Department website: http://socialwork.wvu.edu
Degrees Offered
- Master of Social Work
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Dual MSW/MPA
- Dual JD/MSW
Nature of the Program
Mission Statement and Overview
The mission of the WVU MSW program is to educate students to become advanced integrated practice social workers. The specialization in advanced integrated practice builds on generalist practice and prepares students to integrate micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills across service sectors and within interdisciplinary teams to effectively address social and human problems pertinent to a wide range of professional practice areas, with a particular emphasis on effective models of rural service delivery. The advanced integrated practice curriculum provides an integrative approach to social work where students are prepared for both direct practice and administrative roles. This curriculum prepares WVU MSW graduates to be well-rounded advanced practitioners who can respond to the complex realities of practice in a variety of roles and settings
The program offers two degree plan options (Regular Standing and Advanced Standing) and two course delivery modalities (on campus and online). The Advanced Standing degree plan is available to students who have either earned a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW) within the previous 8 years from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, that is recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or that is covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. Each degree plan can be completed through a full-time or a part-time option. The full-time program is offered through the on-campus delivery modality only. The WVU MSW program is nationally accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE).
A dual degree option resulting in the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees is also available through the School of Social Work and the Department of Public Administration for on campus students. The MSW/MPA dual degree program can be completed in 3 years for Regular Standing students or 2 years for Advanced Standing students, including summer coursework. Students can learn more about the MPA degree here: https://publicadmin.wvu.edu/students/master-of-public-administration
A dual degree option resulting in the Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) is also available through the School of Law and the School of Social Work. The JD/MSW degree can be completed in 4 years for Regular Standing students and in 3 years for Advanced Standing students. Students can learn more about the JD degree here: https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/law-d
Students interested in the dual-degree programs must apply to and be accepted by each program (MSW and MPA or JD and MSW) separately.
Students interested in applying for the MSW program should consult the School of Social Work website: http://socialwork.wvu.edu or contact:
MSW Admissions
School of Social Work
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6830
Morgantown, WV 26506-6830
Phone: (304) 293-3280
Email: socialwork@mail.wvu.edu
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MSW program are employed throughout the United States and internationally. They work as individual, family, and group treatment specialists, planners, community organizers, and social researchers. They also work as social work educators and as administrators in a variety of programs such as mental health clinics, hospitals, correctional institutions, courts, delinquency programs, aging programs, family counseling agencies, child protective agencies, public welfare departments, child development programs, drug and alcohol abuse programs, public schools, community action agencies, settlement houses, city governments, state government planning agencies, federal administrative agencies, and private research and development organizations concerned with human problems. Social workers are the largest group of mental health service providers in the country.
There has been a constant growth in the need for professional social workers. It is anticipated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other research bodies that the employment demand for social workers will continue to increase in numbers and in varieties of programs. The WVU MSW social work curriculum is designed to help students prepare for these careers.
Faculty
Director
- Deana Morrow - Ph.D. (North Carolina State University)
Ph.D. Program Director
- Carrie Rishel - Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh)
M.S.W. Program Director
- Mary Christensen - Ph.D. (Simmons University)
B.S.W. Program Director
- Megan Gandy - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Professors
- Kristina Hash - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Aging and Healthcare, Family Caregiving, Geriatric Education, Technology, Conflict Coaching and Meditation - Deana Morrow - Ph.D. (North Carolina State University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Social Work Education, Social Work Practice Regulations, Sexual Minority Populations, Older Adults, Mental Health - Carrie Rishel - Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Rural Integrated Health Training Director; Children’s Mental/Behavioral Health, Prevention of Mental Health Problems, Risk and Protective Factors Related to Child Outcomes, Prevention-Focused Social Work Practice, Integrated Models of Service Delivery - Leslie Tower - Ph.D. (Barry University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Women's Issues, Health Care Administration, Domestic Violence
Associate professors
- Mary Christensen - Ph.D. (Simmons University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Master's Program Director; Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, Health Service Disparities, Evidence-Based Social Work Practice - Megan Gandy - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; LGBTQ Populations, Mental Health Services, Social Justice, Technology in Social Work Education - Jiyoung Tabone - Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Child Maltreatment and Later Outcomes, Prevention and Intervention Research, Mental Health Services, Risk and Resilience, Program Evaluation
