but more especially for the workforce of the 21st Century and beyond.

The desired outcome of the online masters of social work program are students whose technical, scientific, and professional prowess have been not only rigorously honed but also sensitively oriented in ways that produce public-spirited graduates who are both competent and morally committed to public service with integrity and excellence. In addition, students who are grounded in a values perspective that emphasizes client strength, actively opposes all forms of oppression, and supports social, economic, and environmental justice.

Over the past century, various social and historical changes have transformed this institution into a comprehensive and diverse place of learning whose fundamental purpose is to develop leadership, knowledge, and service for a global society. Committed deeply to academic excellence, the University admits highly talented students of character and challenges them to reach their highest potential. The University also believes strongly in the equality of opportunity. It recognizes that exquisite talent is often hidden in students whose most acceptable development requires unusual educational, personal, and financial reinforcement. Therefore, the University actively invites a diversity of talented students, staff, and faculty from all racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to participate in this educational enterprise.

Welcome Prospective Students!  Below you will find all the information you need to successfully enroll in the Graduate School for the primarily online Masters of Social Work here at Tuskegee University. 

Admission Procedure

• APPLICATION for graduate school can be found at:  https://www.tuskegee.edu/graduate-school
• DEADLINES for graduate school applications may be found at: https://www.tuskegee.edu/graduate-school

Regular Admission Requirements for the Master's of Social Work Program

1. A baccalaureate or professional degree earned from an accredited college or university.  
2. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 based on the 4.00 scale grading system for all previous work. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited institution may have a CGPA of 2.6 based on the 4.00 scale grading system for all previous work. 
3. 123 undergraduate liberal arts credits and for BSW program graduates completion of 48 social work credits 
4. Official transcripts.
5. Personal statement.
6. Two (2) letters of recommendation.
7. Resume
8. $73.00 application fee
9. ETS/WES Scores (original)*
10. Bank Statement*
11. Affidavit of support*
12. TOEFL*

              *For International Students Only

Students should provide two recommendations from persons acquainted with their academic program and scholastic ability. These recommendations should be uploaded into the GradCas portal.  

Graduates of Tuskegee University or from other accredited institutions, which have substantially the same requirements for the bachelor's degree, are eligible to seek admission to graduate school. The applicant should request that transcripts be sent to the Tuskegee University Graduate School's office. 

No action will be taken on the applications without all required documentation. The Admissions Office will coordinate the processing of the application materials with the appropriate graduate department.

Requests for graduate fellowships and/or assistantships with recommendations should be submitted to the department at socialwork@tuskegee.edu.   Any offer made to applicants by target units for financial support requires approval of the Graduate School.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE is not required for admissions to the Master's of Social Work program.  

TOEFL Scores and WES Evaluation for International Students

International students who have adequate preparation for graduate study are invited to apply for admission to Graduate School.  In addition to the other entrance credentials, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence to the Graduate School of adequate training in the use of English.  This ordinarily would mean a score of at least 500 on the paper-based test, or its equivalent on Internet-based test (61) and on computer-based test (173) on the TOEFL examination. 

TOEFL scores are considered official when they are sent directly to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Other copies are not considered official.

Arrangements for taking TOEFL may be made by writing to:

TOEFL, Educational Testing Service
Box 6151,
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, USA

(http://www.ets.org/).

All international students applying for admission must submit their transcripts for evaluation and certification to:

World Education Services (WES)
P. O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10011

U.S. Residency and Visa Requirements

International students who are granted admission to the Graduate Programs may consult with Tuskegee University's Global Office regarding US residency and visa requirements.

