St. Ambrose University MSW
Founded in 1882, St. Ambrose University started as a seminary and school of commerce for young men. The institution has grown into a private Catholic university in Davenport, Iowa. John McMullen, the first Bishop of Davenport, established the university which still maintains strong ties with the Diocese of Davenport.
The Higher Learning Commission accredited St. Ambrose University and recommended a 10-year approval during its 2017-18 review. This accreditation, combined with specific program certifications, will give a solid education supported by excellent resources and facilities.
The university serves as “an inclusive, Catholic, and diocesan community of learners” that gives students the ability to “act courageously, to seek wisdom through faith and reason, to work for justice and to lead lives of service”. These principles shape the values of the MSW program.
St. Ambrose University’s student body consists of 2,916 students – 2,231 undergraduates and 685 graduate students. The university attracts a diverse population with 58% women and 89% full-time students. Students benefit from a 113-acre urban campus that combines educational resources with community involvement opportunities.
A student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for individual attention and meaningful connections. The university’s learning environment thrives with 335 faculty members and 270 staff, keeping average class sizes at 20 students.
St. Ambrose University offers:
- More than 60 undergraduate majors
- 11 master’s degree programs
- Three doctoral programs (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and business administration)
The student population reflects diversity with 16% identifying as minority groups. The international community spans 34 countries, with most students coming from Saudi Arabia, India, and the United Kingdom.
A 2024 partnership with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids lets students take classes at both locations. The universities are exploring a potential full merger, showing St. Ambrose’s commitment to expanding educational access.
St. Ambrose University builds its graduate programs, including the Master of Social Work degree, on strong academic foundations. The programs prepare students for careers in mental health, community development, and social justice initiatives.
Programs offered
St. Ambrose University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides three distinct pathways that fit different educational backgrounds and schedules. Students can choose from this fully accredited graduate program to build careers in mental health, community development, and social justice initiatives.
Three Pathways to Your MSW:
- Advanced Standing MSW (Online or In-Person)
- Complete the program in 12 months
- Available only to BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited institutions
- 36 total credits required
- 500 hours of practicum experience in your local community
- Full-time MSW (In-Person)
- Complete your degree in about 21 months
- Classes held at the Davenport, Iowa campus
- Build 900 hours of field experience through two tailored practicums
- 60 total credits required
- Part-time MSW (Online)
- Complete your degree in about 3 years
- Perfect for working professionals
- 900 hours of field experience through two practicums in your local community
- 60 total credits required
The program’s distinctive Empowerment Social Work Method sets it apart. Students learn multi-level interventions with diverse populations in social service settings of all types. This comprehensive approach prepares you to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations simultaneously.
The MSW program strengthens university-agency partnerships while contributing to social work’s knowledge base through scholarship and professional presentations. Faculty members stay active in education, leadership, and service at local, national, and international levels.
The program specializes in Empowerment Social Work, yet students can customize their education through electives that match their interests and career goals. MSW graduates work in various fields including military social work, addictions, trauma, adult and youth mental health.
St. Ambrose offers dual degree options, though specific details weren’t included in the available information. Built on 22 years of educational excellence, the program’s faculty advisors work closely with students to help them make educational choices that support their career goals.
Students receive field placements that match their professional interests. They work at various sites including homeless services, mental health facilities, hospitals, hospices, and schools.
About the online program
St. Ambrose University’s online MSW program provides a flexible pathway tailored for working professionals who seek advanced social work education. Working professionals can complete their degree in approximately 3 years through this part-time, distance learning option. Students gain real-life experience while balancing academic coursework, which includes 900 hours of field practice in their local community.
Students must complete 60 total credits and participate in two separate practicum experiences that match their professional goals. The coursework runs primarily through asynchronous learning to help students maintain their current responsibilities. Faculty might occasionally schedule synchronous meetings to boost your educational experience.
Your courses will include various learning activities that build competency in empowerment-based social work practice through Blackboard Learning Management System and WebEx technology. Students consistently report feeling fully supported throughout their education experience, despite the distance format.
St. Ambrose’s online program stands out with its individual-specific support system. Each admitted student receives a dedicated faculty advisor who helps arrange educational choices with career aspirations. The Director of Field Education also cooperates with each student to secure suitable practicum placements that match professional interests in their local area.
The online MSW program offers these key features:
- Faculty reach through multiple channels (online office hours, telephone, WebEx)
- Student support to secure field placements near your residence
- Learning activity logs to assess progress
- Specialized empowerment framework that works in all practice settings
Students should note that applications must reach by August 1st each year since this program requires a fall start date.
The program requires completion of all degree requirements within four years from the original enrollment. Students typically spend about 15 hours weekly on practicum responsibilities during their second and third years, alongside required social work theory and practice courses.
The 2025-2026 program costs include tuition at $852 per credit hour, totaling approximately $51,120 plus a $840 technology fee. Students should account for extra expenses like books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs beyond direct program charges.
St. Ambrose’s online MSW delivers a complete educational experience with individual support. This program prepares students for advanced social work practice without disrupting their career or requiring relocation.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a key measure of quality in social work education. It proves the curriculum standards are sound and shows the institution’s dedication to excellence. St. Ambrose University’s Master of Social Work program earned its reaffirmation of accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for the maximum period of 8 years in October 2019. This recognition came after a thorough review that confirmed the program meets all educational policies and accreditation standards.
