Why West Virginia University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by West Virginia University provides a comprehensive introduction to the skills and theory of social work. West Virginia University, a large public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, accepts applicants holding any undergraduate degree.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | West Virginia University |
| Location | Morgantown |
| State | West Virginia |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $643.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $38,580 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.75 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Integrated Practice |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | part-time only; required course in financial management and grant writing |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Formulate and implement integrated service delivery models appropriate to advanced practice with diverse client populations at multi-system levels; Design and conduct brief and/or ongoing assessment and intervention methods consistent with integrated systems and context of practice; Construct an integrated evidence-informed theoretical framework appropriate to the level and context of practice situations; Organize collaboration with other professions to coordinate intervention efforts suitable to the practice situation; Design and conduct collaborative, practice-based evaluation methods and apply findings to improve practice, policy and/or service delivery effectiveness |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program prepares students for a career in social work through a mixture of theoretical and practical coursework. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. All students follow and Advanced Generalist concentration. |
What will I Learn?
Students in the West Virginia University program learn to formulate and implement integrated service delivery models appropriate to advanced practice with diverse client populations. They learn to design and conduct brief and/or ongoing assessment and intervention methods as professional social workers. With coursework blending theory and practice, graduates are equipped to construct an integrated evidence-informed theoretical framework appropriate to the level and context of practice situations. As ethical professionals, they organize collaboration with other professions to coordinate intervention efforts suitable to the practice situation. Finally, graduates are expected to design and conduct collaborative, practice-based evaluation methods and apply findings to improve practice, policy and/or service delivery effectiveness.
Required courses begin with Social Work Research Methods and Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Students gain an introduction to professional roles in Professional Identity and Social Justice and Social Welfare Policy and Programs. Professional skills are taught in Generalist Practice I: Individuals, Families, and Groups, Generalist Practice II: Rural Community and Organizational Practice. The required practicum is accompanied by courses in Generalist Field Experience and Advanced Field Experience. Students learn the tools of leadership in Evaluation Research in Social Work and Social Work Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Deliberation. Advanced practice skills are taught in Social Work Assessment and Diagnosis, Advanced Integrated Practice: Individuals and Advanced Integrated Practice: Families and Groups. Complex management problems are covered in Advanced Integrated Practice: Organizational Administration and Leadership and Advanced Integrated Practice: Financial Management and Grant Writing.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $643.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $38,580 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including attending online lectures and participating in online group discussion. Most students complete the program within 3 years. Students are not required to visit campus. This program offers a part-time course schedule only, which will fit in well with other work and family obligations.
Summary
The West Virginia University online Master of Social Work program represents an accessible option for applicants wishing to pursue professional education the social work field, with a lower-than-average required GPA for entrance and a mid-level price range. The program is part-time only, offering flexible asynchronous classes within a 3-year time to completion. Students may be attracted to the program’s emphasis on administration, with a required course on grant writing and other funding solutions.