Union University MSW

Union University is a 200-year old Christian institution of higher education. Its campuses are in Jackson and Germantown, a Memphis suburb in Tennessee. Dean Todd Stanfield leads the School of Social Work. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and his B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees from the University of Alabama. Jason Cox serves as the Associate Dean and MSW Program Director at the Germantown campus, where he’s also an Associate Professor of Social Work.

Christian values spread through the university’s educational philosophy. The School of Social Work has a clear purpose: “educating and equipping competent, compassionate, and effective social workers to be transformative leaders who improve human well-being and promote social justice”. This purpose lines up with Christ’s teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

The Master of Social Work program wants “to prepare competent and effective professionals for leadership in advanced practice”. The program fosters compassionate service in this Christian higher education setting. Students learn to support social and economic justice while becoming skilled at social work practice.

The school’s location gives students many advantages. Jackson, with its 100,000 residents, provides field placement opportunities in social work settings of all types. The school sits 80 miles from Memphis and 120 miles from Nashville. This location gives students access to big city resources while they enjoy a community-focused learning environment.

Students can join several organizations at the School of Social Work. Phi Alpha, the National Honor Society for Social Work Students (Eta Phi Chapter), recognizes students who excel in scholarship and social work. The school also produces “Social Work Calling,” a podcast that shows how BSW and MSW programs blend faith and knowledge to create social work professionals.

The Bachelor of Social Work Program and the Master of Social Work Program at Union University hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This accreditation will give graduates a solid foundation that qualifies them for advanced standing in future education.

Programs offered

Union University’s School of Social Work provides academic programs that help students advance their careers at every educational level. Students can choose from bachelor’s degrees to advanced graduate credentials with flexible options to complete their studies.

The university offers several undergraduate options including the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program in traditional and adult studies formats. Students can attend the traditional BSW program at the Jackson campus, while the adult studies version works well online. This core program prepares students to take on entry-level professional positions in a variety of settings such as child advocacy, school social work, medical social work, and church-related services.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is the flagship of Union’s graduate social work education with its advanced generalist focus. Students can choose from multiple delivery methods that fit their schedule:

• Traditional Standing Program: Students complete 60 credit hours (51 hours of core coursework plus 9 hours of electives) and 900 field practicum hours. The program offers three completion timeframes: 2 years, 2.5 years, or 3 years.
• Advanced Standing Program: Students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and managed to keep a minimum 3.0 GPA can apply. This faster-paced option needs 33 credit hours (21 hours of core coursework plus 12 hours of electives) and 600 field practicum hours. Students can finish in one or two years.

Students can attend both programs face-to-face at the Jackson and Germantown campuses or choose online formats. Classes meet once or twice weekly and combine in-seat, online, and hybrid courses.

The School of Social Work enhances its core programs with specialized educational opportunities:

• Trauma Studies Graduate Certificate: This 18-credit program gives currently admitted MSW students trauma-focused skills to help affected individuals, families, and communities.
• Dual Degree Options: Students can combine their MSW with either a Master of Business Administration or Master of Christian Studies. These combinations create versatility in career paths, especially when you have interests in administration or faith-based settings.

The curriculum builds on an advanced generalist practice model with four core concepts: social justice, strengths-based view, evidence-based practice, and ecological view. Graduates learn to handle complex systems and lead teams in direct service delivery and management roles.

Union University’s social work programs give you the knowledge, values, and skills you need to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and settings.

Paths to success

Union University’s MSW program offers a well-laid-out path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. The program works perfectly for working professionals. Students can complete their education and licensing requirements in just 24 months, unlike traditional programs that demand more time.

Quick completion is a key advantage of Union University’s approach. Students who choose the Advanced Standing MSW option can finish their coursework in just 12 months. They can then complete their supervised practice hours needed for licensure. This quick timeline makes Union an excellent choice for professionals who want to advance their careers without long breaks.

Students start gaining practical experience from day one. Field placements begin in the first semester, which lets students apply theoretical concepts in real-life settings right away. This practical approach helps students learn better and prepares them for their professional roles after graduation.

Union’s MSW program provides the academic foundation needed to earn the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in Tennessee. Graduates meet all educational requirements to pursue advanced licensure. The licensing process includes:

1. Completion of supervised clinical experience (3,000 hours)
2. Passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical examination
3. Meeting Tennessee’s specific ethical and professional requirements

Union University uses a cohort model that creates a supportive learning community. Students progress through the program with the same group of peers. This setup promotes collaboration and professional networking. These connections often last beyond graduation and continue into professional practice.

Graduate success stories prove the program’s value. Union University MSW alumni work in healthcare systems, mental health agencies, schools, and private practices throughout Tennessee and beyond. Their achievements show how well the program prepares versatile professionals who can tackle complex social challenges through clinical intervention, community organization, and policy advocacy.

Union University’s MSW program goes beyond just offering an educational credential. It provides a detailed professional development pathway that leads straight to advanced clinical practice opportunities.

About the online program

Starting Fall 2022, Union University expanded its reach by offering a fully online Master of Social Work program. Students now get the same quality education as on-campus programs with added flexibility that works great for professionals and distant learners.

Union University’s online MSW program offers detailed coverage of all topics. Students can complete both Traditional standing and Advanced Standing programs completely online. This means you can access Union’s distinctive social work education remotely, whether you have a BSW or come from another field.

Union’s approach stands out because of its focus on synchronous learning. Many online programs are asynchronous, but Union’s MSW classes happen live through Zoom. This creates a virtual classroom where students engage in discussions and get immediate feedback – key elements that make social work education work well.