Course Curriculum Paths by Specializations

Provisional Sheet Maps

Child Welfare Social Work Practice
Specialization (Practice Courses)
SOWK 0600. Psychopathology
SOWK 0601. Advanced Clinical Practice
SOWK 0602. Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families
SOWK 0603. Practice with Children, Youth and Families
SOWK 0606. Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy
SOWK 0607 Research and Evaluation II
SOWK 608/609A-B. Internship Education and Internship Integrative Seminar I/II
Specialization (Elective Courses)
*SOWK 0610. Financial Social Work and Skills Lab
SOWK 0611. Domestic Violence, Family Systems, and Social Work Interventions
*SOWK 0612. Community Social Work Practice
SOWK 0613. Social Work Practice with Organizations
SOWK 0614. Advanced Rural Social Work
*SOWK 0615. Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Practice
*SOWK 0617. Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Families
*SOWK 0618. Behavioral Health Interventions for Children and Adolescents
*SOWK 623A-L. Special Topics

*asterisk indicates electives typically offered each year
Behavioral Health Social Work Practice
Specialization (Practice Courses)

SOWK 0600. Psychopathology
SOWK 0601. Advanced Clinical Practice
SOWK 0602. Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families
SOWK 0604. Behavioral Health Practice
SOWK 0606. Advanced Social Welfare Policy Practice and Advocacy
SOWK 0607. Research and Evaluation II
SOWK 607/608A-B. Internship Education and Internship Integrative Seminar I/II
Specialization (Elective Courses)
*SOWK 0610. Financial Social Work and Skills Lab

*SOWK 0612. Community Social Work Practice

SOWK 0615. Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Practice

SOWK 0616. Social Work Practice in Addictions
*SOWK 0617. Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Families

SOWK 0619. Culturally Responsive Clinical Treatment with Ethic Populations
*SOWK 0620. Pharmacology
*SOWK 623A-L. Special Topics
*asterisk indicates electives typically offered each year
Healthcare Social Work Practice
Specialization (Required Courses)

SOWK 0600. Psychopathology
SOWK 0601. Advanced Clinical Practice
SOWK 0602. Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families
SOWK 0605. Healthcare Practice
SOWK 0606. Advanced Social Welfare Policy Practice and Advocacy
SOWK 0607. Research and Evaluation II

SOWK 608/609A-B. Internship Education and Internship Integrative Seminar I/II
Specialization (Elective Courses)
*SOWK 0610. Financial Social Work and Skills Lab

*SOWK 0612. Community Social Work Practice
SOWK 0613. Social Work Practice with Organizations

*SOWK 0614. Advanced Rural Social Work
*SOWK 0615. Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Practice
SOWK 0616. Social Work Practice in Addictions
*SOWK 0617. Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Families

*SOWK 0620. Pharmacology

SOWK 0621. Clinical Practice with Older Adults

SOWK 0622. Social Work Practice with Military and Veterans Families

*SOWK 623A-L. Special Topics,

*SOWK 0624. Public Health Social Work (Public Health dual degree required course)
*asterisk indicates electives typically offered each year

Curriculum Provisional Sheets

Advance Standing (One Year Track) Courses
FIRST SEMESTER (Foundation)
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0506/0507. Telehealth Practice in Social Work and Lab 3 SU 1
SOWK 0509. Global Social Work 3 SU 1
SOWK 623A, B, or F. Special Topics- A. Writing in Social Work Practice, or B. Social Work and the Law, or F. Multicultural Families 2 SU 1
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS  8

SECOND SEMESTER (Specialization)
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0600. Psychopathology  3 FA 1
SOWK 0606. Advanced Social Welfare Policy Practice and Advocacy 3 FA 1
SOWK 0607. Research and Evaluation in Social Work II  3 FA 1
SOWK 0601. Advanced Clincial Practice 3 FA 2
SOWK 0602.  Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families 3 FA 2
SOWK 608/609A. Internship Education and Integrative Seminar I  3 FA 2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18

THIRD SEMESTER (Specialization)
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0603. Practice with Children, Youth, & Families, SOWK 0604. Behavioral Health in Social Work, OR SOWK 0605. Healthcare in Social Work  3 SP 1
SOWK 608/609B. Internship Education and Integrative Seminar II 3 SP 1
SOWK 0610. Financial Social Work and Skills Lab  2 SP 1
SOWK 0612. Community Social Work Practice  3 SP 2
SOWK 0615. Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Families  3 SP 2
SOWK 0618. Pharmacology  3 SP 2
SOWK 623G or H. Special Topics. Clinical Interventions for Internalized Oppression or H. Crisis Interventions 1 SP 2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18
TOTAL TRACK CREDIT HOURS 44

