Saint Leo University MSW

Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is Florida’s first Catholic institution with a rich 130-year heritage. The university sits on a scenic 297-acre campus in St. Leo, Florida, just 35 miles north of Tampa. Pope Leo the Great inspired the university’s name, which also pays tribute to Pope Leo XIII who led the church during its founding.

Saint Leo’s journey has seen remarkable progress through different phases before becoming “Saint Leo University” in 1999. Benedictine monks started the institution, and while it has stayed true to its Catholic values, the university welcomes students from all faiths.

The university ranks among the fifteen largest Catholic colleges in the United States thanks to its focus on accessibility. More than 14,000 students now call Saint Leo home, coming from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, and over 100 countries. The main campus hosts 3,000 students, with others studying through different programs.

U.S. News & World Report recognized Saint Leo’s academic excellence in 2023, ranking it 46th in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category. The university also earned high marks for its international student population and campus diversity.

The student community reflects true diversity – 27% are first-generation college students. This number breaks down to 571 first-generation students at University Campus and 1,410 in Saint Leo WorldWide programs (online and education centers). A student-faculty ratio of 20:1 ensures tailored educational experiences.

Key University Attributes:

• Student demographics: 41.3% male and 58.7% female
• Campus living: 67% of undergraduate students reside on campus
• Military education: A leading provider of higher education to U.S. military personnel
• Educational options: More than 55 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs

Saint Leo became a pioneer in distance learning for American higher education by teaching military personnel in 1973 during the Vietnam era. This innovative spirit led to the launch of the Center for Online Learning in 1998, letting students take classes online from anywhere.

The university’s academic offerings grew substantially over time, reaching a milestone with its first doctoral program in 2013. This growth shows how Saint Leo adapts to student needs while staying true to its values.

Saint Leo University combines traditional campus experiences with innovative online programs. This makes it an ideal choice for advanced degrees like the Master of Social Work (MSW), available both on campus in Florida and through their online platforms.

Programs offered

Saint Leo University’s MSW program tracks are designed to meet student needs and schedules across eleven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois.

Students can choose from four distinct MSW pathways:

1. Two-Year Program – This full-time, online option starts each fall and requires 62 credit hours. Students meet via webcam on weekday evenings (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) with schedules that vary each semester. Students complete foundation courses (30 credits) in their first year and concentration courses (32 credits) in their second year.
2. Three-Year Program – Students who prefer a part-time schedule can start this 62 credit-hour program in fall. The program typically requires two classes per 16-week term, with one semester needing three courses. Classes meet during weekday evenings or Saturday mornings.
3. Advanced Standing Full-Time – BSW graduates can complete this accelerated one-year program that starts each summer with 32 credit hours. Students must have completed their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years. The curriculum focuses on advanced clinical practice concentration courses.
4. Advanced Standing Part-Time – BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can also choose this five-semester, 32-credit program that begins each spring. Students progress through sequential coursework with evening classes.

A Saturday cohort option adds flexibility by meeting weekly from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. via web conferencing platform.

Each program track shares common elements: sequential coursework following a prescribed curriculum outline, weekly face-to-face webcam classes, and internship opportunities in students’ local areas. Students must attend a two-day Clinical Residency in fall and complete a one-weekend on-campus seminar during their final program year.

The curriculum focuses on advanced clinical social work practice. Students can specialize in Children & Adolescents, Military & First Responders, or Vulnerable Populations. Saint Leo’s MSW program prepares graduate students to become leaders who provide social work services that promote social and economic well-being while supporting human rights at local, national, and global levels.

Program deadlines vary: July 15th for Two-Year and Three-Year programs, April 15th for Advanced Standing Full-Time, and November 15th for Advanced Standing Part-Time. Students who miss these deadlines must wait until the next start term.

These well-laid-out program options let you earn your MSW degree in a format that lines up with your professional goals and personal schedule.

About the online program

Saint Leo University’s online Master of Social Work program offers a groundbreaking educational experience. The MSW program takes a unique approach that blends digital convenience with immediate engagement. Students experience a balanced learning environment that maximizes educational outcomes through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous elements.

Students access course content through an interactive digital platform. The program goes beyond self-paced study by including scheduled face-to-face webcam classes during evening hours each week. This technology helps create genuine connections between students and faculty despite the physical distance.

Students enrolling in Saint Leo’s online MSW should expect these key program components:

• Evening webcam sessions each week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) that enable immediate learning and discussion
• Field internship placements in your local area requiring daytime availability
• One mandatory weekend seminar at the University campus in your final program year
• A two-day Clinical Residency experience in the fall

Working professionals can choose a Saturday cohort option that meets weekly from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. via web conferencing. This schedule offers better flexibility compared to traditional weeknight classes.

The Field Education Department helps students find internship opportunities at:

• Veteran’s Administration facilities
• School social work settings
• Hospitals and medical environments
• Hospice and palliative care organizations

The program currently limits enrollment to residents of eleven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois.

Saint Leo’s extensive background in virtual education benefits every student. The university has led distance learning since 1998 and now offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs online. This expertise results in user-friendly technology, resilient academic support, and an online community that promotes connection despite geographic separation.

The program’s mission focuses on preparing graduates for advanced clinical practice with diverse populations. Students learn trauma-informed approaches to work with children, adults, and military personnel. Graduates leave ready to pursue licensure and equipped with skills needed for social work leadership roles in settings of all types.

