MSW Handbook (PDF)
We Offer Two MSW Degree Experiences. You Choose.
Students can choose to pursue our MSW degree by attending classes on our beautiful campus in Tuscaloosa or through our flexible distance learning/primarily online format option. Both formats focus on preparing students for advanced social work practice and leadership roles in a variety of social work settings.
Students have the option to be admitted to the on-campus format or to the distance learning/primarily online format of our MSW program. Once admitted, students may not switch formats.
Our nationally ranked Master of Social Work Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and structured to meet the needs of today’s working professionals.
MSW Goals
Graduates of the MSW program will be able to
- deliver evidence-based social work practice to diverse client systems
- advocate for vulnerable populations at the individual, group, and community levels
- engage in culturally competent advanced social work practice with diverse groups
- analyze, formulate, and influence organizational and government policies
- apply social work values and ethics to practice
MSW Mission
To prepare advanced scholar practitioners to improve the lives of individuals and families, enhance community well-being, and advocate for policies that support systemic change.
Three Program Tracks, Two Concentrations.
Wherever you are in your life and career, we have options for you. We offer three unique degree program tracks — our Advanced Standing Program, Traditional 60-Credit Hour Program and Part-time Program — to meet our students’ diverse educational backgrounds and to help students balance work-life.
Students may pursue a MSW in the following two concentrations under each program track:
- Social Work with Children, Adolescents and Their Families
- Social Work with Adults and Their Families
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1 Year: Advanced Standing Program
Program starts summer semester
Application deadline:
Nov. 1 (priority deadline)*, Jan. 5 (deadline)A full-time Advanced-Standing Program for students who hold a bachelor of social work (BSW) from a university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
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2 Years: 60-Credit-Hour Program
Program starts fall semester
Application deadline:
Dec. 1 (priority deadline)*, Mar. 1 (deadline)A full-time 60-credit-hour program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who do not meet the Advanced Standing criteria
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3–4 Years: Part-Time Program
Contact the School’s Registrar to inquire about our part-time degree plan.
An option for full-time enrolled MSW students in our Advanced-Standing or 60-Credit Hour programs. Part-time plans are available for review in the MSW Handbook.
*Applications must be submitted by the priority deadline to be eligible to apply for SSW scholarships.
MSW Distance Learning/Primarily Online
Our MSW primarily online format option is designed for working professionals who are looking to build on their social work knowledge and skills, advance in their career and boost their earning potential in a non-traditional setting. Offered through Bama By Distance, our MSW primarily online program is ranked among the Top 25 Best Online Master’s Program in the nation by BestColleges.com.
Earn More Than One Degree
Our top-ranked MSW degree can be combined with either a Master of Public Health (MPH) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham or a Juris Doctorate (JD) from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Taking advantage of our coordinated degree programs will allow you to earn two graduate degrees in two fields in less time than it would take to complete them sequentially.
To enroll in one of our coordinated-degree programs, students must apply to each school separately and be admitted to both programs.
MSW/JD
The MSW/JD is coordinated between The University of Alabama School of Social Work and The University of Alabama School of Law.
The degree provides students with the knowledge of legal and social work strategies that can improve the lives of individuals and groups by understanding forensic social work, the justice system, domestic violence, child protection, human rights, and more.
MSW/MPH
The MSW/MPH is coordinated between The University of Alabama School of Social Work and the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy (HCOP) at The University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Public Health.
The degree prepares social workers for interdisciplinary practice in public health programs concerned with the promotion and improvement of the health of diverse populations, including women, children, and families.
Start Planning Your Future
Interested in joining the thousands of UA MSW alumni who are leading agencies, developing policies, evaluating programs, and providing direct practice to impact the lives of individuals and families in Alabama and across the nation? We encourage you to visit us.
The School of Social Work offers both in-person and virtual MSW Information Sessions to learn more about our top-ranked program, course offerings, and for you to engage with current students, faculty and staff. We also provide valuable insight about the admission, advising and financial aid process.
In-person sessions have resumed, and communications will be provided on any COVID-related precautions.
- MSW Program overview and highlights
- Q & A with the School’s registrar and a field office representative (lunch provided)
- Current student panel discussion
- Opportunity to begin the MSW application here on campus
- Little Hall and campus tour
Virtual information sessions can be provided upon request with our Recruitment Coordinator.
You can contact our recruiter by calling (205) 348-5272 or emailing ssw_graduate@ua.edu.