Assistant Professors
- Bridget Bailey - Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Adolescent and Adult Behavioral Health, Suicide, Bipolar and Mood Disorders, Co-occurring Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, Evidence-Based Treatments, Trauma-Informed Care, Community Engaged Research - Megan Fabbri - Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Human Rights, Global Perspectives, Migration, Sex Work, Worker Rights, Health Disparities, Community Organizing, International Social Work Education - Andrew Irish - Ph.D. (University of Buffalo)
Regular Graduate Faculty; Socioeconomic Status Inequality and Behavioral Health, Recovery Capital and Substance Misuse, Policy Mapping and Multilevel Modeling Methodologies
Teaching Instructors
- Rebekah Dunaway - M.S.W., M.P.A.(West Virginia University)
Youth and Families, Communities, Program Pevelopment, Grant Writing, Training Development - Jacqueline Englehardt - M.S.W. (West Virginia University)
Nonprofit Management, Continuing Education Certificate Programs, Professional Development - Rhonda Hayes - M.S.W. (West Virginia University)
Substance Abuse & Recovery, Family Victimology, Grant Writing, Social Agency and Program Administration - Jamie Mesar - M.S.W. (University of Pittsburgh)
Child Welfare, Forensic Interviewing, Child Neglect and Maltreatment - Fanica Payne - M.S.W. (West Virginia University)
Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Diverse Populations, Civil Rights - Lindsey Rinehart - M.S.W. (New York University)
Field Education, Service Learning, Community Engagement, Homelessness - Mandy Weirich - M.S.W. (West Virginia University)
Policy and Advocacy, Geriatric Education, Use of Technology in Teaching and Research
Emeritus Faculty
- Carol Amendola - M.S.W. (West Virginia University)
- Marjorie H. Buckholz-Cleveland - Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
- Patricia Chase - Ed.D. (West Virginia University)
- Roger A. Lohmann - Ph.D. (Brandeis University)
- Nancy Lohmann - Ph.D. (Brandeis University)
- Caroline T. Mudd - M.S.W. (University of Pennyslavania)
- Neal Newfield - Ph.D. (Texas Tech University)
- Michael Zakour - Ph.D. (Washington University)
Admissions
The School of Social Work accepts applicants to both the Masters and the Ph.D. programs. Applicants to the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) programs (online or on campus) are classified as either Regular Standing or Advanced Standing. The online M.S.W. program is offered on a part time basis only. All other programs have full time or part time options. (*Note: International applicants living outside the United States are not eligible to apply to the online program).
The GRE is not required for admission to any of these programs.
Master of Social Work
Regular Standing
For Regular Standing, domestic applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants (on campus program only) must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- At least a 2.75 overall GPA is required from the institution granting the applicant's undergraduate degree, though a 3.0 GPA is preferred.
- Applicants who have already completed a graduate degree may use their overall GPA for purposes of admission. A 2.75 GPA is required, with a 3.0 GPA preferred.
Advanced Standing
Domestic applicants who have received a B.S.W. from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program within the last eight years may apply for Advanced Standing. International applicants (on-campus program only) who have received a B.S.W. from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors within the last eight years may apply for advanced-standing.
- At least a 3.25 or higher GPA in applicant's undergraduate social work courses if preferred.
- Applicants who have already completed a graduate degree may use their graduate overall GPA for purposes of admission. A 2.75 GPA is required, with a 3.0 GPA preferred.
Ph.D. in Social Work
Applicants for the Ph.D. program must have an M.S.W. degree plus two years post-M.S.W. practice experience. A GPA of at least 2.75 overall is required, though a 3.0 GPA on a prior degree is preferred.
List of Admission Requirements for the M.S.W.:
- Steps to apply for admissions and access the application (*Note: There are separate applications for the online M.S.W. and on campus M.S.W. programs).
- Transcripts for all institutions attended.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Three letters of recommendation (specific requirements on program website).
- Admissions essay (specific requirements on program website).
List of Admission Requirements for the Ph.D.:
- Steps to apply for admissions and access the application.
- Transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Three letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member and one from a post-M.S.W. practice supervisor (applicants can submit an addendum section in their application essay to explain if this is not feasible).
- Admissions Essay (specific requirements on program website).
- Academic or professional writing sample (specific requirements on program website).
International Applicants
- Steps to apply for the admissions and access the application.
- International applications should view additional requirements.
- Language proficiency is required for admission and to hold a graduate teaching assistantship.
Application Deadlines:
- The M.S.W. program (both on campus and online) and the Ph.D. program admit once per year. The M.S.W. Advanced Standing full time on campus program begins in the summer term (May). All other M.S.W. programs and the Ph.D. program begin in the fall (August).
- The priority review deadline for the M.S.W. Advanced and Regular Standing full time on campus programs is January 15th. The final deadline is March 1.
- The priority review deadline for the M.S.W. Advanced and Regular standing part time online programs is February 1st. The final deadline is April 15th.
- The priority review deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15th. The final deadline is March 1st.