Accreditation

Saint Leo University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition covers both undergraduate and graduate social work programs. The MSW program earned this status just four years after its launch. The program started enrolling students in 2009 and had been working toward accreditation since then. This means all graduates, past and present, come from an accredited program.

CSWE plays a crucial role in social work education quality. It is the only accrediting body for social work education that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes in the United States and its territories. Programs must meet strict professional standards through self-studies, site visits, and reviews by the CSWE Board of Accreditation.

Getting your MSW from Saint Leo’s CSWE-accredited program offers several key advantages:

• Qualification for licensure: Almost every state and U.S. territory wants social workers to graduate from CSWE-accredited programs for licensure. Saint Leo’s graduates can take exams to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).
• Employment eligibility: Employers look for graduates from accredited programs. CSWE accreditation shows public trust and accountability in social work.
• Educational quality assurance: The program shows its steadfast dedication to quality education that helps students become skilled at effective practice.
• Ethical preparation: Students learn everything in social work’s core values – justice, dignity, human relations, integrity, and competence.

Saint Leo University also holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This allows the university to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The institutional accreditation proves the university’s overall academic excellence.

Florida’s practicing social workers must have a degree from a CSWE-accredited school. This rule applies whether you want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or take the voluntary Certified Master Social Worker path for management roles. Saint Leo’s accreditation will give you a degree that meets professional requirements throughout your career.

Admission Requirements

Saint Leo University MSW program offers a simple application process with a rolling admission system. Students can start their program at three different times during the year.

The traditional MSW program (Advanced Clinical Practice) requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or the same GPA in their last 60 credit hours. The application package needs:

• Completed online application
• Current resume
• Three recommendation letters from academic or professional sources
• Personal statement (3-5 double-spaced pages) about your professional goals, internship availability, personal strengths/limitations, and relevant experiences
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended
• Completed cohort verification form

The accelerated Advanced Standing track has more specific requirements. Students must have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. The program requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25. Students must maintain grades of B- or higher in all social work courses[171]. Advanced Standing applicants also need:

• Senior fieldwork evaluation from their undergraduate social work program
• A social work professional skills form from an employer or BSW faculty member if the evaluation isn’t available

Each program track has different application deadlines. Two-Year and Three-Year programs accept applications until July 15th. Advanced Standing Full-Time applications are due by April 15th, and Advanced Standing Part-Time by November 15th. Students who miss these deadlines must wait until the next enrollment period.

Criminal convictions don’t automatically disqualify candidates. However, they might limit practicum placements and future job opportunities. Field agencies require criminal background checks before placement. Florida LCSW licensure might be challenging for students with felony convictions.

Students should submit their applications 60 days before their planned enrollment term. The program’s admission committee might request a personal interview or more information after reviewing documents.

Saint Leo University MSW online programs maintain high standards while making quality education available to qualified candidates in their eleven-state service area.

Tuition

Saint Leo University’s MSW education comes with straightforward and competitive pricing. The Master of Social Work program’s tuition rate is $695 per credit hour for 2023-2024. Students will pay $805 per credit hour in the 2024-2025 academic year. The full 62-credit traditional MSW program costs about $43,090 in tuition, while the 32-credit Advanced Standing track costs approximately $25,760 (based on 2024-2025 rates).

Your total cost of attendance (2024-2025) also has these components:

• Books and course materials: $536 annually
• Housing: $17,100 annually
• Food: $3,500 annually
• Transportation: $2,900 annually
• Personal expenses: $2,500 annually
• Federal loan fees: $216 annually

Saint Leo’s tuition stays well below the average private college costs. Students receive excellent financial support – a remarkable 99% of full-time campus students got some form of financial aid in 2024-2025.

Military students get special benefits under Saint Leo’s tuition policy. The university complies with 38 USC 3679(e), which protects Post 9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment students from penalties due to delayed VA tuition payments.

You can choose from several payment options to make your education more affordable:

• Payment plans that let you split tuition into multiple installments
• Employer sponsorship options for workplace tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships like the Graduate Program Scholarship (Next-Level Grad Award) that covers tuition for your final 9 credit hours

The IRS allows employers to provide up to $5,250 tax-free annually for graduate education. Some companies fully cover degree costs when your studies directly relate to your current role.

You might need to pay some additional fees. These include a technology fee for online courses and a degree conferral fee, but they make up just a small part of your total investment.

Additional Information

Saint Leo’s MSW program helps graduates build professional skills with a special focus on trauma-informed care. Students learn to apply ethical principles, understand different viewpoints, promote human rights, use research-based practices, advocate for policies, and create a full picture of client needs.

Graduates can start their journey to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) in their state after completing the program. Career opportunities go beyond traditional roles into specialized areas such as:

• School social work
• Military and first responder support
• Marriage and family counseling
• Substance abuse treatment
• Medical social work settings
• Behavioral health services

The Field Education Department helps you find internships at Veterans Administration facilities, schools, hospitals, and hospice care centers. Saint Leo supports students through counseling services, available financial aid staff, and the Office of Accessibility Services.

The MSW program accepts students from eleven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois. Students need to pass a criminal background check for field placement. Past convictions might limit practicum options and future job prospects.

The program’s success shows in its outcomes – about 60% of graduates receive job offers before they complete their studies.