Georgia State University MSW

The Georgia State University School of Social Work resides in downtown Atlanta’s bustling center, within the nationally ranked Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. This vibrant urban location carries deep historical significance as the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, creating a perfect backdrop for social justice education.

The Andrew Young School’s Social Work program holds the 51st position nationally in U.S. News & World Report rankings. Georgia State University has earned several prestigious rankings – the nation’s second most innovative university, sixth-best ‘Best for Vets’ college, and ranks 11th for social mobility. These achievements showcase the school’s excellence in academics and community service.

The GSU School of Social Work distinguishes itself through unique offerings:

• Georgia’s only online Advanced Standing Master’s of Social Work Program
• The country’s sole MSW program specializing in Community Partnership
• Students nationwide can now enroll in the online BSW program since Fall 2023

Students and faculty create a rich academic tapestry at the school. About 70% of students and 40% of faculty come from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. This rich diversity aligns with Georgia State University’s standing as one of America’s most diverse educational institutions.

The program thrives under the leadership of twenty renowned faculty members. Their expertise spans crucial areas like health disparities, child welfare, family well-being, trauma-informed practice, social justice, substance misuse, and violence prevention. These experts actively pursue research and community-based projects to build healthier communities through targeted interventions, program strategies, and policy analysis.

More than 350 students pursue their undergraduate and graduate degrees at the school. They dedicate themselves to tackling challenging social issues – poverty, violence, discrimination, and inequalities in social and economic justice that often affect vulnerable populations disproportionally.

The School of Social Work has proudly held accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1981. The BSW online program, launched in Fall 2021, quickly gained recognition as one of Forbes Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Programs nationwide.

The Master of Social Work program prepares tomorrow’s leaders to tackle current and future community challenges, both nationally and globally. Students learn through the community partnerships model to advance community needs while promoting social and economic justice and helping people reach their full potential.

Programs offered

Georgia State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program comes with several unique pathways that fit different student needs. Students get ready to take on leadership roles and tackle both current and emerging social challenges through community partnerships.

The Community Partnerships specialization sets Georgia State apart as it’s the only MSW program in the United States with this focus. Students learn to support community needs by pushing for social and economic justice and helping people reach their full potential. Their graduates now lead teams in healthcare, public child welfare, nonprofit management, and many other fields.

You’ll also find a Mental Health & Wellness specialization that prepares students for mental health service careers and licensure through clinical training. This path has sections on clinical assessment, mental health policy, trauma-informed practice, substance use recovery, and ethics.

The program lets you choose from these options:

• Full MSW Program: You can finish 60 semester hours in two years full-time or three years part-time
• Advanced Standing Program: BSW graduates from accredited programs need only complete 39 semester hours
• Format Options: Students can pick either full-time on-campus or part-time online programs

The program builds on three key components: Liberal Arts Point of View, Social Work Generalist Practice, and Social Work Specialization. The generalist practice model gives students core knowledge for competent social work and gets them ready for specialized study in their final year.

Students can boost their qualifications with graduate certificates at no extra time:

• Sport Social Work Graduate Certificate: This one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary certificate helps address high-performing athletes’ social and emotional needs
• Nonprofit Management Certificate: Students learn management, economic decision-making, marketing, fundraising, and financial skills for nonprofits

GSU stands out as Georgia’s only school with an online Advanced Standing Master’s of Social Work Program. BSW holders can earn their master’s degree in just 12 months through this fast-track option.

The MSW program keeps the same degree requirements for all students, whether they study online or on campus.

About the online program

Georgia State University’s online Master of Social Work program gives students nationwide the flexibility they need. This part-time online option delivers education as rigorous as its on-campus version. Students get similar quality instruction no matter where they live.

Students participate in the same projects and coursework as their on-campus peers. So they get direct access to faculty members who have deep expertise in poverty, hunger, homelessness, housing, and child welfare. The program’s faculty brings social work values to life throughout the curriculum and student experience.

The program’s Residency Neutral Tuition structure appeals to many prospective students because it offers the same price whatever your location:

• $450 tuition per credit hour (same rate for all fully online students)
• $660 per semester online learning fee (when enrolled in 6+ credit hours)

Field education is the core of GSU’s online MSW experience. The program creates a shared partnership between educational institutions and practicing professionals in the community. Students also complete hands-on capstone projects. They work in small groups of 4-5 members with community agencies to plan and execute social justice initiatives.

The sort of thing I love about these projects is how they create real impact. Projects span two semesters—students plan during fall and implement in spring. Past student groups have launched important initiatives. One notable example is the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition, created with the Equal Justice Initiative, which honored 35 lynching victims through powerful soil collection displays.

GSU makes education available to more students through competitive tuition rates. The university provides various financial assistance options and scholarships to support students throughout their academic trip. Students can review potential costs for their specific situation using Georgia State’s Cost Calculator tool on their website.

The online MSW program shows GSU’s commitment to expanding educational access. The program maintains exceptional quality that earned them recognition as the #2 school of social work in the country without a Ph.D. program according to U.S. News and World Report.

Accreditation

The CSWE accreditation is a mark of quality and legitimacy for any MSW program. Georgia State University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This national organization oversees social work education in the United States. Your degree’s value comes from meeting the highest standards in social work education and professional practice preparation.

