Oakwood University MSW Program

Oakwood University reached a remarkable milestone in 2023. The university awarded Master’s Degrees in Social Work for the first time in its 129-year history. The university’s reputation in social work education stands strong with its graduates consistently securing spots in MSW programs across the country.

The MSW program at Oakwood University’s Huntsville, Alabama campus brings something special to the table. Students learn advanced clinical practice through methods that promote overall well-being. The program’s uniqueness comes from its biblical foundation combined with respect for human diversity. It blends scientific research with professional application of social work theories.

The curriculum takes an all-encompassing approach to mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders. Students learn about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within a person-in-environment framework. This approach recognizes how people and their environment affect each other.

Oakwood University’s MSW program draws strength from the African American experience’s rich legacy and point of view. This foundation helps tackle systemic inequities while building resilience. The program also uses a culturally responsive approach to address historical and current challenges that marginalized communities face.

The MSW program’s goals match its mission:

• Preparing students for advanced clinical practice using evidence-based modalities
• Developing practitioners who respect human diversity and difference
• Grounding clinical practice in biblical foundations
• Applying social work theory to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various disorders

The program combines proven practices with dedication to social justice and ethical service. Students learn to serve diverse populations with compassion and skill while working toward positive change.

Programs offered

Oakwood University’s MSW program lets you choose between two paths based on your background and career goals. The program adapts to your needs instead of forcing everyone into the same mold.

Students with a BSW can take the Advanced Standing track to get their master’s degree faster. You’ll need just 30 credit hours and can finish in one year or three semesters. This quick path works great if you earned your Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years.

The Generalist Practice track serves students who come from other fields. You’ll complete 60 credit hours over two years or five semesters. The program welcomes graduates from accredited schools with any major, which makes it perfect if you want to switch careers or start fresh in social work.

Both tracks run completely online to fit your schedule, whether you work full-time or juggle other responsibilities. The cost stays simple at $580 per credit hour for both paths.

The program focuses on Clinical Social Work, which gives you the skills to help people with mental health and behavioral disorders. This clinical emphasis helps graduates create positive changes in communities of all types through proven practices.

Advanced Standing students learn through courses like Psychopathology, Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, and Evaluation in Clinical Social Work Practice. The curriculum includes Advanced Clinical Practice with Families & Groups, Psychopharmacology, and ends with a License Prep course. Field Education III & IV give you hands-on experience.

Generalist Practice students start with core courses such as Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals and Practice with Diverse Populations. The program covers Human Development, Ethics in Social Work Practice, and Social Work Practice with Families and Groups. Students also take Research in Social Work Practice, Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations, and Policies and Practice in Social Work. Field Education I & II come before the advanced clinical courses.

Oakwood University blends biblical principles with modern, evidence-based approaches to clinical social work practice in both tracks. This combination creates well-rounded practitioners ready to serve their communities.

About the online program

Oakwood University’s MSW program runs completely online. The program works perfectly for busy professionals by removing location barriers without compromising academic standards. Students can easily balance their education with work and personal life in this flexible virtual learning environment.

The program curriculum stands on biblical principles that value human diversity, scientific research integration, and practical application of social work theories. Students learn through a person-in-environment framework that covers prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders. This complete approach recognizes both past and present challenges that marginalized communities face.

Quality student support remains strong in the online format. Students will have direct access to qualified faculty and staff who offer many resources that lead to academic success. All essential student services stay available virtually. The core team can be reached from anywhere at any time during your academic trip.

Academic advising makes a significant impact on student success. Advisors help create course schedules, review academic and career goals, and provide support when needed. The Financial Aid Office gives detailed information about applications, calculations, and answers common questions.

The Student Accounts Office helps with financial clearance, payments, refunds, and billing questions. On top of that, Disability Support Services makes sure programs and facilities stay available as required by federal laws, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Eva B. Dykes Library offers round-the-clock online access to materials that support teaching, learning, and research. Students can find course materials, mostly eBooks, through links to Oakwood University’s Online Bookstore right from their D2L course room.

A complete Online Student Handbook covers mission statements, roles, technology requirements, and spiritual life guidance. This resource helps students navigate the virtual learning environment smoothly while keeping the quality and community spirit that makes Oakwood University’s MSW program unique.

Accreditation

Accreditation status is a vital factor that affects your degree’s recognition and professional opportunities when you evaluate graduate programs. Your educational investment at Oakwood University’s MSW program needs proper context about its current standing.

Oakwood University’s MSW program currently holds Candidacy for Accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE). This milestone shows the program’s growth, though note that the program isn’t fully accredited yet. The program has showed its dedication to meeting compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

You might wonder what Candidacy status means as a prospective student. Programs with candidacy have provided substantial proof they can meet accreditation requirements but haven’t shown full compliance yet. These programs typically need 2-3 years to achieve Initial Accreditation.

