Best HBCUs for Master’s in Social Work Programs
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Posted By: S. Moore on May 25, 2023 Social workers play a vital role in promoting social justice and equality by providing services to individuals, families, and communities. Master of social work (MSW) programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing social issues such as poverty, substance misuse, and homelessness. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer MSW programs that provide a unique and important focus on the well-being of Black Americans and communities of color. Those with an MSW can hold various positions:
Those who want to provide clinical care, such as individual or family therapy, must take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam in order to qualify for licensure. While an MSW is not required to take the ASWB exam, it provides you with the necessary preparation to succeed on the test. The Value of HBCUs in Social Work Education The mission of social work is to disrupt systemic inequality in order to champion justice and inclusion. Unfortunately, there is a long history of racism within the field of social work. For example, Black and African American communities are often overdiagnosed with certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia and oppositional defiant disorder. Additionally, many prominent early social workers supported eugenics, or the idea that Black people are biologically inferior. The National Association of Social Workers recently released an apology statement in order to acknowledge this harm and begin taking steps toward making social work more inclusive. HBCU master's in social work programs are defining what inclusive and accessible social work looks like. Historically Black colleges and universities address the issue of racism in social work by providing a rare and important emphasis on the Black perspective. Through targeted coursework and interdisciplinary curricula, HBCU social work programs train students to understand how to provide safe, inclusive, and justice-centered care. 2023 Top 10 HBCUs for Master's in Social Work Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 📍 Tallahassee, FL 4 years Online + Campus FAMU was founded in 1887 and offers both full-time and part-time study options for MSW students. FAMU emphasizes social justice and prepares you for macro social work practice in both local and national organizations or social service administration. You may be an excellent fit for FAMU's program if you want to work in social work administration or community development. The program requires 67 hours of coursework and 12 hours of field placement. To learn more about the admissions process, contact FAMU’s MSW program directly. North Carolina A&T State University 📍 Greensboro, NC 4 years Online + Campus The largest HBCU in the country, North Carolina A&T offers a joint MSW program with the University of North Carolina. The joint program offers a full-time option, which takes two years to complete, and an accelerated study option for those who already have a bachelor’s in social work. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program focuses on multicultural clinical practice and provides you with the necessary skills to work with marginalized and systemically oppressed communities. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Howard University 📍 Washington, DC 4 years Online + Campus Howard University in Washington D.C. holds to its motto "Truth and Service" in all academics, including the master of social work degree. Howard prioritizes flexibility and offers both an in-person and online MSW program. With a curriculum grounded in the Black perspective, the program challenges you to examine how oppression, segregation, self-determination and culture inform the service to individuals and communities. The program offers various concentration options, including: - Criminal justice - Social gerontology - Social work in healthcare settings - Displaced populations Applicants with a bachelor's in social work degree may be eligible for an accelerated program option. You must fill out the contact form on Howard's MSW web page to learn about admission requirements. Fayetteville State University 📍 Fayetteville, NC 4 years Online + Campus FSU’s master of social work program trains you to work with diverse populations, including children, families, the military, and those navigating substance abuse. The MSW program offers three educational tracks: full-time study, part-time study, and advanced standing. The full-time program takes two years to complete, while the part-time option requires three years. You may be eligible for the advanced standing track, which can be completed in one year, if you have a bachelor's in social work. To apply, you must meet several requirements, including a minimum 2.5 GPA, a bachelor's degree, and a personal statement. North Carolina Central University 📍 Durham, NC 4 years Online + Campus NCCU, located in Durham, North Carolina, was the first public liberal arts institution for Black and African American students. The master of social work program offers a full-time study option and an accelerated study option for those who already hold a BSW. Earning an MSW from NCCU prepares you to provide culturally competent care in various industries and sectors. Admission requirements for the full-time track include a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants with a BSW may apply for the advanced standing option, which requires meeting additional admission criteria, including a 3.0 GPA and three letters of recommendation. Delaware State University 📍 Dover, DE 4 years Online + Campus DSU offers the only MSW program in the state of Delaware. The interdisciplinary program focuses on advanced generalist practice, preparing you to address poverty, health disparities, and systemic oppression in your social work career. DSU has three study tracks: part-time, full-time, and advanced standing. To apply, you must meet several admission requirements, including a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Albany State University 📍 Albany, GA 4 years Online + Campus ASU's MSW program trains you to become an advocate for social and economic justice. The program prepares you to work in various fields, including foster care, adoption, family court, and military social work. You can choose between the traditional two-year study track or the advanced standing track. Those who desire to become licensed clinical social workers can take courses that prepare them for the state clinical licensure examination. Admission requirements for ASU's master of social work program include three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and an interview. Tennessee State University 📍 Nashville, TN 4 years Online + Campus TSU’s MSW program offers two concentration options: generalist social work practice and advanced generalist social work practice. In the generalist practice, you'll learn to integrate ethics, research, policy, and theoretical perspectives into the generalist intervention model. Those who pursue the advanced generalist practice concentrations receive additional training in social work theory and practice. TSU offers multiple opportunities for you to complete your field hours, including faculty research, community partnerships, a policy analysis competition, and more. The program also offers an accelerated study program for students with a bachelor's in social work. To apply for the master of social work program at TSU, applicants must submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation. Grambling State University 📍 Grambling, LA 4 years Online + Campus Grambling State University’s MSW program, which is accredited by CSWE, prioritizes student learning and student development, focusing on at-risk populations and strengthening students' understanding of systemic oppression. Graduates of Grambling's program are well-prepared to work with diverse patient populations in both rural and urban settings. The program offers full-time and part-time study options. If you have a bachelor's in social work, you may be eligible for the accelerated program track. Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Norfolk State University 📍 Norfolk, VA 4 years Online + Campus Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University offers a master of social work program that prepares you to address important issues such as mental illness, homelessness, and substance misuse. The program requires two years of coursework, but those with a bachelor's in social work may qualify for advanced standing, allowing them to finish in one year. It also has an extended study option, which takes three years to complete. Norfolk State's MSW program offers specializations for child welfare, military, and clinical social work. The program also requires you to engage in various internships to put your knowledge into practice. SOURCE Best Colleges If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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