Carver School of Social Work: Master Programs

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Campbellsville University, including both the traditional and Advanced Standing Track options, is designed to provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge needed for impactful social work practice. Whether you choose the on-campus experience or the flexibility of the online track, you’ll gain hands-on training, expert faculty support, and a strong sense of community.

With a focus on real-world application, the MSW program prepares you to address complex social issues, advocate for change, and pursue meaningful careers in clinical social work, community organization, and beyond.

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Program Overview:

The Carver School Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs are grounded in Christian servant leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth inspired by a person-in-environment framework, a trauma-informed focus, evidence-based research and practice, and global community engagement. The purpose of the MSW Program is to develop advanced generalist social workers who are committed to intersectionality, inclusivity, the profession’s core values and ethics, life-long learning, and a strengths-based perspective in their practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The Carver School Master of Social Work (MSW) Program advances integrity, critical thinking, advocacy, human rights, human relationships, and the pursuit of comprehensive justice.

Program Highlights:

Social Work Skill Development: Build critical social work skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, social justice, advocacy, leadership, and service to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain expertise in areas such as human behavior and the social environment, culture, ethics, advocacy, clinical, direct practice, organizational practice, and program evaluation.
Real-World Application: Engage in hands-on projects, case studies, and internships that allow for application of theories to real-world client situations.
Global Perspective: Learn to lead in a global context by understanding cross-cultural issues, challenges, and dynamics.
Flexible Learning Options: Learning is completed online and asynchronously. Students may also choose from full-time or part-time formats that allow balance of education with career, making it accessible to working professionals.
Advanced Standing Option: Students who completed a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for the advanced standing program.
Career Advancement: MSW graduates often advance into leadership positions based on their skills and training, with emphasis on critical thinking, ethical leadership, clinical and interpersonal skills, and program evaluation.

Campbellsville University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a dynamic learning experience rooted in Christian faith, academic excellence, and real-world application. Our program prepares you for advanced social work practice through a combination of evidence-based methods, hands-on experience, and a strong focus on social justice and human rights.

Accredited Program: Our MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring the highest academic standards and a strong foundation in social work theory and practice.
Flexible Learning Options: With options to study on-campus or online, our MSW program provides the flexibility you need to balance education with your personal and professional life.
Experienced Faculty: Learn from faculty members who bring both academic expertise and real-world experience to the classroom, guiding you toward success as a social work professional.
Faith-Based Perspective: Our program integrates Christian values, preparing you to serve communities with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.
Comprehensive Field Experience: Gain hands-on, real-world experience through required field placements, where you can apply classroom learning in actual social work settings.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning: At CU, we foster a commitment to lifelong learning, equipping you with the tools and mindset needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of social work.

Campbellsville University offers a wide range of courses through CU Online. These two programs, Master of Social Work and Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing Track), are designed to provide students with the academic knowledge and practical skills necessary for successful careers in social work.

Here are some key courses you may take as part of your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Campbellsville University:

Advanced Social Work Practice: Focuses on developing advanced practice skills with individuals, families, groups, and communities within diverse settings.
Social Welfare Policy and Services: Analyzes social welfare policies and the systems used to deliver social services, while exploring the impact of policy on social work practice.
Research Methods in Social Work: Introduces advanced research methodologies and their application to evidence-based social work practice, including data collection and analysis techniques.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Examines the theories and frameworks used to understand human development and behavior across the lifespan and within varying environmental contexts.
Social Work with Diverse Populations: Addresses the complexities of working with diverse populations, including ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups, and emphasizes culturally competent practice.
Ethical Issues in Social Work: Provides an in-depth exploration of ethical principles in social work practice, focusing on dilemmas encountered in a variety of professional contexts.
Field Practicum: A hands-on, supervised placement in a professional social work setting where students apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience with clients and communities.

These courses are available through flexible learning formats, making it convenient to earn your MSW degree either in traditional on-campus classes or through the fully online CU Online platform.

Our experienced faculty, with real-world expertise in the social work field, offer a supportive and engaging learning environment, ensuring your academic and professional success. Whether you are just beginning your graduate studies in social work or advancing your career, Campbellsville University provides the courses and flexibility needed to achieve your goals.

To be admitted into the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Campbellsville University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Application for Graduate Admissions
Submit the online application for graduate admissions to the university.
Application for Admission to the MSW Program
Complete the Master of Social Work program application form.
Signed Social Work Professional and Technical Standards
Sign and submit the Social Work Professional and Technical Standards form.
Official Transcripts
Send official transcripts directly from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of 15 hours of liberal arts education and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
Note: If the GPA is below 3.0, applicants may still apply but must submit a written explanation outlining:
What prevented them from achieving a 3.0 GPA
The steps they will take to ensure success in the MSW program.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Provide three letters of recommendation:
- One from someone who knows your academic background and suitability for graduate study.
- One from someone who knows your values and moral character.
- One from someone who knows your potential as a social worker.
  Note: References cannot come from relatives (current or previous).
Additional Information
The Admissions Committee may request additional information to complete your application process.

By meeting these requirements, you'll be on your way to beginning your journey toward an advanced career in social work through Campbellsville University’s Master of Social Work program.

For more information on admissions or to apply, contact our Social Work team at cssw@campbellsville.edu.

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program are prepared to pursue a wide range of impactful careers, from working in government agencies to private treatment facilities. With an advanced understanding of social work theory and practice, you’ll be equipped to support individuals, families, and communities in need.

Social work is a diverse field, offering opportunities in these areas:

Local, State, and Federal Government
Victim Services Organizations
Private Treatment Facilities
School Districts and Head Start Centers
Community Mental Health Centers
Psychiatric Hospitals
Child Welfare Departments
State Mental Health Departments
Public Welfare Agencies
Employee Assistance Programs
Counseling
Hospice Care
Colleges and Universities
Veterans Administration Hospitals
Medical Clinics
Nursing Homes

Graduates of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Campbellsville University are equipped with the advanced knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in social work practice. With a focus on social justice, advocacy, and service to diverse populations, our MSW graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings including healthcare, government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and more. Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, with opportunities for advanced direct practice, policy work, and community leadership.

“I am grateful every day for the professors who showed, with their own hands and feet, how important the dignity and worth of life is for all people. I pray I never forget that lesson and those professors.”

Libby Sears, BSW Graduate 2005

Program Resources:

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Handbook provides essential information about the MSW program, including policies, procedures, and academic expectations to guide students through their graduate studies.

The MSW Field Manual outlines guidelines and requirements for field placements, ensuring students gain the necessary hands-on experience to excel in advanced social work practice.

The MSW Application provides the steps and requirements for applying to the MSW program, both in-person and online, streamlining the application process for prospective students.

The MSW Course Requirements document details the courses necessary for successful completion of the program, ensuring students understand the academic expectations and curriculum structure.

The MSW Field Practicum Requirements document outlines the essential criteria and guidelines for field placements, including the number of required hours, expectations for supervision, and procedures for securing and completing the practicum experience.

The Instructions for Accessing Your IPT Account provide step-by-step guidance on how to log into and navigate the Individual Practicum Tracking (IPT) system, ensuring students can efficiently track and manage their field placement progress and documentation.

Let's Connect!

For more information, call our office at 270-789-5049 or contact Dr. Anne Adcock, BSW Director, directly at 270-789-5593 or via email at acadcock@campbellsville.edu. Online students can connect with their Admissions Counselor by completing the form on your program page.

Take a virtual tour, visit our campuses, or explore your department of interest to experience Campbellsville University firsthand. Whether you’re learning online or in person, we’re excited to share everything CU has to offer!