Virginia Union University MSW
Virginia Union University stands out with its unique Social Work programs. It’s the only independent, faith-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia offering this degree. Their Master of Social Work program builds on this foundation and helps graduates excel in today’s competitive job market.
VUU’s Department of Social Work’s mission appeals to employers looking for well-rounded professionals. The department produces generalist social work practitioners who combine professional experience with academic training in social justice and discrimination. These graduates show competence when working with at-risk populations. This approach creates professionals with strong client advocacy skills and a deep sense of professional responsibility.
The MSW program shines as an Advanced Generalist program with a Trauma-Focused Specialization. Students gain specialized skills to handle complex trauma challenges in a variety of social work settings—skills that employers value more each day.
Graduate outcomes prove the program’s quality and rigor. The Class of 2024 celebrated 166 bachelor’s degree recipients and 177 Master’s and Doctorate recipients. Bachelor’s graduates showed impressive results: 32% received job offers with salaries of $55,000 or higher, and 8% secured offers above $73,000. Master’s and Doctorate graduates earned an average full-time salary of $76,741—this is a big deal as it means that the national average for social work graduates.
Academic excellence is evident in the numbers. The 2024 graduating class saw 17% achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA, while 56% maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher. These results showcase the program’s quality and student dedication.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits VUU’s BSW Program. The last re-affirmation came in 2019, with the next review set for June 2027. The MSW program reached Candidacy for Accreditation status from CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation in July 2023. Full accreditation is predicted by late 2024 or early 2025.
The program serves as the substance of VUU’s approach to education. Among 4,006 applicants, 94% received acceptance letters, and 94% of students got financial aid. Quality education combined with accessibility makes this program a top choice for future students.
BSW graduates can complete their MSW in just one additional academic year. This quick path to advanced education gives employers exactly what they want – candidates with complete education and professional preparation.
Programs offered
Virginia Union University’s Master of Social Work program has a detailed curriculum that prepares students to become advanced generalist practitioners with a unique trauma-informed approach. Students can choose between two primary pathways based on their educational background.
The Regular Standing program requires 51 credits spread over two academic years (four semesters) for full-time students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Students build their foundational knowledge before moving to specialized content. The first year covers core subjects like Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Research, Ethics, and Policy that go together with field education experiences. Students then progress to trauma-informed practices and specialized coursework in their second year.
Key first-year courses include:
- SWK 500: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 credits)
- SWK 510: Social Research I (3 credits)
- SWK 511: Policy I Social Welfare (3 credits)
- SWK 514: Ethics (3 credits)
- SWK 524: General Practice I: Individual and Family (3 credits)
Students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree can take the Advanced Standing (AS) path. This option lets them complete their MSW in just one academic year through a focused 24-credit program. The accelerated format recognizes their previous social work education while ensuring high-quality professional training.
The program also offers scheduling flexibility. Students can choose between full-time or part-time enrollment based on their needs. Working professionals can advance their careers without leaving their jobs, as the program is available to fit their schedules.
Virginia Union’s MSW shines from other Virginia MSW programs because of its trauma-informed specialization. This focus pervades the entire curriculum and prepares graduates to handle complex trauma-related challenges in practice settings of all types. Graduates become versatile practitioners who can work at micro, mezzo, and macro intervention levels.
The program achieved CSWE accreditation candidacy status in July 2023 and is predicted to receive full accreditation by late 2024 or early 2025. Students who enroll during this candidacy period will be recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once the original accreditation is achieved.
About the online program
Virginia Union University has expanded its MSW program with a complete online delivery option to meet modern graduate students’ needs. Since Fall 2022, students can choose between online and in-person formats without sacrificing educational quality.
Students get the same challenging curriculum in both online and on-campus versions—a two-year, 51-credit program for full-time students without a BSW degree. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can take the fast-track 24-credit Advanced Standing option to graduate in just one academic year. The online format works well with both full-time and part-time schedules.
This online program stands out from other MSW programs in Virginia with its unique trauma-focused specialization. Students learn to tackle trauma as a social determinant of health. They help marginalized populations achieve health equity and social justice locally and globally. The program teaches you to:
- Understand how trauma affects people in different settings
- Use proven methods to help trauma-affected populations
- Push for system-wide changes that address trauma’s root causes
- Help marginalized communities through anti-racist practices
Field education serves as the foundation of the online experience. Students can choose from more than 100 local agencies for their placements. These hands-on experiences help students use classroom knowledge in real-life settings and build professional connections. The program merges professional growth opportunities in child welfare, mental health, and healthcare sectors.
The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation granted candidacy status to both online and on-campus programs in July 2023. Students who enroll during this candidacy period will be recognized as graduates from a CSWE-accredited program once the school receives initial accreditation. The university expects this accreditation by late 2024 or early 2025.
VUU’s online program demands academic excellence. Students must keep a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their studies. The program’s focus on academic quality and professional growth matches VUU Global’s mission to create world-class professionals.
Accreditation
Quality social work education needs proper accreditation to meet professional standards. Students looking at Virginia Union University MSW programs should know its accreditation status to understand the program’s standing.
The BSW Program at Virginia Union University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The council reaffirmed this status in 2019. The program’s next accreditation review will happen in June 2027. This shows the program’s dedication to quality education.
