Arkansas State University Masters of Social Work Programs

Arkansas State University serves as the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and ranks as the second-largest university in Arkansas. The university sprawls across 1,376 acres on Crowley’s Ridge in Jonesboro. A-State has transformed from a regional agricultural training school into a research university since 1909. The Carnegie Classification recognizes it among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) granted the MSW program its original accreditation in October 2011. This accreditation covered academic years from 2008-2009 through October 2015. Students who graduate from this fully accredited program can pursue their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) credentials.

Students in A-State’s MSW program focus on rural-based clinical social work practice with trauma-informed care. The program teaches students to:

• Take part in less formal social exchanges common in rural communities
• Spot and build resources within natural helping networks
• Use different approaches, theories, and models in clinical practice
• Take on multiple roles during the helping process
• Handle diversity issues and social work values and ethics

The student body exceeds 13,000, with about 400 international students calling A-State home. Students experience a perfect mix of big-university resources and small-community feel—what A-State calls “Great Minds, Big Hearts”. This approach shapes their social work program. Faculty members work closely with students to develop ethical responses to social issues.

The campus houses impressive facilities. An eight-story library contains over one million books and documents. Students have access to modern amenities like a recreation center, health center, and career advising services.

The university’s mission statement reads: “Arkansas State University educates leaders, boosts intellectual growth, and enriches lives”. This goal matches the Social Work Department’s aim to prepare skilled practitioners who improve well-being and quality of life through evidence-based approaches.

A-State provides a CSWE-accredited MSW program with rural clinical focus. Future social workers will find academic excellence, reasonable tuition rates, and a supportive environment that helps create compassionate, skilled professionals.

Programs offered

A-State’s Master of Social Work program delivers specialized education through a rural-based clinical social work practice concentration that emphasizes trauma-informed care. This clinical program gets you ready for licensure in advanced practice settings. You’ll learn to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

The department’s two program paths align with your educational background:

Standard Program

• Requires 63 graduate credit hours (27 foundation + 36 concentration courses)
• Students with degrees in fields other than social work can enroll
• Students need a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours
• Students can choose full-time (two years) or part-time (four years)

Advanced Standing Program

• Students complete 36 credit hours in concentration courses
• BSW graduates qualify (degree earned in the last six years)
• Students need a 3.2 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours
• Students graduate in 12 months (full-time) or two years (part-time)

Both paths showcase A-State’s comprehensive approach to clinical social work practice. The program highlights trauma’s role in psychosocial problems and mental health conditions. Students build competency through classroom learning and extensive field education.

The program gives you a chance to earn a certificate in Addictions Studies while completing your MSW. The curriculum uses modern, evidence-based theories and approaches to serve clients from different backgrounds. Students can choose specialized electives to learn about clinical intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis management.

The STAR (Simulation Training and Research) House brings innovation to learning. This facility creates real-life scenarios where students practice their skills. You’ll gain competence and confidence through hands-on training in a shared environment.

Graduates work in healthcare facilities, mental health services, schools, government agencies, child welfare organizations, criminal justice systems, and community nonprofits. The program gives you skills to recognize and use informal social exchanges in rural communities. You’ll identify and develop resources while tapping into natural helping networks.

The curriculum teaches you to use various approaches, theories, and models in practice. You’ll develop skills to handle multiple roles in the helping process. The program addresses diversity and social work values and ethics. Students learn to identify and stop social and economic injustice while enabling community growth.

About the online program

A-State’s online Master of Social Work programs showcase the university’s steadfast dedication to accessibility and academic excellence. Students experience the same detailed curriculum and concentration in rural-based clinical social work practice with trauma-informed care as campus students. This program gives you the tools you need for licensure in advanced clinical practice settings where you’ll diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional health issues.

The online MSW offers a flexible structure with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can balance their educational goals with professional and personal responsibilities. Both Standard and Advanced Standing programs deliver similar course content and learning outcomes as their campus-based counterparts, plus the benefit of anytime, anywhere access.

Your journey in the online MSW program will help you:

• Apply social work knowledge across individual, family, group, organizational, and community contexts
• Develop clinical intervention skills with individuals and families
• Find, create, and employ resources in helping networks
• Learn about diversity issues related to social work values and ethics
• Master research-informed assessment, intervention, and evaluation

Students in the Advanced Standing option complete 36 credit hours (30 concentration courses and 6 elective hours) in as few as 12 months, with a total tuition of $12,600 ($350 per credit hour). The Standard program requires 63 credit hours and takes approximately 25 months, with a total tuition of $22,050.

Students get the chance to pursue specialized electives in areas like clinical intervention, crisis management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and substance abuse treatment. You can also complete a Certificate in Addictions Studies while earning your MSW.

Dedicated instructors guide your development as a sensitive, ethical practitioner ready to tackle complex social challenges[83]. Students receive detailed resources and support matching the experience of on-campus learners.

Graduates are ready to sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) examinations. Career paths lead to healthcare facilities, mental health services, educational institutions, government agencies, child welfare organizations, criminal justice systems, and community nonprofits.

Accreditation

Arkansas State University’s Social Work Program proudly holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition is a mark of excellence for both Baccalaureate and Master’s degree programs. Students who graduate receive education that meets the highest national standards.

