MSW Program at Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a prestigious private institution in Valparaiso, Indiana that celebrates its Lutheran heritage. Students can easily reach the campus from Chicago (one hour southeast) or Indianapolis (2.5 hours north) through Interstates 65, 80/90, and 94, along with State Highways 30 and 49.
The university’s 350 acres suburban campus combines historic landmarks with modern facilities across 60 academic and residential buildings to create an energetic learning space. The Chapel of the Resurrection stands proudly as the campus centerpiece and ranks among the largest college chapels in the U.S..
Students at Valparaiso University benefit from small class sizes with an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Faculty members teach all classes instead of teaching assistants, giving students direct access to expert educators. Classes average 20 students, which makes learning more interactive and engaging.
The student body consists of 2,598 students – 2,142 undergraduates and 456 postgraduates. Students come from 32 different countries, creating a rich multicultural environment. Graduates join a strong network of over 65,000 professionals worldwide, which helps them build valuable career connections.
Academic excellence at Valparaiso University shows in the numbers:
- 10% higher four-year graduation rate than the national average (58.5% compared to 49.1% nationally)
- $15,000 higher median starting salary than the national average ($60,000 compared to $45,000 nationally)
- 140+ majors and minors along with 22 graduate-level programs
The university’s social work program has grown significantly since its Bachelor of Social Work program earned accreditation in the 1970s. The program now welcomed its Master of Social Work faculty in Summer 2024.
Student life at Valpo buzzes with activity through 100+ student organizations and clubs, 17 national sorority and fraternity chapters, and 19 Division I sports teams. This blend of academic excellence, individual attention, and active campus life makes Valparaiso University an ideal place to pursue your MSW degree.
Programs offered
Valparaiso University’s Master of Social Work program gives you three unique educational paths that align with your career goals and previous education. The MSW options at Valpo let you choose a path that works best for your situation.
BSW graduates can take the 35-credit Advanced Standing MSW Program – a fast-track 12-month option that builds on your social work background. The program runs from June to May with in-person classes. Students take 26 credits of advanced courses and complete 550 hours of specialized practicum. You can also choose 9 credits of specialized courses that match your career interests.
The 60-credit, 2-year MSW Program helps non-BSW graduates get a complete social work education. Students attend mostly in-person classes with some online learning and summer intensives each June. The program has 26 credits of core generalist courses with 350 practicum hours, plus 25 credits of advanced courses with 550 specialized practicum hours. Students also take 9 credits of specialized electives. Social work minors might transfer up to 12 credits if the program director approves.
Working professionals can choose the 60-credit, part-time, 3-year MSW Program that maintains high quality while fitting busy schedules. Students complete most work online and attend a two-week campus intensive each June. The curriculum matches the full-time program but moves at a more relaxed pace.
Each path gives you intensive training in advanced communication, theory, practice, research, and values-based leadership that promotes equity and ethical policies.
The university will roll out these programs in stages:
- Part-time online program launched Fall 2024
- Full-time in-person program started Summer 2025
- Advanced Standing option begins summer 2026
Valpo’s program features three professional paths:
- Direct Practice – Students learn clinical practice based on social work ethics and values
- Advanced Generalist – A customized program that fits specific interests
- Macro Practice – Students prepare for organizational, community, and policy roles
Each path offers specialized training through three courses. Topics include psychopathology, cross-disciplinary teamwork, crisis intervention, program development, community mental health, and government advocacy – all focused on social justice principles.
About the online program
Valparaiso University’s online MSW program launches in Fall 2024. The program has a flexible part-time structure that lets working professionals advance their education while keeping their careers active. Students complete this 60-credit program over three years through online learning with some on-campus sessions.
Students start their online MSW with a complete orientation process built for remote learning. Canvas, Valpo’s learning management system, provides access to self-paced online orientation modules before classes begin. These modules stay available throughout your studies as a resource hub. Your success and connection to university resources depend on active participation in these modules. This support system proves especially valuable for online students.
The program requires a two-week intensive on-campus stay each June over the three-year period. Summer sessions on campus help you develop hands-on skills that complement your online studies. These focused in-person meetings ensure you build practical skills needed for advanced social work practice, even though most learning happens remotely.
Students follow the same complete curriculum as on-campus learners but at a pace that works better with job commitments. The program has intensive skills courses that cover advanced communication, theory, evidence-based practices, and research methods. Values-based leadership takes center stage with a social-first approach to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Field education is the foundation of your online MSW experience. You’ll put theory into practice through transformative placements while getting exceptional support. Faculty mentors, intensive supervision from field experts, and an active alumni network help you succeed. These practical experiences align with Valpo’s mission to encourage leadership and service in graduates.
Like the on-campus program, online students choose from three professional paths:
- Direct Practice
- Advanced Generalist
- Macro Practice
The MSW program’s multi-year accreditation process continues, with accreditation expected to apply retroactively to students starting in Fall 2024. Your degree will meet recognized professional standards in social work after completion.
Accreditation
Choosing your MSW program requires careful consideration of accreditation, which is vital for quality education and licensure eligibility. The Master of Social Work program at Valparaiso University now moves through a multi-year accreditation process with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students starting Fall 2024 will benefit from retroactive accreditation. This gives students confidence their degree will meet professional standards.
Valpo’s MSW program reached a major milestone in 2024 by achieving formal pre-candidacy status from CSWE and welcoming its first student cohort. Students can now graduate from an accredited program, which opens doors for professional growth. The program’s phased rollout schedule supports each cohort through accreditation.