CSWE accreditation is the highest standard for social work education in the United States. The CSWE Board of Accreditation has recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It’s the only organization that can accredit social work education programs in the United States and its territories. This endorsement shows that St. Ambrose University prepares students effectively for ethical professional practice.
MSW students should know why this accreditation matters. Most states require graduation from a CSWE-accredited program to get a social work license. Without this credential, career growth becomes much harder. Employers also look at CSWE accreditation as proof that candidates have the basic skills they need to work effectively.
Programs must complete several steps to earn accreditation. These include self-studies, site visits, and review by the CSWE Board of Accreditation. Each program must show how its mission lines up with CSWE’s social work competencies. Programs also work on quality improvement beyond their eight-year renewal cycle. This ensures students learn current practices that match real-world needs.
CSWE accreditation covers all types of programs, both online and on-campus. St. Ambrose’s distance learning MSW students get the same quality assurance as those who study on campus. This matters even more as the program adds new ways to deliver education that fit different student needs.
St. Ambrose University’s School of Social Work lists CSWE accreditation as its top goal. This shows how much they value professional standards. The CSWE’s competencies guide student training in ethics and skills. Graduates leave ready to make positive changes in practice settings of all types.
Admission Requirements
St. Ambrose University’s MSW program looks at several qualifications to make sure you’re ready for graduate-level social work education. The admission team reviews your academic background and professional potential to assess your readiness.
You need to submit official grade transcripts from your previous colleges and universities to start your application. St. Ambrose already has access to their own transcripts, so there’s no need to request those. Your application should include email addresses of two professional or academic references who can vouch for your graduate studies and social work practice potential. The program staff will reach out to these references with instructions about submitting recommendations through an online portal.
Core Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum of 18 credit hours in social and behavioral sciences
- Minimum of 9 credit hours in humanities
- 0+ GPA in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours
- Evidence of interest, ability, and potential for professional social work practice
- Previous experience in human services (preferred but not required)
Each program format has different application deadlines. The Advanced Standing MSW (online or in-person) needs applications by April 1 since the program starts in summer. Students who want to join the full-time in-person MSW program should apply by May 1 for fall start. Part-time format applications are due by August 1.
The admissions committee might ask for an interview with an MSW faculty member. This helps them better understand your professional goals and program readiness.
International students must meet extra requirements. They need to prove their English language skills with minimum scores of 79 on the TOEFL or 6.0 on the IELTS. Their official transcripts from secondary education should show at least a 2.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale.
The committee takes a complete look at each application. They review your academic performance and personal qualities that show your potential success in social work practice. A strong application shows both intellectual ability and professional readiness.
Tuition
Your MSW degree’s financial investment is a vital step in planning your academic journey. The St. Ambrose University MSW program comes with specific tuition costs and several support options.
Graduate tuition at St. Ambrose University costs approximately $958 per credit hour during the 2024-2025 academic year. The complete MSW program needs 60 credits, which brings your total investment close to $57,480. This amount changes based on your program format. Qualified BSW graduates can take a more cost-effective route through the Advanced Standing program that requires just 36 credits.
Your budget should include several other costs. The annual technology fee stands at $280, and books and supplies cost about $1,320. Students living off-campus should plan for room and board expenses around $9,782.
St. Ambrose provides multiple financial aid options specifically designed for MSW students.
School of Social Work Empowerment ScholarshipStudents enrolled in 9 or more credits each semester can apply. The program gives priority to first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented groups. Each year, two students receive this award through a selection committee of MSW faculty and practicing social workers. The funds go directly into your account at the start of each year.
St. Vincent ScholarshipMSW students taking 9 or more credits per semester can receive this needs-based award. Students get their funds at the beginning of each academic year.
School of Social Work Graduate FellowshipsThese fellowships help reduce your degree costs. The Financial Aid office can provide more details about these opportunities.
Iowa residents have additional options available, though the Iowa Tuition Grant mainly supports undergraduate students.
St. Ambrose University proves affordable compared to other schools. The university’s tuition falls below the national average of $46,950, making it a smart choice to get your graduate degree.
Additional Information
St. Ambrose University’s MSW program gives you access to amazing resources that go beyond regular coursework. After graduating, you’ll join a thriving network of over 31,000 alumni across many decades. The Academic and Career Planning Office will help advance your career through resume writing support and job search assistance.
Students who work with the Career Center see great results – 95% of graduates are hired, pursue further education, or serve in their field within six months of finishing their degree. You can build your professional network at special events like the Health and Human Services Networking and Career Fair.
MSW students get dedicated support from specialized librarians who help with research projects. On top of that, the Alumni Engagement Office keeps you connected to SAU through monthly newsletters and alumni events. This connection lasts long after graduation.
The campus offers many ways to get involved. You can join the Graduate Student Government Association, Graduate Student Association, and Racial Justice Committee. These groups help you develop advocacy and social justice skills outside the classroom.
Scene Magazine arrives twice a year with features and community updates to keep alumni connected. St. Ambrose’s resources make sure your social work education continues well past graduation.