University of Southern Indiana MSW
The University of Southern Indiana MSW program started a mission to equip students with knowledge, skills, and values they need for advanced social work practice with diverse populations and emerging social issues. Students learn through a systems model for planned change that focuses on competency-based practice in both generalist and advanced social work approaches.
USI’s Social Work Department, part of the College of Liberal Arts, has built a reliable clinical concentration in response to community needs. The department also provides an optional School Social Work Specialization program for students who want to work in educational settings.
The University of Southern Indiana MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation will give a high-quality education and positive outcomes for students. Graduates from this program are ready for professional practice.
The online courses maintain a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables meaningful interactions between students and instructors. The school provides equal support to students whether they choose on-campus or online learning.
Social work professionals have excellent job prospects. The Occupational Outlook Handbook lists social work as a field with above-average growth. Graduates with a University of Southern Indiana social work degree find careers in social service agencies, healthcare institutions, correctional systems, schools, and government at all levels.
MSW graduates can specialize in administration and management, advocacy and community practice, aging and gerontology, substance abuse treatment, child welfare, healthcare social work, mental health services, and many other areas. Many organizations need licensed professional social workers to meet accreditation, licensing, and governmental requirements.
Fall 2024 brings a new fully asynchronous format to the University of Southern Indiana online MSW program. Working professionals can complete assignments at their convenience without weekly scheduled meetings. This program becomes available especially when you have professional and personal commitments while pursuing advanced education.
Programs offered
The University of Southern Indiana gives you several flexible ways to earn your Master of Social Work degree. The Social Work Department created multiple program tracks that fit different educational backgrounds and schedules.
Students without a Bachelor of Social Work degree can take the Full-Time (Day) Track requiring 54 credit hours and finish in two years. This traditional program has both generalist and clinical coursework. Face-to-face classes usually run Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
BSW holders can choose between two options. The Full-Time Advanced Standing Track needs 31 credit hours and takes just one year to complete. This fast-paced program starts in summer with face-to-face courses typically running Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Part-Time Advanced Standing Track needs the same 31 credit hours but spreads over two years – perfect for working professionals.
You can complete your MSW either fully on-campus or online. This lets you pick the learning format that matches your situation and style best.
USI’s strong clinical concentration responds to growing community needs. Graduates become clinical social workers ready to help people from all walks of life – children, veterans, substance abuse patients, older adults, and hospice patients.
The program offers an optional School Social Work Specialization for students interested in educational settings. On top of that, it has the university’s first dual degree program where you can earn both MSW and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees in just two years.
Every program track needs field education – a key teaching method in social work. The traditional two-year program has a 13-week field practicum in year one (425 hours) plus 600 hours of specialized field placements in year two, adding up to 1025 hours. These internships usually happen during regular work hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The MSW curriculum prepares you for competency-based clinical practice using the systems model for planned change. Students without a BSW must first complete foundation courses about social welfare systems, human behavior, and basic practice skills before moving to clinical coursework. Then all MSW students take advanced clinical courses in assessment, treatment planning, and specialized interventions.
Want to take your social work career to the next level while keeping your job? The University of Southern Indiana’s online Master of Social Work program gives working professionals a perfect way to earn advanced credentials.
This fully asynchronous program launches in Fall 2024. You can complete coursework whenever it suits you best, with no required virtual meetings. The flexible schedule lets you tackle assignments and study materials around your work commitments.
Students get the same high-quality curriculum online as they would on campus. Small class sizes with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensure you receive personal attention in the virtual environment. Working professionals can prepare thoroughly for advanced practice while staying employed.
Field education remains the core of this online program. The department helps students find suitable field placements, even those studying from afar. In spite of that, field practicums usually run during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), so you might need some flexibility from your employer.
The University of Southern Indiana’s online MSW stands out by making quality education accessible. Students no longer face geographical barriers to advanced degrees. This opens doors for talented professionals in a variety of locations to pursue top-tier social work education without moving or commuting.
The program goes beyond convenience. Students become skilled at digital communication and virtual collaboration – essential skills in today’s social work practice. Interactive discussions, group projects, and tech-based learning help you master platforms commonly used in modern social services.
The online MSW prepares you for licensure and career growth just like the campus program. Graduates can pursue identical licensure paths and professional opportunities. Your transcript and credentials won’t show any difference between online and on-campus completion.
About the online program
The University of Southern Indiana launched its fully online Master of Social Work program in Fall 2024 after studying student needs. A detailed survey showed strong interest in an online MSW option. Students made it clear that traditional face-to-face programs created major barriers because of their work, family obligations, and other life commitments.
The Social Work Department created an online curriculum that matched its campus-based program but delivered it virtually. The program earned official approval from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in March 2024. This ensures online students get the same accredited education as their on-campus peers.
The program stands out because of its fully asynchronous format. USI’s online MSW lets students work with course materials on their own schedule, unlike hybrid models that need campus visits or scheduled virtual meetings. Busy professionals find this flexibility significant since they don’t need to work around weekly class times.
