Park University Social Work MSW
Park University, a private, non-profit institution of higher learning, has been educating students since 1875. The university sits in Parkville, Missouri at 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152, where it offers quality education in any discipline, including its well-regarded social work programs.
The university’s mission aims to give students “access to a transformative education that equips learners to realize their individual purpose, guide their professional experience, and thrive through purposeful work”. This philosophy shapes how they teach social work, helping students become practitioners who can positively affect their communities.
The school aims to be “nationally recognized for a distinctive model that integrates students’ real lives into the classroom, prioritizes real learning through career-integrated pathways, and enables students to create real change in their communities”. This approach works well with social work education, which blends theory with hands-on practice.
Park University’s educational approach rests on four basic values:
- Purpose – Helping students find and follow meaningful paths
- Belonging – Building supportive communities where all voices matter
- Integrity – Acting with honesty, transparency, and trust
- Excellence – Striving for the highest standards in teaching, learning, leadership, and service
The university’s social work programs have earned notable recognition. Park University awarded 17 bachelor’s degrees in social work during the 2021-2022 academic year, showing a 55% increase from the previous year. The university also awarded 28 master’s degrees in social work, making it the #237 most popular school for social work master’s degree candidates nationwide.
Students in social work benefit from several unique features at Park University. Small class sizes, available full-time instructors, and flexible coursework help adult learners advance their careers. These elements create the perfect environment to develop essential social work skills.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits all degree programs at Park University, including social work. The Master of Social Work program received full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation in February 2016. This recognition confirms that Park’s social work programs meet national standards for professional social work education.
Programs offered
Park University’s School of Behavioral and Health Sciences has detailed social work education programs that match students’ career goals and needs.
Students can choose between two Master of Social Work (MSW) paths at Park University. The Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing, M.S.W. takes 33 graduate credit hours with a required 3-credit bridging course in June before August classes begin. Students who have earned their Bachelor of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program can take this faster route.
The university also offers a Master of Social Work, Regular Study, M.S.W. This program welcomes students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Students get detailed foundation and advanced coursework they just need to practice social work professionally.
Park University’s MSW students learn everything in professional practice instead of choosing between administrative or clinical tracks. The curriculum has clinical practice, assessment and diagnosis, leadership, supervision, program evaluation, business techniques, and grant development. Graduates gain versatile skills that work in professional settings of all types.
The MSW program’s standout feature is its advanced practice concentration in Behavioral Health. Students can specialize in one of three areas:
- Military Social Work – How service impacts members and their families socially and psychologically
- Gerontological Social Work – Meeting the growing need for effective social work with older persons
- Social Work with Children and Families – Behavioral health interventions that help families
Park University also offers a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program. Students learn to work professionally in social service settings of all types. The program gives graduates the skills to make shared work possible with different populations using strengths-based approaches.
Students attend all social work classes at the Parkville campus in Parkville, Missouri. Face-to-face learning helps students interact directly with faculty and peers while developing crucial practice skills.
Advanced Standing MSW program applicants should have a 3.0 cumulative GPA from their undergraduate studies. The program might consider lower GPAs for probationary admission. This approach helps qualified students from different academic backgrounds while maintaining high educational standards.
About the online program
Park University pioneered virtual learning when it launched its first online English class in 1996. The university’s 25-year old online education program has grown tremendously. Students can now choose from more than 650 online courses with multiple sections each term.
The university’s online environment gives social work students the freedom to learn without compromising educational quality. Students can create their own schedule since online courses don’t have fixed meeting times. The courses maintain academic rigor through weekly assignments and discussions with clear deadlines throughout each term.
Canvas serves as Park University’s learning management system—a user-friendly platform that holds all online content. Students can submit assignments, check grades, and connect with faculty and peers through this system. Each student gets a personalized dashboard that provides one-click access to enrolled courses. Every online program homepage shares the same template, making navigation simple and consistent.
The eight-week term format runs from Monday through Sunday for most online courses. Students typically take two courses per eight-week term. This approach helps them progress through their program while managing their academic workload and personal commitments.
Park University provides these resources to enhance your online learning:
- 24/7 Canvas technical support and Park University Help Desk assistance
- Virtual tutoring with trained Park tutors through the Academic Success Center
- Electronic writing assistance for papers and essays
- Virtual mentoring through the Step-UP program
- Access to over 160 virtual databases and 380,000 eBooks through the library
Students can easily access their online classroom at canvas.park.edu. They just need to enter their Park University ID number and MyPark password, then click “Log In”.
Students can choose between two course formats. The fully online classes deliver 100% of contact hours through the learning management system. The “Online Plus” blended classes combine weekly Zoom web conferences with self-paced coursework. These blended classes require attendance at scheduled times (shown in Central Time based on the Parkville campus location).
Park University’s steadfast dedication to student-centered education ensures small class sizes and quality instruction match their on-campus programs. Students get the added benefit of fitting their education around their schedule.
Accreditation
The quality of social work education relies heavily on accreditation standards. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Park University earned full original accreditation during the February 2016 meetings of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. This achievement shows the program’s dedication to excellence in social work education.