Your career planning should factor in that the program’s accreditation becomes retroactive once Initial Accreditation is granted. Students who enter the program from fall 2023 will graduate from an accredited social work program since Oakwood University’s MSW program received candidacy status in 2023-2024. This applies if the program receives its Initial Accreditation.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has granted Oakwood University institutional accreditation to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. This regional accreditation forms the foundation for all academic programs at the institution.

The Adventist Accrediting Association of the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has also recognized the university. Oakwood’s specialized program accreditations include:

• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

CSWE maintains a directory of all accredited programs, including those in Candidacy or Pre-Candidacy status. You can check this online resource regularly to stay updated about the program’s progress toward full accreditation.

Admission Requirements

The Oakwood University MSW program admission process adapts to your academic background. You need to meet specific requirements that show you’re ready for graduate-level social work education.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is essential. Your academic record should show at least 30 credits in liberal arts that cover studies in social, behavioral, and biological sciences. The detailed application package needs:

• Completed online application
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of reference
• Current resume

The Advanced Standing track has additional requirements. You need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years before enrollment. Students with a BSW older than five years who managed to keep a GPA of 3.0 or higher can submit a special request letter to the MSW Admissions Committee. Send this letter to the program coordinator with your resume and unofficial transcripts.

The Advanced Standing program requires proof of completing these foundational courses:

• Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals
• Practice with Diverse Populations
• Human Development
• Ethics in Social Work Practice
• Social Work Practice with Families and Groups
• Research in Social Work Practice
• Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations
• Policies and Practice in Social Work
• Field Education I & II

The MSW Admissions Committee reviews your complete application materials. Your application then heads over to the relevant department among other members like the Graduate Program Director and/or Admissions committee for final review.

Students accepted into the program must complete a five-step admissions process before starting field placements. This evaluation looks at your academic preparation and professional readiness for field practicum experiences. The field application needs proof of NASW membership, liability insurance, criminal background check, and your grades in prerequisite courses.

The program’s high standards ensure graduates are ready for advanced professional practice. Review all requirements carefully before submitting your application to improve your chances of acceptance.

Tuition

Making a smart financial investment shapes your graduate education journey. Oakwood University’s MSW program keeps tuition simple with $580 per credit hour. This rate stays the same whether you choose the Advanced Standing (30 credit hours) or Generalist Practice (60 credit hours) track.

Your total tuition comes to around $17,400 if you’re an Advanced Standing student completing the one-year track. Students taking the two-year Generalist Practice track will pay approximately $34,800. You’ll need extra room in your budget for the $418 per semester general/technology fee, roughly $500 per semester for books and supplies, and a one-time $271 graduation fee.

Oakwood University helps students manage costs through various scholarships and discounts. The university’s Partner Discount gives a 25% reduction to corporate, religious, and government partners who support the university’s growth. Students meeting specific enrollment requirements can get a Two-Semester Scholarship worth $2,000 ($1,000 per semester).

The university values its alumni by offering a generous 50% tuition discount on their first nine credit hours. Each degree program also provides one Graduate Assistantship position that comes with a 30% tuition waiver.

Smart financial planning starts with submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This key step opens access to federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans. You’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) showing what aid you might qualify for.

The university’s refund policy matters just as much in your financial planning. Oakwood follows a structured schedule that reduces refund amounts from 100% to 50% as the semester moves forward. When Federal Student Aid creates credit balances, refunds come within 14 days of disbursement.

Remember that institutional funds don’t offer refunds, so take time to assess all financial aspects before you commit.

Additional Information

Oakwood University’s MSW program provides many resources to improve your educational experience beyond regular classes. The program has Pre-Candidacy status for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. This status shows they submitted an application for Candidacy review with approved Benchmark I documentation.

Students who join programs that achieve Candidacy in their first academic year will be recognized as CSWE-Accredited program graduates once Initial Accreditation happens. The Candidacy Process usually takes three years, but accreditation isn’t guaranteed.

Research support is the foundation of student success at Oakwood. Students get tailored research consultations that help them find credible sources, learn citation methods, and design research. These free consultations last between 15-60 minutes based on research needs.

Oakwood’s detailed academic advising system connects students with the university. Advisors help create a custom path through the curriculum and support personal and professional goals. They work with administrators and partner offices to solve problems when students face challenges – from classroom difficulties to health issues affecting their studies.

The Alumni Relations office keeps graduates connected to the university and other alumni. Their motto “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.” shows Oakwood’s commitment to promote lifelong relationships with graduates.

This 126-year-old university’s campus covers 1,185 acres near downtown Huntsville – just five minutes away. Oakwood University combines faith with academic excellence as the only historically black institution sponsored by Seventh-day Adventists. This blend creates an environment where spiritual growth and professional development work together, making the MSW program attractive to many students.