Missouri Baptist MSW Program
Missouri Baptist University excels in advanced social work education by combining professional training with Christian values. The university’s Saint Louis campus has earned recognition for its Master of Social Work program that produces skilled professionals.
MBU thrives as a Christian liberal arts institution where academic excellence aligns naturally with faith-based values. The School of Social Work plays a vital role in the College of Science and Health’s mission to prepare students for meaningful service-oriented careers.
Missouri Baptist’s social work education stands out because it develops ethical and effective advanced practitioners. Students learn to blend professional knowledge and skills to improve social and economic justice. This approach helps strengthen communities, families, and individuals both locally and globally.
The MSW program at Missouri Baptist University takes a balanced approach to education. While maintaining professional standards, students learn to integrate Christian faith into their practice ethically. This viewpoint helps graduates tackle complex social issues with both professional knowledge and spiritual understanding.
Small class sizes make MBU different from larger universities. Students benefit from accessible professors who are passionate about helping them grow. These close relationships create mentorship opportunities that make the learning experience more valuable.
The classroom experience is enriched by faculty members who bring expertise from teaching, research, and hands-on work in social work of all types. Many professors have worked in faith-based nonprofits, which adds practical relevance to the program.
Experienced leaders guide the School of Social Work. The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences includes related fields and benefits from leaders who bring years of academic and management expertise.
Missouri Baptist University’s MSW program focuses on these essential goals:
- Preparing students to lead positive social change through service
- Fighting injustice through educated advocacy and action
- Giving students advanced practice skills based on theory and research
- Encouraging ethical integration of faith principles with professional work
- Building meaningful connections with local and global communities
Missouri Baptist University provides a strong educational path if you want a master’s degree in social work that combines academic excellence, professional training, and faith integration.
Programs offered
Missouri Baptist University’s School of Social Work provides complete graduate-level programs that prepare students for advanced professional practice. Students can choose between two distinct paths based on their educational background and career goals.
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program has 60 credit hours of coursework and practical training. This complete curriculum prepares students for advanced social work practice, whatever their undergraduate background might be. Students can finish the program in two years with full-time study or about three years with part-time study. This path works best for people switching careers or those who need a solid foundation in social work principles.
The Advanced Standing MSW program offers a substantially faster route for qualified candidates. This simplified option needs just 30 credit hours, which cuts the traditional program length in half. Students must have earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in the last seven years to qualify. The program runs from June through April, taking less than a year to complete.
These programs offer flexible enrollment options that fit different life situations:
- Full-time students finish the traditional program in about two years
- Part-time students complete it in roughly three years
- Advanced Standing students graduate in about one year
The Advanced Standing program costs $697 per credit hour, making it an economical choice for continuing education.
The MSW program at Missouri Baptist University works well for busy professionals. Since fall 2023, students can complete the entire program online. This online format lets students work at their own pace without visiting campus. Students save money on commuting and enjoy maximum flexibility through self-paced courses.
Both programs help students become experts in many practice areas. These include mental health services, healthcare case management, child and family services, policy development, and nonprofit leadership. The curriculum helps students prepare for various licenses like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Advanced Master Social Worker (LAMS) in Missouri.
The MSW program focuses on developing service and leadership skills. Students learn to challenge injustice through informed advocacy and apply theoretical concepts based on research-backed knowledge. This approach helps graduates make meaningful contributions in social work settings of all types.
About the online program
Missouri Baptist University listened to its students and moved its Master of Social Work program to a fully online format beginning in fall 2023. This change shows the university’s dedication to making quality education available to busy learners today.
Students can access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule in the asynchronous online MSW program at Missouri Baptist. The program works perfectly for professionals who must balance work with their studies. This approach helps working professionals manage their various life responsibilities effectively.
The program’s biggest advantage comes from removing all campus visits. Students can complete every requirement from home, which removes location-based barriers to education. MBU can now reach more students in a variety of locations because of this availability.
The distance format doesn’t compromise the quality of interactive learning. Students participate meaningfully with professors and classmates through discussion boards, virtual projects, and shared online assignments. This approach matches the quality of traditional on-campus education.
The online format saves money too. Students can focus on tuition costs instead of spending on commuting and campus housing. The program keeps tuition rates competitive and offers scholarship opportunities to qualified students.
MBU’s online program stays true to its core values. The university blends faith-based principles with excellent academics to create programs that align with its mission. Professors remain the most important aspect of the experience – they stay approachable and truly care about student success.
The quality and value of Missouri Baptist University’s online programs have earned significant recognition. The school ranks among the Top 20 Best Online Colleges in Missouri (Best Colleges Online, 2021) and reached 7th place among the Most Inspirational Colleges in the Wall Street Journal. Christian Universities Online also ranked it among the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities (2021).
The online MSW program keeps everything special about Missouri Baptist University – academic excellence, faith integration, and personal attention. It adds unmatched convenience for social work professionals who want to advance their careers.
Accreditation
Missouri Baptist University’s Master of Social Work program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This major achievement dates back to the program’s 2020 launch and will continue through February 2031.