Park University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which the United States Department of Education recognizes as an accrediting agency. This university-wide accreditation creates a strong base for specific program certifications.
The Council on Social Work Education’s specialized recognition carries special weight for students pursuing social work degrees. Both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs have earned full CSWE accreditation. The program’s “Fully Accredited” status verification confirms it meets strict educational requirements.
CSWE accreditation brings substantial benefits to graduates. Most states require degrees from CSWE-accredited programs before candidates can take licensing examinations. Students who complete Park University’s accredited MSW program will meet this basic requirement for professional practice.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the CSWE Board of Accreditation as the sole accrediting body for social work education in the United States and its territories. This exclusive status highlights Park University’s strong position in the field.
Park University’s undergraduate social work program received full CSWE re-accreditation in Spring 2019, valid through Spring 2027. This renewal proves the consistent quality of Park’s social work education at every level.
CSWE accreditation indicates that Park University’s program meets high standards in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students can be confident their education will prepare them to work with diverse populations – a vital part of ethical social work practice.
The MSW program’s accreditation, first awarded in 2016, means graduates receive education that aligns with national professional standards. This CSWE validation gives employers and clients confidence in Park University social work graduates’ preparation and ethical foundation.
Admission Requirements
Getting into Park University’s Master of Social Work Advanced Standing program needs you to meet specific academic and professional requirements. You’ll need to submit your application through the Social Work Centralized Application Service (CAS) system at socialworkcas.liaisoncas.com.
Your undergraduate studies should show a minimum 3.0 GPA, though the program might accept lower GPAs for probationary admission based on individual cases. You must have earned your BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.
Your application package needs these items:
- Three recommendation forms through the CAS system from references who can speak about your readiness for graduate education
- A detailed professional resume
- Three narrative statements that follow APA format
The narrative parts include an Ethical Critique (2-3 pages) where you describe a personal or professional ethical challenge and how you handled it. Your Personal Statement (2-3 pages) should explain what drives you toward social work, your goals both short and long-term, and how you plan to handle graduate studies. The Professional Statement (2-3 pages) should show your view of social work as a profession and analyze a current social issue.
The review starts after you submit everything. Park University takes time to review applications carefully, so they don’t promise specific decision dates. You’ll get an email when they make their decision, and a formal letter will follow.
Park’s Advanced Standing program is different from other schools that might want GRE scores or specific undergraduate courses. The program looks at your academic history, professional potential, and how well you match with social work values through your application materials.
This full evaluation will give a solid foundation for success in this accelerated graduate program and prepare you for advanced social work practice.
Tuition
Students looking to invest in their education need to think about Park University’s graduate tuition costs. Park University sets graduate tuition at $695 per credit hour. Students enrolled in the MSW Advanced Standing program need 33 credit hours plus a 3-credit bridging course, which brings the total program cost to approximately $25,020.
Military service members get special rates. Active duty military members, their dependents, reservists, and National Guard pay $550 per credit hour. A reduced rate of $510 per credit hour applies to veterans using GI Bill® benefits. Federal government employees and their dependents qualify for this same rate.
Students should expect these additional fees:
- Program fee (if applicable): $75 per credit hour
- Commencement/Diploma/Certificate Fee: $125
- Application Fee: $50 (waived for Park University graduates)
- Late payment charges: $20
Park University makes financial planning easier by including all fees in the tuition cost. Students can choose from several payment options that fit their financial needs. They can pay the full amount before semester starts or choose payment plans – a 3-pay Payment Tuition Plan for 8-week courses or a 4-pay Payment Tuition Plan for 16-week courses.
Students can pay through VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, personal checks, money orders, Federal Financial Aid, Military Tuition Assistance, and Veterans’ benefits. MyPark system provides a secure platform for online payments.
Students receiving guaranteed student loans for the first time can start with just 10% of tuition at confirmation. Registration becomes complete only after finalizing full payment arrangements.
Park University’s scholarship program includes over 100 endowed scholarships. Students must apply by June 30, 2025, with a priority deadline of March 15. These institutional scholarships directly reduce student account charges, including tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans.
Additional Information
Students accepted into Park University’s MSW program need to complete a background check through Verified Credentials. This check can also meet internship requirements in the same calendar year. The Admissions Committee looks at your academic credentials and assesses your conduct in previous academic programs and community involvement.
Park University keeps classes small with full-time instructors who are always available. This creates a tailored learning experience. The university provides complete support services to help students succeed. These include free tutoring across subjects, writing help, study mentoring, and academic support for students who have documented disabilities.
Social work graduates have excellent career prospects, with 75,000 new positions expected each year for the next decade. The profession enjoys strong public support, with 80% favorable ratings. Social workers earn median annual salaries between $46,640 and $61,190, based on their specialty area.
Graduates gain nine core competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education. The program’s courses line up with specific learning goals that match foundation or advanced year behaviors. Students leave ready to work with people from all backgrounds while promoting inclusion, equal opportunity, and better access to community resources.