Social Work, M.S.W. *

OSRHE Program Code: 164

CIP Code: 440701

Major Code: 9818

Option Codes:

• 9811 - Advanced Standing Pathway
• 9819 - Traditional Pathway

Purpose

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree academically prepares competent and effective professionals by offering advanced standing and traditional pathways.  The social work curriculum is designed to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and values of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies and behavioral indicators with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.  These key foundations prepare our graduates to practice social work in a wide range of social work agencies and allied settings with diverse client systems and people.  The MSW degree at NSU has a unique focus in its integration of addressing social work practice with Native American populations.

Specialty Accreditation

The Master’s of Social Work (Social Work, M.S.W.) is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (1701 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314-3457, 703-683-8080).    www.cswe.org 

Credential Requirements

There are five levels of social work licensure in Oklahoma. Four licenses require a master’s degree, while the LSWA credential requires only a bachelor’s degree. All candidates for licensure must pass an exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Certain licenses also require supervised experience, and all candidates for licensure must submit an application and pay fees. Licensed social workers often find positions in healthcare, education, and the legal system.

Social workers in Oklahoma do not need a clinical license to work independently. While professionals must attain clinical licensure for private practice, a licensed social worker (LSC) and the licensed social worker administration (LSW-Adm) credentials also qualify holders for independent social work practice.

The Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers (OSBLSW) issues provisional licensure after candidates submit their application and fee. Provisionally licensed professionals must pass the exam within a year. Oklahoma does not have a reciprocity agreement with other states, but there is a system in place for out-of-state social workers to gain licensure. Students are encouraged to talk with their faculty mentor about licensure requirements and to consult the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers for more information.

 

Admission Requirements

NSU Graduate College Admission

Admission to the NSU Graduate College is required.  The minimum requirements for regular admission to the Graduate College are:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. A grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate coursework attempted; or a 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework attempted; or a minimum score on the appropriate graduate entrance exam.  A student who is a graduate of a fully accredited institution which does not indicate grade points on transcripts must submit scores on the Miller Analogy Test or the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination before being considered for admission to the Graduate College.  The scores must place the student in the upper three-fourths of college graduates according to national norms.
3. All master’s degree candidates must take one of the following entrance exam tests MAT, GRE, or GMAT before the close of the first semester of enrollment in graduate studies. The degree program being pursued determines the test to be taken and the minimum score that is required.
4. Proof of citizenship for a U.S. citizen born outside of the United States and for a resident alien. An international applicant for whom English was the first language and is the spoken language in the home must sign a statement to that affect.
5. A score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL for all applicants, U.S. citizens or international applicants for whom English is a second language.

Program Admission

Admission to the MSW program requirements are as follows:

• MSW Advanced Standing Pathway applicants must have earned a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• MSW Traditional Pathway applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally listed college or university with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of ­3.00 on a 4.00 scale. 

Retention

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better to remain in good standing in the program.  Students are expected to comply with the Code of Ethics established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and to demonstrate professional behavior.  Students who fall below a minimum GPA of 3.00 will be placed on academic probation.  The grade report will show the student’s probation. To be removed from probation, the student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 by the end of the next semester or next nine hours of enrollment.

Graduation

Students must have the minimum 3.00 GPA to graduate.  A minimum of 24 semester hours must be earned from Northeastern State University. Credit earned through correspondence study will not apply toward a master’s degree.  Credit will be applied toward a program only for work begun and completed within six years prior to the granting of the degree, exclusive of any time spend in the uniformed services of the United States.