The department designed the online experience to keep educational quality high through:
- Reliable resources created specifically for remote learners, including technology requirement guides and frequently asked questions
- Support from dedicated faculty and staff that matches on-campus student experience
- Special focus on keeping interactive elements that social work education needs
The program prepares social workers to provide clinical, mental, and behavioral health services while working around adult learners’ busy lives. The first group of online students started in 2024, opening up this new path to advanced social work credentials.
USI gives detailed information about online learning to help students choose between online and traditional education. Students can learn about technology requirements and get answers to common questions. This open approach helps them decide if the format lines up with their learning priorities and technical abilities before they enroll.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a vital factor in choosing a graduate program in social work. The Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern Indiana holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition will give a degree that meets national standards for social work education and practice.
CSWE accreditation means more than just a credential—it guarantees educational quality. The process requires a detailed evaluation of curriculum, field education opportunities, and student outcomes. Programs must meet strict national standards through regular reviews. These high standards ended up helping students through quality instruction and professional preparation.
Of course, one of the most important benefits of a CSWE-accredited program is licensure eligibility. Graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can pursue social work licensure in Indiana and most other states. Your University of Southern Indiana MSW becomes a portable credential recognized nationwide, giving you career mobility whatever state you choose to practice in.
The University of Southern Indiana joins all but one of these Indiana universities that offer MSW programs with full CSWE accreditation. This accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods—both on-campus and online MSW programs at USI have similar accreditation status.
The University of Southern Indiana also holds regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. This institutional accreditation confirms the quality of education you’ll receive.
The social work program’s accreditation exists among many more specialized program accreditations at USI, including nursing, occupational therapy, business, and education programs. The university’s steadfast dedication to external validation in any discipline shows its commitment to high academic standards in all its programs.
Admission Requirements
The University of Southern Indiana MSW program looks at several factors when selecting candidates. The Social Work Department reviews academic records, experience, professional references, and personal statements of applicants.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to qualify for the MSW program. Most programs want a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or they might look at just your last 60 semester hours. The University requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 for graduate studies admission, but the Social Work Department sets a higher bar at 3.0 for the MSW program.
Here’s what you need to submit:
- A completed USI Application for Graduate Study with $40 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from your highest degree-earned institution
- Resume/CV showing your education, work history, field/internship experiences, and volunteer activities
- Three professional references who’ll get email requests for recommendations
- A detailed personal statement about your life experiences, values, diversity experiences, and professional skills
You must complete at least 24 credit hours in social or behavioral science courses like psychology, anthropology, sociology, or related fields. The Graduate Studies office checks your eligibility first. Then the Social Work Department’s MSW Admissions Committee reviews your full application.
Different program tracks have different deadlines. Students with BSW degrees (advanced standing) should apply by the second Friday of January. Other applicants have until mid-June. Advanced standing students start in summer, while others begin in fall.
The department runs criminal history checks at admission and before field placement, following Indiana Public Law 11-1994. The program won’t admit anyone with convictions of sexual offenses against children.
Tuition
Money matters a lot in higher education decisions. USI’s MSW program bases its tuition rates on credit hours and where students live.
Students who enroll for the 2025-2026 academic year will see different rates. Indiana residents pay $446.94 per credit hour, which matches the rate for non-resident reciprocity students from Kentucky. Students from other states pay $875.33 per credit hour. Distance learning students can usually qualify for Indiana resident rates, which makes online education more economical.
MSW program students pay additional fees. The program has a $50.00 charge per credit hour. Students must also cover these mandatory costs:
- University Services Fee ranging from $10.00 to $30.00 depending on enrollment hours
- Social Work Profession Insurance Fee of $20.00 per practicum
- Books and supplies cost about $600.00 each semester
USI works hard to keep advanced education affordable through various support options. The numbers speak for themselves – 96% of first-year students get some type of financial aid. Students can choose from grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs to help fund their education.
Smart planning helps students manage their education costs better. USI’s Net Price Calculator helps estimate total costs. Once enrolled, students can use the Pre-Semester Check-In Tool to track actual expenses.
Graduate assistantships give students another great option. Students who take at least six semester hours can get fee waivers by working up to 20 hours weekly on campus.
Additional Information
Your success at the University of Southern Indiana MSW program goes well beyond just coursework. The university makes sure distance learners get reliable support services that help them excel, especially when balancing full-time work with studies.
The USI Deaconess Clinic takes care of students’ medical needs. Students can get mental health support through Counseling and Psychological Services that provides individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention without extra charges. TimelyCare gives students free access to virtual care services around the clock.
The Academic Success Center helps students with subject tutoring and writing support. Students can also visit the Career Success Center to get help with resumes, practice interviews, and job search tips. These resources are a great way to get ready to move up in your career.
Most University of Southern Indiana graduates stay and work in Indiana, with about 70% choosing to build their careers in-state. Social Work graduates with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary of $36,126. This amount changes based on your specialty and how much experience you have.
Your USI education gets you ready for professional licenses like LBSW, LSW, LCSW, and LCAC. This preparation, combined with field education—known as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education—helps you grow professionally throughout your career.