The Master of Social Work program reached a milestone in July 2023. The CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation granted it Candidacy for Accreditation status. This status shows the program has made good progress toward meeting Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Of course, students should know that candidacy status doesn’t mean full compliance with accreditation requirements yet. The status still protects students in an important way. Students who join during candidacy will be graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once it gets Initial Accreditation.
Programs usually take about three years to move from candidacy to full accreditation. Virginia Union University expects to get full accreditation for its MSW program by late 2024 or early 2025. This timeline matches the normal accreditation process.
CSWE accreditation gives students a quality education that meets professional standards. Students in CSWE programs learn essential competencies that are part of accreditation standards. These competencies shape social work practice for all professionals. The university sets a 70% measure for each competency, with adjustments made for COVID.
Yes, it is why VUU built its social work curriculum around these standards. The courses help students become skilled at nine professional areas and thirty-one practice behaviors. Each course covers one or more academic standards. This gives students complete preparation for their professional work.
VUU shows its commitment to excellent social work education through this well-laid-out approach to accreditation. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Virginia Union University’s MSW program looks for candidates who have strong academic backgrounds and show genuine commitment to social work values. The program’s admission process carefully assesses academic qualifications and personal qualities that lead to success in the field.
Students need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The program accepts any undergraduate major but expects students to maintain a minimum 2.65 GPA in their undergraduate studies. Students must keep a 3.0 GPA after joining the program.
The application package needs several key documents. Students should submit official transcripts from every institution they’ve attended. This includes all undergraduate and graduate coursework—even courses they withdrew from before earning credits. A complete transcript review helps maintain academic transparency.
The application also needs three professional or academic references that speak directly to the candidate’s ability to handle graduate-level work. These recommendations help determine if candidates can handle the program’s demands.
A complete online application package includes a personal essay and a non-refundable $25.00 fee. The personal statement shows the applicant’s writing skills, critical thinking ability, and reasons for choosing a social work career.
The program also looks for specific personal qualities that show potential success in social work:
- Self-awareness and empathy
- Objectivity and appreciation of diversity
- Professional commitment and critical thinking ability
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Knowing how to promote others’ interests
Some candidates might get an invitation to interview with the Social Work Admissions Committee. This interview helps assess qualities that don’t show up well on paper.
Accepted students need to turn in a completed immunization form. This requirement lines up with health standards for field placements in community agencies.
BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs might qualify for Advanced Standing status, which could reduce the MSW program to 36 credits. These candidates usually need to have earned their BSW in the last 5-7 years with a minimum 3.0 GPA in BSW coursework.
Virginia Union University’s admission requirements help select MSW candidates who show both academic strength and personal fit for professional social work practice.
Tuition
Virginia Union University’s Master of Social Work degree provides unmatched value that other MSW programs in Virginia cannot match. Students benefit from clear pricing with tuition at $655 per semester hour, which makes budget planning easier.
The MSW program at Virginia Union University comes with some additional costs. A one-time $25 application fee and a General Student Fee of $27 per credit hour are part of the package. Field placement students pay Field Instruction Fees that range from $100 for each Field Seminar enrollment (SW 590, SW 591) to $245 for advanced placements (SW 690, SW 691). The advanced placement fee includes licensing preparation. Students also pay a $25 Insurance Fee that covers them during their practical training.
Students should set aside about $400 each semester for textbooks. The graduation cap and gown cost approximately $55.
The program requires a non-refundable $100 tuition deposit after acceptance. This deposit counts toward your first semester’s tuition.
VUU makes paying for your education convenient with these options:
- Full payment before or on registration day
- Two equal payments (with a 1.5% service charge on the unpaid balance)
The university accepts various payment methods including cash, check, and credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, American Express). Credit card payments include a 2.5% service charge. Students can also use Federal Stafford loans, employer reimbursement programs, and FACTS, which allows electronic monthly drafts from bank accounts.
VUU’s MSW program is known as a cost-effective choice. Most similar programs across the country cost between $11,080 and $69,720. The program delivers excellent academic quality with strong graduate outcomes and employment rates, despite its affordable price point.
Additional Information
Virginia Union University provides complete career development resources that boost job prospects for MSW graduates. The Workforce Development and Training department helps students get valuable work experience and build professional skills needed in today’s competitive job market. VUU aims to be the region’s top provider of workforce talent.
Your MSW trip at VUU includes career planning strategies that match your academic progress. These well-laid-out activities boost your educational experience and prepare you for life after graduation. Students often say that taking part in career activities helps them find the right career paths.
Professional preparation includes completing an internship, attending Career and Work Readiness Programs, and joining fairs that showcase internship, career, and graduate admission opportunities. These requirements help you build practical experience along with theoretical knowledge.
Student Support Services (SSS) gives extra academic development opportunities to students who need more help. This federal TRIO program serves eligible students who are first-generation college attendees, come from low-income backgrounds, or have disabilities.
VUU prioritizes mental health by offering teletherapy through secure platforms. Students can access mental health support anytime through the VUU Panther Safe App. This helps maintain wellness throughout your academic trip.
Graduates become part of a vibrant alumni network. The Alumni Association makes connecting with fellow graduates easier through local chapter events, an online directory, and social media. These networking opportunities are a great way to get jobs, as statistics show personal connections lead to more job placements than any other method.