Academics Overview
Request InformationOur Program Includes Two Learning Formats
Regular Standing
30 generalist credit hours + 30 concentration credit hours + two field placements = 60 credit hours
Advanced Standing
12 bridge credit hours + 30 concentration credit hours + one field placement = 42 credit hours
The VCU Difference
Guided by the principles of social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice, our Master of Social Work Program online format equips students with the skills to serve as advanced practitioners, policymakers, advisors and researchers capable of creating meaningful change in their communities.
Students in our program learn to:
- Apply ethical values and principles
- Counteract individual and institutional prejudice, oppression and discrimination
- Analyze and evaluate professional practice, programs and service delivery systems
- Advocate to effect social and economic justice
Master of Social Work Program Curriculum and Competencies
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), our M.S.W. online format encourages students to find their focus, embrace their own unique insights and fashion themselves into the social work professionals they want to be. Our goal is to equip students with the skills to make an immediate impact on the lives and communities they touch.
Generalist courses provide students with the tools essential to working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations, while concentration courses prepare them for specialized work in clinical social work practice or macro social work practice (social work administration, planning and policy practice). Students graduate with proficiency in the nine core competencies of social work education as defined by the CSWE:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Advance human rights and social and economic justice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Course content is delivered primarily asynchronously, supplemented by three real-time virtual sessions per course. Self-paced coursework allows students to study on their own schedule, while live, online classes foster crucial connections with peers and faculty. Please note that the live class schedule is subject to change as approved by the university.
Step 1
Choose the Program of Study That’s Right for You
Online students select a program of study that aligns with their professional goals. M.S.W. concentrations include clinical social work practice and macro social work practice (social work administration, planning and policy practice). Students can also pursue combined M.S.W. and certificate options, with certificates available in aging studies, child welfare and nonprofit management. Clinical track students interested in school social work can earn a certification through the Virginia Department of Education.
Clinical Social Work Practice Concentration
Multidimensional assessment
Goal-setting
Planned intervention
Combined Online M.S.W. and Certificate in Aging Studies
Biopsychosocial aging
Policy advocacy
Cultural competence
Combined Online M.S.W. and Certificate in Child Welfare
Needs assessment
Case plan development
Restorative practices
Combined Online M.S.W. and Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Fundraising communications
Financial management
Policy analysis
Step 2
Select Your Learning Pathway
Students select a learning pathway, or customized degree plan, based on elections in format and pace. The program includes regular and advanced standing formats, the latter of which offers an accelerated track to students holding a B.S.W. that’s no more than five years old from a CSWE-accredited institution. Additional requirements must be met for admission to the advanced standing track.
Students in the regular standing format choose from two part-time paces (three or four years) and two full-time paces (16 months or two years/four semesters), while those in the advanced standing format earn their degree in a year. Your personalized learning pathway ensures you earn your degree at a pace that fits your life.
Please note: Your learning pathway will include sequential core coursework that cannot be modified.
Regular Standing, Part-Time
Three to four years
Six to nine credit hours per semester
Regular Standing, Full-Time
16-24 months
15 credit hours per semester
Advanced Standing, Full-Time
One year
12-15 credit hours per semester
Field Education:
Connecting Theory to Practice
Field education is crucial to preparing students for professional success, and many students say they valued their field experience most during their time in the program. VCU places students in a variety of field experiences in their communities to complement online coursework and help them gain practical skills.
Wondering which program of study is right for you?
Connect With Us TodayPrepare for a Rewarding Career
With a Master of Social Work from VCU, you’ll be equipped with the skills to empower others and effect meaningful change in your community. Explore our blog to discover insights and read student success stories.
