Program: Social Work (M.S.W.) - Samford University

2020-2021 Samford University Graduate Catalog

Mar 29, 2025

The master of social work program (M.S.W.) prepares graduates for advanced social work practice. The program offers concentrations in clinical social work and global community development. The clinical social work concentration prepares graduates to serve as counselors, psychotherapists, or case managers, or in similar positions that provide social services to individuals, families, and/or small groups. The global community development concentration prepares graduates to address largescale systemic challenges, such as homelessness, hunger, poverty, human trafficking, and access to healthcare.

Social Work: Foundation Sequence: 30 Credits

Year I, Fall: 15 Credits

Year I, Spring: 12 Credits

OR Advanced Standing Seminar**

(Advanced Standing students only)

SOWK 600 - Advanced Standing Seminar (3) **

Year I, Summer (Required): 3 Credits

SOWK 615 - Faith Perspectives on Social Work Practice (3)

Year I, Summer (Electives): 3 Credits

SOWK Electives - vary by summer

Social Work: Concentration Sequence: 21 Credits

Year II, Fall: 12 Credits

SOWK 601 - Advanced Research Seminar (3)

Clinical Social Work Concentration: 9 Credits

Global Community Development Concentration: 9 Credits

Year II, Spring: 9 Credits

SOWK 665 - Policy Analysis and Advocacy (3)

Clinical Social Work Concentration: 6 Credits

Global Community Development Concentration: 6 Credits

Year II, Summer (Electives): 3 Credits

(choose one)

Total Required Credits: 57

*All Field Placement courses include a Field Seminar, which meets 1 hour/week.
**Please note: The program allows flexibility in time to completion. Advanced Standing students (i.e., students who hold a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education) may waive the first year of the program, complete the Advanced Standing Seminar bridge course, and complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Non-Advanced Standing students may complete the program in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. The Advanced Standing Seminar is available in the summer.