Southern Adventist University Social Work Masters

Southern Adventist University sits on a beautiful 1,300-acre campus in Collegedale, Tennessee. This small town has 11,715 residents. The university’s motto “Power for Mind and Soul” reflects its strong Seventh-day Adventist roots, yet students of all faiths are welcome here.

Social justice and service are the foundation of the School’s educational philosophy. Social justice covers protecting human rights, caring for creation, peacemaking, advocating for vulnerable populations, and strengthening communities. Students put these values into practice through active service on campus and in surrounding communities, which reflects the program’s biblical foundation.

The social work program’s mission statement clearly states it wants “to prepare students within a Christian learning environment for service and excellence in generalist, evidence-based practice”. This mission lines up with the university’s broader goal to equip students to “embrace biblical truth, embody academic and professional excellence, and pursue Spirit-filled lives of service”.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited both BSW and MSW programs. This recognition will give graduates a solid professional foundation. The MSW program received its latest accreditation renewal in 2018, valid from 2017 to 2025.

With a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, students receive individual attention and guidance throughout their social work education.

Programs offered

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Southern Adventist University gives you a versatile advanced generalist degree. You’ll be ready to work with individuals and families, communities, churches, schools, and even shape government legislation and policy. This complete approach will give a solid foundation in advanced practice knowledge and skills needed to succeed in clinical and administrative settings.

The program lets you choose from three specialized areas that line up with your career goals:

• Mental Health Practice in Social Work
• School Social Work
• Crisis and Emergency Management

Mental Health Practice graduates excel in a variety of settings – private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, community health organizations, primary care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The School Social Work track builds practical and theoretical knowledge you need to succeed in school systems. On top of that, it offers a special course to help you earn school social-work certification.

Two enrollment paths fit different educational backgrounds. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program can take the Advanced Placement option and complete the degree in just 12 months (three semesters) full-time. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields typically need six semesters of full-time study through the Foundation Placement pathway.

The MSW/MBA dual degree program combines social work expertise with business and healthcare leadership skills. The innovative 4+1 program lets students complete both BSW and MSW degrees in five years.

The program structure adapts to your schedule and learning style. Some courses let you choose between campus attendance or live Zoom sessions every other Sunday during the semester. You can complete the entire program online if you prefer, whether studying full-time or part-time. Classes meet twice monthly on Sundays with virtual or in-person options, and you’ll complete remaining coursework online between sessions.

Southern Adventist University awarded 40 master’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022, ranking #200 among social work master’s programs nationwide. This ranking shows the program’s strength in preparing social workers for diverse professional roles.

About the online program

Southern Adventist University’s online MSW program puts flexibility at its heart. You can customize your learning experience based on your professional needs and schedule. The School of Social Work gives you two ways to participate in select courses – attend in person on campus or join synchronously via Zoom every other Sunday during the semester. You’ll complete all other course requirements online.

The program accommodates your needs with a fully online option, whatever your enrollment status – full-time, part-time, Foundation or Advanced placement. This adaptable approach helps working professionals while upholding the program’s academic standards and Christ-centered values.

Your completion timeline depends on your enrollment status. Full-time students have four years to finish, while part-time students get up to six years. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on application throughout your journey.

Field education plays a vital role in your online social work education and serves as the final application phase of the curriculum. Following Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, Foundation year students must complete 400 hours of fieldwork, while Advanced placement students need 500 hours. The Director of Field Education will work with you to find practicum opportunities that match the program’s learning outcomes and fit your location.

These field placements are a great way to get practice experience in several areas:

• Working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations (including faith-based entities)
• Participating in direct practice and program development/implementation
• Engaging in program evaluation and social policy assessment

Your online studies at Southern will include specialized coursework in your chosen emphasis—Crisis and Emergency Management, Mental Health Practice in Social Work, or School Social Work. The program integrates biblical values of compassion and respect. Faculty members with rich practice experience continue developing research and ministry projects that boost the curriculum.

The online program reflects Southern’s steadfast dedication to Christ-centered education by weaving faith-based principles into social work practice. This approach prepares you to show compassion, patience, and respect in your professional interactions.

Accreditation

Your social work education investment needs quality indicators, and accreditation is a vital one. The Commission on Accreditation (COA) from the Council on Social Work Education has granted full accreditation to Southern Adventist University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This recognition shows the program meets national standards for excellence in social work education.

The COA voted to reaffirm the MSW program’s accreditation in 2018. This accreditation remains valid from 2017 through 2025 according to CSWE guidelines. The program earned this extended period by showing its steadfast dedication to high educational standards.

Southern’s fully accredited status lets you apply for your Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials after graduation. You can practice at advanced levels in settings of all types throughout your career with these credentials.

Southern Adventist University also holds broad institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university follows both SACS-COC and CSWE policies by reporting changes properly and on time.