- For provisionally licensed social workers in West Virginia who are accepted as non-degree students, admissions deadlines may differ. Please contact the M.S.W. program director for details.
- Exceptional Ph.D. applicants may be nominated by the School of Social Work for competitive University Fellowships. Qualified applicants will be notified if they are nominated. More information on WVU fellowships can be found here.
Assistantships
All full time applicants who apply by the priority deadlines will be considered for financial support in the form of graduate service assistantships (GSAs), graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs), and graduate research assistantships (GRAs) in the School of Social Work if available.
For questions, please contact: socialwork@mail.wvu.edu
Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by the program.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Major Code M.S.W. on campus: 1407
Major Code M.S.W. online: 14C5
Major Code Ph.D.: 14F1
For specific information on the following program, please see the link to the right:
- Social Work, M.S.W.
For specific information on the following program, please see the link to the right:
- Social Work, Ph.D.
Degree Progress- MSW
The School of Social Work outlines specific timelines for degree completion and policies for evaluation of student progress. Students have a total of 8 years from the date of acceptance to complete their MSW degree. If students have not been registered for courses for a period of 24 months or more and do not have a signed degree plan indicating their plan for continuance, they must re-apply to the program in order to continue towards completion of the degree. At that time, the MSW committee will decide whether previously completed coursework can be applied towards the current degree plan and curriculum requirements. Students who are applying for advanced standing status after a period of inactivity must have a BSW degree within 8 years of their most recent acceptance date. Similarly, if a student was previously accepted as an advanced standing student, but has become inactive, his or her advanced standing status is considered based on the most recent acceptance date.
Timelines for Degree Completion
Typical timelines for degree plans are as follows:
- Advanced Standing, full-time: 1 year (3 semesters)
- Advanced Standing, part-time: 2 years (6 semesters)
- Regular Standing, full-time: 2 years (5 semesters)
- Regular Standing, part-time: 3 years (9 semesters)
- Dual Degree (MSW/MPA), Advanced Standing: 2 years (6 semesters)
- Dual Degree (MSW/MPA), Regular Standing: 3 years (8 semesters)
- Dual Degree (LAW/MSW), Advanced Standing: 3 years (8-9 semesters)
- Dual Degree (LAW/MSW), Regular Standing: 4 years (11-12 semesters)
Timelines for degree completion are uniform for face-to-face and online delivery options. However, the online MSW program is offered on a part-time basis only.
Students are asked to sign a copy of their designated degree plan upon admission to the program. If they wish to deviate from the outlined degree plan, they must have an alternate degree plan that outlines their plan of completion that is approved and signed by the MSW director in order to continue in the program.
Degree Progress- PhD
The School of Social Work outlines specific timelines for degree completion and policies for evaluation of student progress. The PhD program is offered only as a full time program. Students complete coursework by the end of fall of Year 3 and then complete the comprehensive exam/dissertation proposal and dissertation research process. Once a student has successfully defended their dissertation proposal and is admitted to candidacy, the student has no more than five years to complete the doctoral program. Most students are advised to complete their dissertation by the end of Year 4.
Timelines for Degree Completion
Typical timelines for PhD program completion are as follows:
- Year 1- 10 credit hours of course work fall and spring semesters; 20 hours per week GTA/GRA for funded students
- Year 2- 9 credit hours of course work fall and spring semesters; 20 hours per week GTA/GRA for funded students
- Year 3- 3 credit online course in fall semester; Comprehensive exam/dissertation proposal defense late fall/early spring; 20 hours per week GTA/GRA for funded students
- Year 4- Dissertation- complete and defend when ready
Evaluation of Students
Students receive a written evaluation of their progress in the program yearly from their academic advisor. These evaluations summarize the student’s academic performance, progress in field education, professionalism and interpersonal skills, and progress towards completion of the degree plan. These evaluations are reviewed with students and kept on file at the School of Social Work.
For times when a student’s academic performance falls below the threshold, or when there are concerns regarding academic dishonesty or unprofessionalism/policy violations at the school or field placement site, the MSW program has a detailed review and remediation procedure that is clearly outlined in the MSW Student Handbook.
For additional information, please see the MSW and PhD Student Handbooks, which can be downloaded at the SSW Webpage.
MSW Requirements
- Benchmarks: In addition to maintaining GPA requirements, students must pass all field courses, adhere to academic standards, and demonstrate professional ethics consistent with social work practice (see MSW Handbook for details).
- Additional Requirements:
- Regular Standing students are required to complete two community-based field internships (generalist, 6 credits; advanced; 9 credits
- Advanced Standing students are required to complete one advanced community-based field internship (9 credits).