CSWE accreditation sets the standard for social work education in the United States. The Council for Higher Education recognizes CSWE as the only accrediting body for baccalaureate and masters-level social work education nationwide. This exclusive status shows CSWE’s role in setting educational standards.
Your professional future depends on getting a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. This accreditation will give a degree that meets national standards and qualifies you for licensure across all 50 states. Most states, including Indiana, need graduation from a CSWE-accredited program before granting social work licensure. These standards protect both professionals and the public.
Valparaiso University brings deep expertise with CSWE accreditation. The university’s Bachelor of Social Work program has managed to keep CSWE accreditation since 1975. This 48-year commitment shows dedication to meeting rigorous educational standards and provides strong support for the new MSW program.
Valparaiso University’s institutional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission, valid through 2027-2028. The university passed its latest comprehensive review by meeting all five accreditation criteria and 21 subcriteria without qualification. This endorsement proves Valpo’s academic excellence and supports program-specific accreditations.
CSWE’s accreditation process needs detailed self-studies, site visits, and Commission on Accreditation reviews. These steps verify programs deliver competency-based education meeting professional standards. Valpo stays committed to delivering top-quality education to its MSW students throughout this process.
Admission Requirements
Valparaiso University’s MSW program admission process looks at each candidate’s academic background, performance, and professional readiness to ensure student success. The university assesses candidates through specific criteria.
Students must meet these basic requirements for any Valparaiso graduate program, including the MSW:
- Graduate from an accredited college or university
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework
- Submit all required documentation for domestic or international citizenship status
The MSW program’s admission requirements vary based on your chosen pathway. Valpo BSW graduates pursuing the Advanced Standing MSW need:
- 0 cumulative GPA
- One essay about career readiness and motivations
- Contact information for one professional reference
- Evidence of professional and interpersonal skills development
Non-Valpo BSW graduates who want Advanced Standing must meet these requirements and provide a recommendation from their BSW program director or faculty member.
The Full MSW Program (non-Advanced Standing) requires:
- 0 cumulative GPA
- One essay responding to specific questions about career readiness and motivations
- Contact information for one professional and one academic reference
Students with GPAs below the requirement can still apply by submitting an extra essay that shows their readiness for graduate-level work.
Every MSW applicant needs to submit:
- Completed graduate application
- Application fee ($30 for domestic applicants, $50 for international applicants)
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Two recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages) explaining your interest in the program and professional goals
International students must also provide:
- Minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL (75 iBT), IELTS (6.0), Duolingo (110), or PTE (56)[192]
- Financial support documentation
- Virtual interview to assess communication skills
The university accepts students first, followed by a departmental admission process. All MSW students must pass a criminal background check before they start practicum placements.
The application deadlines are May 1 for Fall semester and October 1 for Spring semester admission. A careful review of these requirements and thorough preparation of materials will help you submit a strong application to Valparaiso University’s MSW program.
Tuition
Getting a Master of Social Work is a major financial step toward your future. A clear picture of costs at Valparaiso University will help you plan your education expenses better.
Your MSW trip starts with Valpo’s graduate tuition structure. The credit hour rates change based on your program and year of enrollment. Valpo keeps its graduate tuition competitive with other schools. The university updates these rates each year. You can find separate cost details for both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years.
MSW students need to consider program-specific fees too. Social work students pay detailed fees that cover classroom activities, co-curricular events, and field education. These fees change based on your level in the program. The university might add other fees depending on your program choice, enrollment type, or housing needs.
Valparaiso University gives you great tools to handle these costs. Their Net Price Calculator creates a customized cost estimate that matches your financial situation. This tool shows results quickly and helps you see what your actual expenses might be during your MSW studies.
Valpo alumni get a special deal through the Back to Beacon scholarship. This chance gives recent graduates a 30% scholarship on tuition for most master’s programs. Students must keep good grades to stay eligible, but they don’t need to enroll in consecutive terms.
The Office of Student Accounts helps you understand tuition billing, payment plans, statements, and refund policies. Veterans receive special consideration as Valparaiso University follows Section 103, which prevents penalties for delayed VA payments under Chapters 31 or 33.
Payment deadlines matter a lot. Students with unpaid balances from previous terms usually can’t register for new classes. The Office of Student Accounts is ready to help at 1.219.464.5101 if you have questions about payments.
Graduate education needs serious financial planning. Valparaiso University provides detailed support to direct you through financial aid and find flexible funding options that work for your situation.
Additional Information
Valparaiso University MSW students get more than just standard curriculum requirements with the program’s unique features and complete support systems. The Public Safety Social Work Certificate stands out as a specialized offering for social workers who want to join crisis intervention teams with police, fire, and EMS agencies. Students can complete this specialized training online to serve on mobile crisis teams, with interactive elements like virtual symposiums.
Valpo’s field education gives graduates an edge through hands-on learning experiences. The social work programs make a substantial difference in community well-being. Students provided more than 5,800 hours of service in 2023-2024. They worked with 24 Northwest Indiana professionals who shared their expertise across 21 different agencies in Porter, Lake, and LaPorte counties.
The university helps students who face unexpected challenges. Low-income undergraduates can access the Hardship Fund for urgent financial help, including temporary laptop loans. The university’s complete counseling services keep everything confidential while giving students vital mental health support.
The program boasts excellent outcomes. All graduating seniors met or exceeded simple competency requirements on field assessment measures. A new alumni mentorship program launched in 2024 has already attracted 20 alumni who support current students. These mentoring relationships, combined with resources like the professional clothing closet, give MSW students the academic and practical preparation they need.