The university’s undergraduate and graduate social work programs both have full CSWE accreditation. Students can earn their degree online or in person since this accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods. Your degree carries recognized credentials whatever way you choose to complete your courses.

The CSWE accreditation standards really prepare you for professional practice. The MSW program includes field education that faculty carefully design, supervise, coordinate, and assess. Students show their mastery of program competencies through this work. This field requirement matches CSWE educational standards perfectly.

CSWE accreditation is the gold standard in social work education. Southern is one of just six universities in Tennessee with CSWE-accredited MSW programs. This puts Southern Adventist University’s School of Social Work among top institutions that meet strict national standards.

Your MSW from Southern Adventist University is more than just a degree. Employers and licensing boards across the country recognize it as a credential that meets professional standards for excellence in social work education.

Admission Requirements

The Southern Adventist University MSW program has a straightforward application process that helps determine if you’re ready for graduate-level social work education. The School of Social Work does not require GRE test scores from applicants.

Your start date will determine your application deadline:

• Fall semester: July 1st for domestic students; May 1st for international students
• Winter semester: November 1st for domestic students; September 1st for international students
• Summer semester: April 1st for domestic students; February 1st for international students

The admissions team reviews applications as they arrive. You’ll have better chances if you submit your application by the priority date for fall admission.

Southern Adventist University looks at your complete application package rather than just your GPA. Your undergraduate GPA might fall below 3.0, but you should explain your academic journey in your personal statement. The admissions team welcomes your application, though you might start with provisional status.

Students who haven’t finished their bachelor’s degree can receive provisional admission decisions. You’ll need to submit official transcripts from your previous colleges and universities. A second official transcript showing your final grades and degree confirmation becomes necessary after graduation.

The School of Social Work will send your acceptance status by email within three to four weeks after receiving all your application materials.

Your degree completion timeframe depends on your enrollment status. Full-time students must complete their studies within four years. Part-time students have up to six years.

Field placements are vital to social work education and come with specific requirements. Foundation-year students need a minimum 2.75 GPA to start field placement. Advanced students must maintain a 3.0 GPA before beginning their field experience.

Students must also pass field orientation modules. This includes scoring at least 90% on an advanced field readiness quiz. Advanced standing students and those who completed foundation-level classes need specific prerequisite courses before starting their practicum.

The School of Social Work accepts about 69% of applicants. This balanced approach will give a strong foundation to students who show potential for success in both the program and their future careers.

Tuition

Understanding the costs and financial support for your MSW education at Southern Adventist University will help you plan better. Master’s-level tuition for the 2025-26 academic year costs $795.00 per credit hour. A typical full-time semester with 9 credit hours will cost you $7,155.00 in tuition.

Students need to plan for other expenses too. Here’s what a complete semester costs for master’s students:

• $7,155.00 for tuition (9 credit hours)
• $65.00 general fee
• $500.00 for books and supplies
• Total per semester: $7,720.00

Your journey to getting financial assistance starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should submit your FAFSA early using Southern Adventist University’s school code: 003518. This helps determine what funding you can receive.

The financial support numbers look promising for future students. Every freshman student receives some type of financial aid. Freshman students receive an average financial aid package of $11,429.00. Almost all incoming freshmen (99%) get institutional scholarships that average $9,046.00 per student.

Social work students have access to specialized funding options. Tennessee residents who study behavioral health degrees can get up to $15,000.00 per academic year through the Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship. The Lifetime Learning Credit is also available at tax time, letting you claim up to $2,000.00 per student.

You can also consider these payment options:

• Federal loans (Stafford Loans, GradPLUS Loan)
• Private loans
• Monthly installment plans through Southern

Your employer might offer tuition assistance programs, so check with your company’s human resources department. These financial resources combined make your Southern Adventist University MSW education more affordable.

Additional Information

Southern Adventist University provides reliable career development resources to support your professional trip beyond academics. The Life Calling and Career Services department helps students through a simple three-step approach. Students can prepare with career assessments, practice their resume and interview skills, and connect at career fairs.

MSW graduates can work in many different settings because of their degree’s versatility. They can choose from advocacy programs, aging services, community crisis centers, correctional facilities, disabilities services, domestic violence programs, hospices, hospitals/clinics, mental health services, schools, and substance abuse programs. Your education opens doors to all these career paths.

The School of Social Work offers graduate assistantships to its students. These positions are a great way to get experience while receiving financial benefits. The school’s commitment to diversity has earned recognition from site visitors who noted: “The program works hard to be a leader in the area of diversity… Experiences that enhance diversity of all types are carefully chosen for students”.

Southern’s MSW program’s full accreditation means graduates can apply for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. This licensing path creates advanced practice opportunities throughout your career. The university also provides orientation materials to admitted students, which helps ensure they have a rewarding experience.