PhD Requirements
- Benchmarks: In addition to maintaining GPA requirements, students must adhere to academic standards and demonstrate professional ethics consistent with social work practice (see PhD Handbook for details).See above timeline of progress toward degree. The majority of coursework is completed by the end of the spring of Year 2 (with exception of the integrated research seminar completed in fall of Year 3). The comprehensive exam in the format of a dissertation proposal (written and oral components) is expected to occur near the end of fall semesters or beginning of spring semester of Year 3. Once the dissertation committee has approved the written proposal and oral defense, the committee will recommend that the student should be advanced to candidacy. most students are expected to complete the dissertation process and defend by the end or Year 4.
- Additional Requirements: The WVU guidelines state that once a student is admitted to candidacy, the student has no more than five years to complete the doctoral program. If a student needs more than five years to complete the doctoral program following candidacy, the PhD Program Committee must approve an extension and follow relevant university guidelines.
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Master of Social Work
- Admission. Students seeking to enter the Program must apply separately and be admitted independently to the College of Law's JD and Eberly's MSW program in accordance with each college's standard admission procedure.
- For additional details and requirements for each program, please visit the Law page or the Social Work page.
- Students will develop a combined plan of study with their graduate advisers in Social Work and in the College of Law.
- Only courses included in an approved plan of study will satisfy graduation requirements.
- Students admitted to an approved dual degree program should plan to have their two degrees conferred simultaneously upon completion of all requirements for both degrees.
- Students must meet the academic standards of both degree programs.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Master of Social Work Regular Standing | ||
SOWK Coursework | 54 | |
Research Methods | ||
Human Behavior in the Social Environment | ||
Professional Identity and Social Justice | ||
Social Welfare Policy and Programs | ||
Generalist Practice 1: Individuals, Families, and Groups | ||
Generalist Practice 2: Rural Community Macro Practice | ||
Generalist Field Experience | ||
Evaluation Research in Social Work | ||
Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Deliberation | ||
Assessment and Diagnosis | ||
Practice with Individuals | ||
Practice with Families and Groups | ||
Organizational Administration and Leadership | ||
Financial Management and Grant Writing | ||
Advanced Field Experience | ||
LAW Electives (share 6 credits) | ||
Jurisprudence Doctorate | ||
LAW Coursework | 38 | |
Introduction to Legal Research | ||
Legal Analysis, Research and Writing 1 | ||
Contracts 1 | ||
Criminal Law | ||
Property | ||
Torts 1 | ||
Legal Analysis, Research and Writing 2 | ||
Constitutional Law 1 | ||
LAW 793 Civil Procedure | ||
LAW 793 Introduction to the Profession | ||
LAW 793 Legal Writing Intensive | ||
Appellate Advocacy | ||
Professional Responsibility | ||
Seminar | 2 | |
Administrative Law Requirement | 3 | |
Perspective | 2 | |
Capstone | 4 | |
Electives | 39 | |
SOWK Electives (share 6 credits) | ||
Child Mental Health: Promotion, Prevention, and Treatment | ||
Clinical Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
Addiction and Social Work Practice | ||
Child Welfare Continuum | ||
Fundamentals of Gerontology | ||
Rural Gerontology | ||
Total Hours | 142 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Master of Social Work Advanced Standing | ||
SOWK Coursework | 30 | |
Evaluation Research in Social Work | ||
Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Deliberation | ||
Assessment and Diagnosis | ||
Practice with Individuals | ||
Practice with Families and Groups | ||
Organizational Administration and Leadership | ||
Financial Management and Grant Writing | ||
Advanced Field Experience | ||
LAW Electives (share 6 credits) | ||
Jurisprudence Doctorate | ||
LAW Coursework | 38 | |
Introduction to Legal Research | ||
Legal Analysis, Research and Writing 1 | ||
Contracts 1 | ||
Criminal Law | ||
Property | ||
Torts 1 | ||
Legal Analysis, Research and Writing 2 | ||
Constitutional Law 1 | ||
LAW 793 Civil Procedure | ||
LAW 793 Introduction to the Profession | ||
LAW 793 Legal Writing Intensive | ||
Appellate Advocacy | ||
Professional Responsibility | ||
Seminar (any LAW 688, 689, or 796 course) | 2 | |
Administrative Law Requirement | 3 | |
Perspective | 2 | |
Capstone | 4 | |
Electives | 39 | |
SOWK Electives (share 6 credits) | ||
Child Mental Health: Promotion, Prevention, and Treatment | ||
Clinical Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
Addiction and Social Work Practice | ||
Child Welfare Continuum | ||
Fundamentals of Gerontology | ||
Rural Gerontology | ||
Total Hours | 118 |