Regular Standing (Two Year Track) Courses
FOUNDATION - Year 1
FIRST SEMESTER
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0500. Generalist Practice 3 FA 1
SOWK 0501. Research and Evaluation in Social Work I 3 FA 1
SOWK 0502. Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 FA 1
SOWK 0503. Social Welfare Policy 3 FA 2
SOWK 0504/0505(A). Practicum Education and Integrative Seminar I 3 FA 2
SOWK 620A-C. Special Topics- Writing in Social Work Practice, or Social Work and the Law, or African American Families. 3 FA 2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18

SECOND SEMESTER
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0506/0507. Telehealth Practice in Social Work 3 SP 1
SOWK 0508. Applied Statistics and Data Analytics for Social Work 3 SP 1
SOWK 0509. Global Social Work 3 SP 1
SOWK 504/505(B). Practicum Education and Integrative Seminar II 3 SP 2
SOWK 623D-F.Special Topics. D.Fundamentals of Case Management, or E.Social Justice or F.Multicultural Perspectives in Working with Families 6 SP 2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18

SPECIALIZATION- Year 2
Credits Semester Term
FIRST SEMESTER
SOWK 0606. Advanced Social Welfare Policy Practice and Advocacy 3 FA 1
SOWK 0607. Research and Evaluation II 3 FA 1
SOWK 0600. Psychopathology 3 FA 1
SOWK 0601. Advanced Clinical Practice 3 FA 2
SOWK 0602. Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families 3 FA 2
SOWK 608/609(A). Internship Education and Integrative Seminar I 3 FA 2
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18

SECOND SEMESTER
Credits Semester Term
SOWK 0603. Child Welfare Practice 0604. Behavioral Health Practice, or 0605. Healthcare Practice (required first course in specialization) 3 SP 1
SOWK 608/609(B). Internship Education and Integrative Seminar II 3 SP 1
SOWK 0610. Financial Social Work and Skills Lab 2 SP 1
SOWK 0620G or H. Special Topics. Clinical Interventions for Internalized Oppression or H. Crisis Interventions 1 SP 2
SOWK 0610. Community Social Work Practice 3 SP 2
SOWK 0615. Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Families 3 SP 2
SOWK 0618. Pharmacology  3 SP 2

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS  18
* Summer Semesters are optional for the track
TOTAL TRACK CREDIT HOURS  72

Students who obtain a Master of Social Work graduate degree from the Department of Social Work at Tuskegee University shall:

• Identify as a Professional Social Worker and conduct one-self accordingly.
  Utilize Social Work Ethical Principles to Guide Professional Practice.
• Apply Critical Thinking to Inform and Communicate Professional Judgments.
• Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
• Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
• Engage in Research Informed Practice and Practice Informed Research.
• Apply Knowledge of Human Behavior and the Social Environment.
• Engage in Policy Practice to Advance Social and Economic Well Being and to Deliver
• Effective Social Work Services for individual, groups and communities.
• Respond to Context that Shape Practice.
• Engage, Assess, Intervene and Evaluate with Individuals, Families and Groups, Organizations and Communities.

Click Here to view document.

Program & Accreditation

Q: Is the MSW program accredited?
Tuskegee University is accredited by SACSCOC to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The MSW program is currently in pre-candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students admitted once candidacy is granted (and the program achieves initial accreditation) will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program.

Q: What is the mission of the program?
The mission is to prepare students for specialized practice with traumatized children, families, communities of color, immigrant communities, and other vulnerable populations, with a strong foundation in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and justice-centered practice.

Q: What specializations are offered?
Students may focus on:

• Child Welfare
• Healthcare
• Behavioral Health

Admissions & Enrollment

Q: What are the admission requirements?

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.3 for Advanced Standing)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement and résumé
• $73 non-refundable application fee
• GRE scores are not required. International applicants must provide TOEFL/IELTS and WES evaluation.

Q: What is Advanced Standing admission?
Applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree and GPA of 3.3 or higher may enter directly into the advanced clinical year, completing the program in one year.

