Graduate Social Work Programs

Equipping Social Workers for Professional Practice and Leadership

Southern Adventist University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares compassionate, service-oriented professionals for advanced social work practice in diverse settings. Grounded in professional excellence, ethical practice, and a commitment to service, the program equips students to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

MSW graduates are prepared to:

IMPACT: Use advanced skills to empower individuals, strengthen families, and impact positive change within communities
INFLUENCE: Work in a wide range of professional settings, such as schools, hospitals, government and community agencies, and more
INSPIRE: Transform lives locally, nationally, and globally through evidence-based, Christ-centered service

Graduate Tuition Discount for Recent Alumni

Alumni who earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern within the past three years may qualify for a 20% tuition discount toward the MSW.

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Program Pathways

Choose the pathway that aligns with your licensure and professional goals.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Equips graduates to provide client support, counseling, and advocacy through evidence-based social work practice. Grounded in a Christ-centered mission. Prepares students for leadership and professional practice in schools, hospitals, orphanages, prisons, hospice settings, government agencies, and community organizations.

The Foundation Placement option is offered for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-social work field or a non-accredited bachelor’s in social work. Advanced Placement is for students with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work.

Program Highlights

Foundation Placement: 61-63 credits, approximately two years (six semesters) of full-time study
Advanced Placement: 31–33 credits, approximately one year (three semesters) of full-time study
Fully online, classes meet twice a month on Sundays with assignments between sessions
Part-time enrollment options available
Prepares graduates for advanced generalist social work practice in clinical and administrative settings
Integrates leadership training with ethical, faith-based social work practice
Opportunities for school social-work certification are available.

Areas of Emphasis

Mental Health Practice in Social Work
School Social Work
Crisis and Emergency Management

Important Notice for International Applicants: This program is fully online and therefore not eligible for issuing I-20 forms for student visas. International applicants may be admitted to these programs only if they plan to complete their studies from their country of residence.

Online, Social Work

MSW/MBA—Healthcare Administration Dual Degree

Combines professional social work education with advanced business and leadership training to prepare graduates for leadership roles in social services, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Emphasizes ethical leadership modeled after Christ, organizational management, and policy influence, equipping graduates to make a meaningful impact across diverse communities and systems.

Program Highlights

56 credits, fully online dual degree
Typically completed in two years of full-time study
Integrates social work practice with business and organizational leadership
Offered through a collaborative partnership between the School of Social Work and the School of Business
Flexible enrollment options, including part-time, designed for working professionals
Social work courses held on Sundays twice per month. Business courses typically delivered in the evening on weekdays.

Important Notice for International Applicants: This program is fully online and therefore not eligible for issuing I-20 forms for student visas. International applicants may be admitted to these programs only if they plan to complete their studies from their country of residence.

Online, Business, Social Work

Admission Levels

The MSW degree offers two admission pathways: Foundation Placement and Advanced Placement. Placement decisions are based on multiple factors determined by the program.

Foundation

Students with a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline or from a non-CSWE-accredited Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) program complete the foundation curriculum before taking advanced placement courses. Full-time students typically complete the entire program in two years (six semesters).

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Advanced

For students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution or who have successfully completed the foundation level of an MSW program. Full-time students typically complete the Advanced level in approximately 12 months (three semesters).

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Course Guides

STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!

The application deadline for Fall 2026 is July 1 • Classes begin August 24

Tuition and Fees

2026-2027

Application Fee

$50

Master's Credit Hour

$830

General Fee

$70

Per semester - Fall and Winter semesters only

Semester Starts	USA Deadlines	International Deadlines
Fall: August 24 Winter: January 11	Fall: July 1 Winter: November 1	Fall: May 1 Winter: September 1

Program	Eligibility	Admissions Process
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK	Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution. GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.	Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $50. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two forms completed by work supervisors or professors. Personal statement: Submit a personal statement describing your motivation for graduate school in social work. Resumé: Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page
MSW/MBA	Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution. GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.	Graduate application: Submit completed application with a non-refundable fee of $50. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two forms completed by work supervisors or professors. Graduate Management Admissions Test is waived if GPA is 3.25 or above, or if applicant has a GPA of 3.0 and 5+ years of full-time business experience.

Admissions Timeline

Please note, the application and all materials must be submitted by the application deadline for full consideration.

Submit Application

Complete the graduate application through the online portal

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Submit Required Documents

Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, a current resume, and two professional or academic recommendations.

Additional Requirements

Applicants may be asked to provide additional information or clarification during the application review process.

Admission Committee Decision

Admission decisions communicated once all required materials have been reviewed

National Accreditation

Master of Social Work Accreditation: Competency Outcomes 2024-2025

CSWE logo The Master of Social Work program at Southern Adventist University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of accreditation (BOA).

Accreditation of a social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals, and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all accreditation standards. Accreditation applies to all program options, which include 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 accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

Latest program outcomes »

Why Southern?

The graduate social work programs at Southern Adventist University provide a powerful foundation for compassionate leadership and impactful social change in today's complex world.

Designed with flexibility in mind, curriculum delves into specialized areas of practice—from child welfare to mental health. Focused coursework is delivered both online and on campus, enabling each student to master crucial skills at his or her own pace. Equipped with the knowledge, ethical framework, and practical skills to become highly effective professionals dedicated to creating a more equitable society, graduates go on to advocate for vulnerable populations, develop innovative community programs, and lead social justice initiatives.

Admitted Student Resources

Essential information about licensure, field education, networking opportunities, practicum requirements, calendar, course plans, and more.

Licensure and Networking Current Students

WHY SOUTHERN?

Southern’s social work program prepares students to be local and global leaders in providing services to individuals, families, and communities.

CHRIST CENTERED

Students are introduced to the latest in concepts, theories, and field experiences, all within the context of a Christ-centered environment. They are able to implement the knowledge gained in the classroom during assigned field practicums.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Proximity to Chattanooga's urban environment provides a variety of practicum and internship partners.

HIGH STANDARD ACCREDITATION

Southern’s social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The high curriculum standard required to achieve CSWE accreditation thoroughly students.