CSWE is the only accrediting body for social work programs in the United States. Since its founding in 1952, this respected organization has approximately 800 bachelor’s and master’s level social work degree programs. These programs connect educators, students, and staff. The organization’s main goal focuses on advancing quality and excellence in social work education. They also provide professional development opportunities to practitioners.
The path to accreditation demands excellence at every step. Programs must complete a multi-year evaluation that needs detailed self-study and site visits. The CSWE Commission on Accreditation conducts ongoing assessments. This detailed review will give a guarantee that accredited programs deliver the highest quality education.
If you’re considering this program, CSWE accreditation brings several clear benefits:
- Educational Quality Assurance – Peer reviews confirm the program meets or exceeds quality standards
- Licensure Pathway – You need a CSWE-accredited degree to pursue state licensure as a professional social worker
- Career Advancement – Most employers prefer graduates from accredited programs because they meet regulatory and ethical standards
- Professional Mobility – Your credentials transfer more easily across states if you relocate
The accreditation covers all program sites and delivery methods. Both traditional and online formats of Missouri Baptist’s MSW program share this accreditation status.
CSWE accreditation proves that Missouri Baptist University’s program has enough resources to achieve its mission and goals. The Board of Accreditation has confirmed the program meets all requirements in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
This recognition makes Missouri Baptist University one of seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Missouri. The university now holds a strong position in the state’s education scene. The core team and faculty worked tirelessly for more than four years to achieve this milestone.
Missouri Baptist University promises to maintain high program quality and ensure student competence throughout this accreditation period. This recognition shows the university’s commitment to developing ethical, skilled social work practitioners. These graduates are ready to make real differences in the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Admission Requirements
The Missouri Baptist MSW program needs specific academic requirements and important documents from applicants. Your path through the application process depends on whether you choose the traditional or advanced standing route.
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA qualifies you for the traditional MSW program. You could also qualify with a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 credit hours. The program accepts applications continuously, with priority deadlines set for July 1 (fall enrollment) and November 1 (spring semester).
Advanced standing candidates must have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last seven years. The program sets May 1 as the priority deadline and June 1 as the final submission date.
Both pathways require these common elements:
- Completed online application
- Personal/professional statement
- Current resume
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- $35 application fee (waived for online applications)
Students with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.74 might qualify for probationary admission with special approval. Probationary students must maintain a 3.0 GPA during their first twelve hours of graduate coursework to achieve full admission.
Students with criminal backgrounds need to provide extra documentation. The application must include any criminal charges, convictions, or pending charges along with a written explanation. The Director of Online and Graduate Enrollment and Director of Public Safety will review these applications carefully.
The program requires international students to prove their English language proficiency. Most programs ask for TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 92.
An enrollment counselor will help guide your next steps after admission as you begin your journey to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Tuition
Getting your MSW education at Missouri Baptist University comes with a clear cost structure that will give you effective planning options. The MSW program costs $697 per credit hour. Your total program costs will vary based on your chosen pathway.
Students in the traditional MSW program need 60 credit hours and can finish their degree in about 24-36 months. The Advanced Standing option needs just 30 credit hours, which cuts your time and cost requirements in half.
You’ll need to plan for some extra costs beyond tuition. A textbook fee of $27 per credit hour will give you access to all materials through Canvas or direct shipping by your first class day. Students who want different textbook arrangements can opt out. Other costs to think about include:
- Student Services Fee (varies by credit load)
- Graduation Fee of $240 (charged in final semester)
- SOCW 000 Tevera Internship fee of $203
Missouri Baptist University charges the same tuition rate to all students, whatever their location. Students pay the same amount whether they live in-state or out-of-state. This makes the program accessible to students nationwide.
The university shows its steadfast dedication to keeping education affordable through several programs. As stated by the institution, “We believe the price of tuition shouldn’t inhibit great students from attending our University”. Students can access various financial help options including:
- Federal financial aid (through FAFSA)
- Merit-based scholarships
- Work-study opportunities
- Veterans’ assistance
MSW students might qualify for specialized aid options. MBU graduates can benefit from the Alumni Concession that offers major tuition reductions. The university’s financial team works with each student to create manageable payment plans.
Missouri Baptist University helps make your journey to becoming a licensed clinical social worker both rewarding and affordable through these financial support options.
Additional Information
Missouri Baptist University helps MSW students succeed with excellent support services that improve their educational trip and job prospects. The Career Development Office provides great resources to students and graduates alike.
Students get access to Handshake, a career platform that connects them to job openings, internships, events, and career staff. This platform links students to a network of 14 million students and recent graduates across 700+ university career centers and 300,000+ employers.
MBU employs Focus2, an online system that helps students find careers that line up with their skills and interests. These tools are a great way to get guidance, especially when MSW graduates look for roles in clinical social work, healthcare social work, and child welfare. Salaries in these fields range from $56,352 to $88,230 per year.
Field experience is a vital part of becoming a professional. Students work under supervision in settings that match their career goals. This hands-on practice helps them build expertise and professional networks.
MBU graduates benefit from:
- Free career development assistance
- Alumni mentorship program opportunities
- Access to the Jung-Kellogg Learning Center
- Sports and Recreation Complex membership at just $25 per semester
These complete resources help students succeed in their MSW program and future careers.