Q: Can students enroll part-time?
Yes. Enrollment options include:

• Full-time (18 credits/semester, completion in 2 years)
• Reduced credit load (15 credits/semester, may extend time)
• Part-time (3–6 credits/semester, extends to 3–4+ years)

Curriculum & Coursework

Q: What will I study in the MSW program?
The program integrates:

• Trauma-informed, evidence-based practice
• Telehealth and digital practice technologies
• Global and community-based perspectives
• Competency-based curriculum aligned with CSWE EPAS 2022

Q: What are the program objectives?
Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
• Engage ADEI (anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion) in practice
• Advance human rights and social justice
• Apply research-informed practice
• Work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities across diverse contexts

Field Education (Practicum & Internship)

Q: How many placement hours are required?

• Foundation Year Practicum: 400 hours (generalist practice)
• Advanced Year Internship: 500 hours (specialization practice)

Q: What kinds of placements are available?
Placements include child welfare agencies, healthcare settings, behavioral health organizations, and other community-based agencies. Students are matched based on interests, strengths, and professional goals.

Q: Can I use my current employment as a practicum site?
Yes, with approval. Employment-based internships are possible if learning objectives align with program requirements.

Q: What support do students receive during field placement?
Each student is supported by a Practicum/Internship Instructor (agency-based supervisor) and a Tuskegee University Liaison (faculty). Students also attend integrative seminars to connect classroom learning with field practice.

Licensure & Career Outcomes

Q: Will I be eligible for licensure after graduation?
Yes. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure (LMSW) in Alabama and other states, provided they meet each state’s requirements. Tuskegee integrates ASWB exam preparation tools (AATBS via Triad) into courses and internships.

Q: What careers can I pursue with an MSW from Tuskegee?
Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Child welfare and family services
• School social work
• Community-based agencies and nonprofits
• Policy, advocacy, and global practice

Student Support & Policies

Q: What student support services are available?
Students have access to:

• Academic advising
• Tuskegee’s library and online resources
• Career Center services
• Student support services and accommodations office

Q: What happens if a natural disaster or emergency disrupts classes?
Tuskegee has a Natural Disaster and Emergency Disruption Policy ensuring academic flexibility, emergency support, and continuity of practicum and coursework.

Q: What is expected of me as a student?
Students must demonstrate:

• Professional behavior and communication skills
• Ethical conduct aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics
• Self-awareness, self-control, and respect for diversity

Tuskegee University is located in Tuskegee, Alabama which is 40 miles east of the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery, Alabama. Although the University is located in a rural setting, the Social Work program has been designed to provide students with Advance Generalist and Clinical Practice opportunities. Students not only have the opportunity to perform their Practicum & Internship placements in Tuskegee, but partnerships have been developed with Social Services agencies domestic, abroad, and virtually from which they intern.

Students get an opportunity to apply the Advanced Generalist and Clinical Practice skills in a host of settings to include but not limited to those such as Clinics, Hospitals, including the VA Hospitals, Schools, Nursing Homes, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Centers, Department of Corrections, Department of Family and Children Services, Federal and State Agencies, International and Local Community Organizations and Data Analysis. In these area of Practice, students use Advanced Generalist Social Work skills such as Engagement, Assessment, Evaluation and Termination. Recognizing that the context of practice is dynamic and students provide direct practice at the Micro and Mezzo level notably, Individuals and Family or Groups. Students recognize that the Social Worker through their knowledge base as well as their years of experience will use their skill sets to obtain necessary resources from the Community. Social Workers will also use these resources to enhance their client's capacity for social functioning and create societal conditions that are favorable to their goals. This is the profession of Social Work.

AGENCY INTEREST FORM
If your agency has interest in becoming a Practicum and Internship site please complete the Interest Form here to have a Practium and Internship Director contact you. If you agency is interested in pre-internship experiential learning, complete the interest form for students not in internship to service learn at your agency here

INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
Academic Calendar

Practicum & Internship Repository

MSW Students e-board

• Email: support@projectconcert.com
• Phone: 615-320-7004
• Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM ET
• Responses to emails are typically within two business days; during peak operations, up to three business days.