The program stays true to its Christian foundation and advanced generalist focus in the online space. Students learn from the same faculty and follow identical curriculum as campus students. They also get equivalent field training. This means online graduates are just as ready for licensure and advanced practice as their on-campus peers.

The online option has eliminated commuting hassles for students in Tennessee and beyond. Before this, people living far from Jackson or Germantown campuses had to relocate, make long drives, or give up on a Union education. So this available format now gives qualified candidates from wider areas a chance to earn their MSW.

Field education, the core of social work training, blends smoothly into the online program structure. Online students meet the same practicum requirements as campus students. They apply their knowledge in supervised practice settings right in their local communities.

Union University’s online MSW program combines technology with tradition. It maintains educational excellence while adapting to modern social work students’ needs who want flexible paths to advance their careers.

Accreditation

Accreditation serves as a detailed measure of a social work program’s quality and validity. The Master of Social Work program at Union University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE is the only recognized accrediting body for social work education in the United States.

The program earned this prestigious credential on February 13 (year not specified in sources). Janet Furness, Union’s Associate Dean of the School of Social Work and MSW Program Director, received the official notification. The accreditation benefits all previous graduates of the program. They can now pursue their licensing requirements in Tennessee without any educational hurdles.

CSWE accreditation means more than just recognition. This credential opens doors to professional licensure for students and graduates. Social work regulatory boards across the country need degrees from CSWE-accredited programs. Getting this credential is not optional – it’s vital for career growth.

Union University holds a unique position as the only institution offering an accredited MSW degree in West Tennessee. Students in the western region now have local access to nationally recognized social work education that meets professional standards.

The university’s accreditation covers both Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs. Students moving from undergraduate to graduate studies at Union benefit from this continuous educational quality. This recognition helps Union University prepare students for four regulated social work practice categories: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.

Students looking at MSW programs in Tennessee should make accreditation their main priority. CSWE’s approval shows that a program meets detailed professional standards. More significantly, graduates can take state licensure examinations—a key step to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or get other professional credentials.

Admission Requirements

Union University’s MSW program selects candidates through a careful evaluation process. The selection focuses on academic excellence and personal qualities that align with social work values. Traditional and Advanced Standing applicants face different admission criteria.

Students must complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Traditional Standing students need a minimum 2.65 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Advanced Standing applicants should have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA.

The application package must include several components:

• Completed online application with a USD 25.00 non-refundable fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
• Three professional/academic recommendations
• Admission essay following instructions outlined in the application
• Completed immunization form

The recommendation process follows specific guidelines. Students need evaluations from a previous professor/instructor and a current or previous supervisor. The third recommendation can come from either category. BSW graduates from the last 12 months must include a recommendation from their field placement supervisor.

The Admissions Committee looks beyond academic achievements. They evaluate a candidate’s self-awareness, empathy, objectivity, appreciation of diversity, professional commitment, critical thinking, communication skills, and advocacy capabilities. The committee might schedule interviews with selected candidates.

Applications receive review on a rolling basis until all program spots fill up. Early applications have better chances of acceptance. Qualified candidates might land on a waiting list once positions fill up, though admission remains uncertain.

The program welcomes qualified candidates throughout Tennessee without requiring GRE scores. This makes Union University’s MSW program available to more potential students.

Tuition

Your MSW education at Union University is a great investment in your professional future. The MSW program’s financial structure has several core components.

Students pay $655.00 per semester hour, which makes the complete program cost about $24,444.00 for 36 total credits over the academic year. The mandatory fees add $1,188.00, bringing your total direct costs to $25,632.00 before financial aid.

The program fees are:

• Application fee: $25.00
• General Student Fee: $27.00/hour
• Field Instruction Fee: $100.00 per field seminar enrollment
• Advanced Field Fee: $245.00 (has licensing prep)
• Insurance Fee: $25.00 per year

Students should budget around $400.00 per semester for textbooks. This cost adds to your overall expenses.

Union University gives you flexible payment options. You can pay your full term costs upfront or choose two equal payments with a 1.5% service charge on the unpaid balance. The university accepts cash, check, credit cards (with 2.5% service charge), federal loans, employer reimbursement, or FACTS electronic monthly drafts.

The School of Social Work doesn’t offer MSW-specific scholarships. Most students fund their education through federal student loans. You can manage your costs with financial aid from institutional, federal, state, and outside sources.

Additional Information

Union’s MSW program shows remarkable success through its graduates’ achievements. The university boasts a 69% graduation rate among other impressive stats, with 86% of new students staying in the program. The program’s success rate is a big deal as it means that 96.8% of graduates either land jobs or move on to graduate school. This number beats the national average of 85.7%.

The program proves its worth through strong financial outcomes. Students who complete the program earn $48,200 on average ten years after starting – 41% above the national median. Union’s graduates see an amazing $869,000 return on investment over 40 years, making it the seventh-best among Tennessee private colleges.

The MSW program blends professional excellence with Christian values. These values naturally match the NASW Code of Ethics core principles:

• Service
• Social justice
• Dignity and worth of the person
• Importance of human relationships
• Integrity
• Competence

Students get complete safety training during their field placements. The university also runs an emergency alert system across all campus locations.

MSW students thrive with support from professional groups and honor societies. High-achieving students can join Phi Alpha, the National Honor Society for Social Work Students (Eta Phi Chapter). These resources are a great way to get the most from Union University’s MSW program.