GSU’s MSW program went through its latest reaffirmation in 2020. The next review is scheduled for 2028. This shows the program’s steadfast dedication to excellence through regular evaluations against national benchmarks.

Students get several key benefits from CSWE accreditation:

• Licensure Eligibility – You can take the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam and work toward Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials
• National Recognition – You become part of a network with over 750 accredited programs working to advance quality social work education
• Quality Assurance – Your education meets professional standards through a thorough accreditation process

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes CSWE as a trusted authority on educational quality at its accredited institutions. Your degree from GSU’s CSWE-accredited program will carry weight with employers and licensing boards nationwide.

Georgia shows its commitment to social work education through seven CSWE-accredited programs. GSU stands proudly among this select group. These programs prepare about 2,500 students each year, adding to a statewide workforce of more than 15,000 licensed social workers.

CSWE accreditation means your MSW program meets Georgia’s educational requirements for social work licensing. This becomes crucial when you plan your path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

The accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods. Campus-based and online options are included. Your degree holds the same professional value whatever way you complete the program. This consistent accreditation makes GSU’s MSW degree even more valuable as you move toward licensure and professional practice.

Admission Requirements

The Georgia State University MSW program has a well-laid-out application process with specific requirements. Students need to submit their applications online as paper applications aren’t available anymore. The process needs attention to several vital components.

A non-refundable application fee of $50 must be paid online with a credit card. Students should upload transcripts from all post-secondary schools they attended to the Academic History section. If you’ve already submitted your application, use the Upload Materials section. You’ll only need to provide official transcripts after getting accepted and before classes start.

Your application package must include three letters of recommendation through the online system. You’ll also need to write a Statement of Purpose that follows the guidelines on the MSW admissions page.

The MSW program doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but competitive applicants usually have around a 3.2 GPA. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional but they’re strongly recommended if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

International students have extra requirements:

• TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (unless you’re from an English-speaking country on the exemption list)
• Proof that your degree matches through institutional evaluation

Space is limited and admission is selective. Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in. The program might put qualified applicants who don’t get accepted right away on a waiting list based on their denial date.

Make sure everything in your application is complete and accurate before you submit. The program usually sends decisions through the application status portal 4-6 weeks after the deadline. Don’t expect calls or emails about the decision.

The MSW program looks for students who show academic ability, professional potential, and dedication to social work. The admissions committee looks at each person’s application individually and considers the current applicant pool. They take an integrated approach to review academic records, professional experiences, and personal statements.

Getting into Georgia State University’s MSW program starts your path to becoming a licensed social worker. You could begin your professional practice in just 24 months.

Tuition

The Georgia State University MSW program keeps its pricing simple with the same tuition rates for all students. You’ll pay the same amount whatever your location, which makes the program available to students nationwide.

Here’s what you’ll pay for the online MSW program:

• $450 tuition per credit hour for all fully online students
• $660 per semester online learning fee when enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
• $110 per credit online learning fee for students taking 1-5 credit hours (capping at $660)

Your total program cost depends on your chosen track. The full MSW program needs 60 semester hours, while the Advanced Standing option needs 39 semester hours. You should set aside about $1,000 each semester for books and supplies.

The program has some extra fees you should know about during your time as a student:

• $50 graduation application fee
• $50 late registration fee (if applicable)
• $37.50 manual registration fee (if applicable)

Georgia State University knows graduate education can be expensive. The school works hard to keep its programs affordable and available to everyone. Their website states: “Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education”.

You’ll find several ways to get financial help with your costs. Start by filling out the FAFSA application (Georgia State’s code: 001574) to qualify for federal financial aid. The program also offers funding options – your application automatically puts you in the running for fellowships and scholarships.

Georgia State’s website has a Cost Calculator that helps you estimate your expenses based on your situation. You should also look into whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement programs, as these can help cut down your out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Additional Information

Georgia State University’s MSW program offers student advisement through its core team. Students can get program guidance from Nasser Salmanzadeh (Director of Student Recruitment & Service) or Dr. Nicholas Forge (MSW Program Director). Students receive tailored advisement and can check their online academic evaluations each semester to track their program requirements.

Field education is the core of the MSW experience. Students begin their field education in fall semesters and must complete specific hours based on their program level:

• BSW and 1st-year MSW students: 400 total hours (16 hours/week)
• 2nd-year MSW students: 500 total hours (18-20 hours/week)

Students should budget for some additional field education costs. These include a $125 fee for the required Placement Portfolio system and $13-15 for mandatory liability insurance. Field placements happen in a variety of settings—from government agencies and nonprofits to behavioral health organizations—where students gain ground experience under professional supervision.

GSU MSW graduates have a clear advantage in the job market. Their degrees are worth 6.3% more than those from other MSW programs nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in demand for social workers over the next decade.

These professional resources help students develop their careers throughout the program:

• Council on Social Work Education
• Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists
• National Association of Social Workers

Graduates often work as licensed clinical social workers, behavioral health clinicians, mental health therapists, school social workers, and case managers. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Grady Health System, Department of Family & Children Services, and many community organizations actively seek GSU social work graduates to address social challenges.