Norfolk State University MSW Programs

Founded on September 18, 1935, Norfolk State University started during the Great Depression as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University. The school began with just 85 students who studied in three second-floor rooms at the Hunton YMCA. This small private Baptist college grew by a lot to become one of the largest historically black universities in the nation.

The university’s name changed several times during its growth. It became Norfolk Polytechnic College in 1942 and later served as a branch of Virginia State College in 1944. The institution gained independence as Norfolk State College in 1969. The school reached university status in 1979 and received authority to award doctoral degrees.

Norfolk State University now serves as a detailed urban public institution. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the university to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university’s Board of Visitors grants degrees under the regulation of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

The campus grew dramatically over decades. The early 1970s saw an addition of 44 acres that stretched the campus to Park Avenue. New residential towers, a Fine Arts building, a dining hall complex, and a three-story library enhanced the campus. The university later added premium athletic facilities, including a 30,000-seat football stadium in 1997.

Five academic colleges/schools operate on one campus. Students can choose from 36 undergraduate degrees, 15 master’s programs, and three doctoral degrees. NSU offers online education through NSU Online, special programs through the Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College, and certificate programs at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center.

The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work plays a vital role at the university. Dr. Ethelyn Ratcliff Strong established it as a formal major in 1960. The school’s graduates serve as promoters, practitioners, and change agents. The Master of Social Work Program started in 1974. The school launched a doctoral program in Social Work focusing on family-centered research and practice in 1995.

Norfolk State University values excellence, student-centeredness, integrity and civility, engagement, pride, and financial strength. The university stays true to its mission to revolutionize students’ lives through outstanding teaching, research, and service. This mission helps students realize their full potential as well-rounded citizens and leaders.

Programs offered

The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University provides a complete range of social work education programs. Their graduate level offerings include a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) degree program, 48 and 27 years old respectively.

Norfolk State University’s MSW program follows an Advanced Generalist approach that gives you the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively across agency settings. On top of that, it lets students pursue licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) certification. The program builds on shared knowledge, philosophy, values, and skills through core and concentration courses.

Students can choose from several MSW program tracks:

• Traditional Full-Time Track: A two-year program where students complete all requirements in the normal sequence of courses and fieldwork
• Advanced Standing: A two-semester (Fall and Spring) program that needs thirty credit hours minimum, available to students who excel in CSWE-accredited undergraduate Social Work programs
• Extended-Time: A six-semester program that lets students finish requirements over a longer period while staying enrolled full-time
• Non-Matriculating: A non-degree option for undergraduate degree holders who want to take graduate social work courses without pursuing the MSW degree immediately

The program offers multiple curriculum specializations, each needing 60-63 total credit hours:

• Clinical Social Work
• Child Welfare
• Macro Practice
• Military Social Work
• School Social Work

The MSW curriculum spreads across five sequences: Social Work Practice Methods, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, Research Methods, and Field Practicum. Field education plays a vital role by letting students apply their social work knowledge, values, and skills in real settings. Students select from over 100 public and private agencies and armed forces bases in the Hampton Roads area.

Graduates can demonstrate mastery of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies, show analytical and technological competence, meet agency requirements, and continue learning in our evolving global community. The program emphasizes an ecological/social systems approach with focus on diversity, enabling students, and strengths-oriented practice.

About the online program

Norfolk State University’s Master of Social Work program comes in two formats: on-campus and online. Students get the same quality curriculum in the online MSW program with added flexibility to balance work and personal life.

The online MSW program at Norfolk State delivers rigorous education that fits your schedule. Remote access makes this program perfect for students who can’t attend campus classes. Of course, you can advance your career without putting everything else in your life on pause.

Online students must meet the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts. The program has these requirements:

• Regular participation in course discussions and activities
• Timely completion of assignments
• Attendance in any required synchronous sessions
• Professional communication with instructors and peers
• Proficiency with the learning management system

Students thrive in an interactive learning environment that boosts their academic growth. You’ll connect with faculty experts who specialize in advocacy, child protection, mental health, gerontology, veterans services, school social work, grief and loss, policy, and forensic social work.

Field practicum stands as a vital part of your MSW education. You’ll complete these placements right in your local community. Norfolk State collaborates with over 100 public and private agencies and armed forces bases in Hampton Roads. Students can choose placements in gerontology, child welfare, criminal justice, family services, planning councils, physical rehabilitation, schools, shelters, and substance abuse treatment facilities.

The program offers convenient 7-week courses with multiple yearly start dates. This structure leads to faster completion times without compromising educational quality. Faculty and staff create a supportive community and stand ready to help whenever you need them.

Students need reliable internet access to succeed online. Your computer should run Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.6 (or newer) with 4GB RAM. You’ll also need updated web browsers, Adobe Flash, and Java. These tools help you participate fully in your online classes.

Accreditation

Quality and excellence are essential to Norfolk State University’s Master of Social Work program, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious accreditation covers both BSW and MSW levels, and the program received its latest reaffirmation in 2023. CSWE develops standards that define competent preparation and ensures social work programs meet these rigorous measures.