The MSW program got its original CSWE accreditation in October 2011. This covered academic years from 2008-2009 through October 2015. The program earned this status after completing a thorough four-step process and meeting all quality measures. The program started with CSWE candidacy status in 2008.

CSWE accreditation matters for many reasons. Your education meets 12-year-old professional standards. You become eligible to take the Licensed Master Social Worker examination from the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Yes, it is required by Arkansas state law that only graduates from accredited MSW programs can take this vital licensing exam.

The accreditation looks at everything in program quality. This includes curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional support. The Department of Social Work keeps its accreditation by checking student achievement. They make sure graduates are ready for both generalist and advanced social work practice.

The program uses modern, evidence-based theories and approaches to serve clients of all types. Students learn evidence-based practices that prepare them to work in substance abuse programs, nursing homes, homeless shelters, family agencies, and behavioral health organizations.

A-State’s MSW program stays competitive by following these accreditation standards. They keep cohort sizes small to meet CSWE requirements. This helps maintain educational quality and proper faculty-to-student ratios for the best learning outcomes.

Arkansas State University’s CSWE accreditation gives you access to current social work theory, field education opportunities, and qualified faculty. Your degree shows employers you meet the profession’s educational standards. This becomes a vital factor when you compete in the job market or pursue advanced licensure in social work practice.

Admission Requirements

Arkansas State University’s Master of Social Work program has two distinct pathways with specific admission criteria based on your education background.

The Standard Program accepts students with bachelor’s degrees from any field. You’ll need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale from your last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Students with a master’s degree from an accredited institution can use their graduate GPA instead. The program might grant Conditional Admission Status to applicants with GPAs below 3.0 in exceptional cases.

The Standard Program requires completion of these foundation courses with a “C” grade or higher:

• American Government
• Human Biology with Lab
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Statistics
• Introduction to Social Work

The Advanced Standing Program has stricter requirements. You’ll need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last six years. The program requires a minimum 3.2 GPA from your BSW degree’s last 60 credit hours. Advanced Standing doesn’t offer conditional admission options.

Your application package should include:

• Completed MSW application
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• $30 non-refundable application fee
• Personal and professional orientation statement
• Current resume
• Three letters of reference from academic or professional sources

Your references should come from people who can evaluate your graduate work potential objectively – field supervisors, faculty members, or employers work best. Make sure your personal statement shows how well you understand social work values, ethics, critical thinking, and your motivation to pursue this field.

The program accepts applications until the second Friday in February. They won’t review late or incomplete submissions. Both programs have limited spots due to CSWE accreditation standards, which makes admission quite competitive.

Every admitted student must complete a background check 12 months before starting classes. This matches Arkansas licensing rules since certain criminal convictions might block social work licensure eligibility whatever your educational qualifications.

The university’s enrollment team stands ready to help you through your application process.

Tuition

Arkansas State University’s MSW degree provides excellent value when compared to other programs across the country. Your tuition costs will be clear and simple, varying based on your chosen path and delivery format.

A-State charges flat-rate tuition for online MSW programs, whatever your location. The Advanced Standing online program spans 36 credit hours at $350 per credit hour, bringing your total investment to $12,600. Students in the Standard online program complete 63 credit hours at the same $350 rate, with total program costs reaching $22,050. These stated prices include all fees, though rates may change yearly.

Campus-based graduate programs follow different rates. In-state graduate students pay $394 per credit hour, while out-of-state students’ rates reach $723 per credit hour. A typical 12-hour semester costs $5,029 for in-state and $8,977 for out-of-state students.

A-State Online program students (apart from the MSW pricing above) pay $300 per credit hour as US residents or $330 per credit hour as international students. Additional required fees apply hourly: an A-State Online Fee of $40 and a Distance Education Technology Fee of $10 per credit hour.

Students may encounter some additional fees during their studies. College support assessment fees range from $27-$65 per credit hour based on your enrollment college. The College of Nursing & Health Professions charges a $65 support fee. Other fees include a $45 graduate graduation fee and a $10 identity compliance fee per credit hour for online courses.

The university’s Financial Aid office helps students learn about scholarships, grants, and federal aid options. Your A-State MSW investment delivers great value, particularly with CSWE accreditation and strong emphasis on rural clinical practice.

Additional Information

A-State’s MSW program connects you to professional resources and career development opportunities that go way beyond the reach and influence of academics. Social work professionals without doubt make meaningful differences in people’s lives. The program prepares graduates to get licensed in advanced practice settings where they diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

The university provides detailed student support services to improve your educational experience:

• Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Office of Access and Accommodations
• Title IX resources
• Housing assistance
• Counseling Center
• Writing Center

Field education is a vital part of your MSW experience. You must maintain professional liability insurance coverage during this hands-on learning phase. The coverage costs about $40 for one calendar year through organizations like NASW or HPSO. Online students need to find field placements in their geographic area that meet program criteria. The Director of Field Education will guide you through this process.

Professional affiliations are a great way to get support for your development. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) represents the largest membership organization of professional social workers worldwide. The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board oversees practice standards and qualifications throughout the state.

Graduates can pursue various career paths, including:

• Home Health Social Worker
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Child Welfare Case Manager
• Social Service Manager
• Marriage and Family Therapist

Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Arkansas earn a median annual salary of $49,820. This reflects the value of this rewarding profession. A-State’s MSW program produces competent professionals who follow the CSWE and NASW Code of Ethics. These graduates help improve well-being and quality of life in communities.