Why Samford University?
The online Master of Social Work at Samford University is offered by the School of Public Health at this small private Christian university in Birmingham, Alabama. Applicants to the program can hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, but they must have completed at least one course in statistics prior to applying to the Master’s.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.20 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Samford University |
| Location | Birmingham |
| State | Alabama |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Public Health |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $382.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $22,920 |
| Test Requirements | GRE Required if Below 2.8 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.20 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | statistics course |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2-4 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | August |
| Program Concentrations | Clinical Practice; Community Practice |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
|
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | distinctively Christian |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Is academically rigorous, emphasizing mastery of the core knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession from an evidence-based perspective; Emphasizes promotion of human rights and social and economic justice as a reflection of God’s desire for justice and love for all of humanity; Promotes interprofessional collaboration to address the complex and multifaceted nature of human needs and concerns; Understands human diversity to be a strength of a global community, preparing advanced social work practitioners who practice with cultural sensitivity; Integrates the role of faith in social work practice, recognizing difference and diversity across cultures |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program at a small Christian university is a low-cost pathway to professional education in social work. No capstone is required, but all students must complete a practicum. The program emphasizes mastery of core knowledge within a Christ-centered approach. |
What will I Learn?
As a Christian University, Samford teaches the professional skills and ethics of social work emphasizing the promotion of human rights and social and economic justice as a reflection of God’s desire for justice and love for all of humanity. The program is academically rigorous, emphasizing mastery of the core knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession from an evidence-based perspective. The school promotes interprofessional collaboration to address the complex and multifaceted nature of human needs and concerns. Faculty and students understand human diversity to be a strength of a global community, preparing advanced social work practitioners who practice with cultural sensitivity. The program integrates the role of faith in social work practice, recognizing difference and diversity across cultures
Required courses in the program begin with a course in Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Students progress to Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families, and Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups. Core skills for evidence-based practice are taught in Social Work Research. Students address complex professional problems in a course on Human Rights, Social Justice, and Social Work Ethics. They prepare to shape the field of practice in Social Welfare Policy, and Advanced Policy. A course in Diversity and Multicultural Social Work Practice allows students to address key learning objectives. Practicum placements are addressed in Field Placement I, II, III, and IV, accompanied by advanced courses in Advanced Research Seminar and a course in Psychopathology.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2-4 years and pay $382.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or just under $23,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework every week on their own schedule. This format allows for greater flexibility but some students may wish to have greater predictability. No visit to campus is required. Most students complete the program within 2-4 years.
Summary
Students looking for a distinctively Christian slant on their social work career would do well to consider this small Alabama college for their online professional degree. The program’s higher-than-average prerequisite GPA ensures that peers in the program will be well-prepared, and the program’s lower cost is very attractive. The curriculum is comprehensive, but students may miss out on some of the research-based opportunities offered by larger schools.