This accreditation status holds the most important value to aspiring social work professionals. Your education meets nationally recognized standards for social work practice. The CSWE provides the educational framework, yet each licensing authority sets and enforces its own professional licensing requirements and standards. Your NSU MSW degree opens the path toward licensure while state boards determine specific licensing criteria.

The program’s curriculum arranges perfectly with CSWE’s nine Social Work competencies outlined in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). These competencies include:

1. Demonstrating Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Advancing Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
3. Engaging Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice
4. Engaging in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engaging in Policy Practice
6. Engaging with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assessing Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervening with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluating Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation requires the NSU MSW program to measure and report student learning outcomes regularly. The university website displays these assessment reports every two years at minimum, following the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) requirements.

Norfolk State University’s Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work provides a detailed review of the school’s mission, faculty qualifications, and curricula through this accreditation process. The program maintains high standards through continuous self-evaluations, peer-reviews, and committee reviews.

Admission Requirements

The Norfolk State University MSW program has specific academic prerequisites and documentation requirements. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline. Students from other countries need to show equivalent qualifications.

Your undergraduate GPA plays a crucial role. The program requires a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a four-point scale. This GPA requirement makes up 50% of the admission decision.

The program requires you to complete these prerequisite courses:

• A minimum of 21 credit hours in three social and behavioral science content areas (psychology, sociology, political science, economics, counseling, anthropology, women’s studies, family studies, social work) with at least a 2.7 GPA
• A minimum of 15 credit hours in three Liberal Arts content areas (art, cultural literature, cultural history, humanities, languages, music, philosophy, religion, speech)
• A 3-credit hour Human Biology course (lab not required)
• A Social Science Statistics course (3 credit hours with minimum grade of 2.0)
• Evidence of computer literacy

Each program track has different application deadlines. Advanced Standing and Advanced Generalist Programs accept applications until May 1 for fall admission. Extended Students program needs applications by April 1 for summer entry. Students seeking Advanced Standing status must submit by October 15 for spring admission and February 1 for summer. This status is only available to students who excel academically in CSWE-accredited undergraduate Social Work programs.

Your online application should include several key documents. You need two reference letters – one academic and one professional/volunteer. The program requires official transcripts from all universities you attended. A personal statement following supplemental guidelines counts for 40% of your application evaluation. A current resume showing your work, volunteer, and academic experiences completes the package.

The MSW Admissions Committee might ask for an interview during evaluation. You should be ready to share information about your background, including any criminal offenses. This information could affect your admission to the university, School of Social Work, and field practicum opportunities.

Tuition

The MSW program at Norfolk State University comes with different costs based on your residency status. Graduate residents should expect to pay $12,690.00 for the 2024-2025 academic year, while graduate non-residents will need $25,502.00.

Each semester brings specific charges. Graduate students from within the state pay $4,654.00 in tuition and $2,052.00 in mandatory fees. Students from outside the state face $10,861.00 in tuition, a $380.00 capital outlay fee, and the same $2,052.00 in mandatory fees.

Students who choose campus housing will pay $3,883.00 each semester. The standard 19 Meal Plan adds $1,930.00 per semester. This brings the total semester cost to $12,519.00 for in-state graduate students living on campus. Out-of-state graduate students pay $19,106.00.

Credit hour rates for part-time students are:

• In-state graduate: $789.00 per credit hour
• Out-of-state graduate: $1,519.00 per credit hour

Several financial aid options can help you manage these costs. Start by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Norfolk State University’s Federal School Code is 003765. March 15 marks the priority deadline, though you can still apply after this date on a first-come, first-served basis.

MSW program students can get the Federal Ford Unsubsidized Loan, which offers up to $20,500.00 each academic year. Your eligibility depends on admission to the graduate program as a degree-seeking student. You must maintain good academic standing and show satisfactory progress toward your degree.

Your financial aid package will reach your student account after the Drop/Add period ends. New loan borrowers should expect a 30-day waiting period after term starts before receiving their loan. Remember that you’ll need to pay all university fees before using financial aid money for other expenses like textbooks.

Additional Information

Norfolk State’s MSW program goes beyond just academics. Students get detailed support for their professional growth and wellness. The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work creates an active community through student organizations, especially the MSW Graduate Organization. This group helps you build connections with classmates through networking events, guest speakers, volunteer work, and advocacy programs. Students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher can join the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society.

The program provides students with detailed support services. Academic counseling, tutoring, financial aid guidance, and career resources are readily available. Students can access both in-person and online services at the university’s Counseling Center. These include personal therapy, group sessions, crisis support, and case management. New students get access to TimelyCare, a virtual platform that offers round-the-clock emotional support and 12 scheduled counseling sessions each academic year.

The program’s graduates have shown strong career outcomes. Recent data reveals that 66% of Norfolk State graduates are either working, serving in the military, or pursuing additional education. MSW graduates typically earn $53,070 – more than the national average of $51,347 for social work master’s degree holders. The Norfolk State University Alumni Association helps graduates stay connected through its 26 chapters nationwide.