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Social Work

Degree Type
  • Master of Social Work  
Location
  • Main Campus in Radford, VA
Format
  • In-Person
  • Online

Overview

The Master of Social Work program focuses on clinical social work practice, allowing you to acquire a blend of direct practice skills coupled with an understanding and appreciation of human diversity. Our students develop relationship, advocacy, and practice skills to serve individuals locally, nationally, or globally.

student sitting at the edge of a garden

Why Study Social Work at Radford?

  • We have flexible program options
  • You’ll have better access to faculty with small class sizes
  • We’re accredited by CSWE
  • Practicum placement provided by the school at 1 of over 300 available sites within 90 minutes of the campus
  • Graduate assistantships, paid VA placements, and Child Welfare Stipend Program available

Careers and Internships

  • We work with students to develop their specialty in social work
  • Electives in Military families, SUD, Crisis therapy, Aging, School Social Work, and many others
  • Practicums available in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and employment-based options

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Social Work

Read more on why to choose social work as a career.

Opportunities for Social Work students at Radford

  • Capstone course to develop your own research area and professional posters for presentation
  • Electives for overseas study and international healthcare
  • Faculty provide mentorship for student researchers
  • Student clubs and organizations

Admissions Requirements

  • No GRE or MAT required! Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are NOT required for admission to the M.S.W. program.
  • A baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited institution.
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (undergraduate degree).
  • Evidence of a liberal arts background to include at least 15 credit hours in social sciences, 9 hours of humanities, and 3 hours of biology content. A lab is not required for admission into the M.S.W. program.
  • Course credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.
  • GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of upper-division coursework

Accreditation

Social work regulatory boards require that social work degrees must be obtained from programs of social work that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Both the B.S.W. and M.S.W. at Radford University are accredited by CSWE with full accreditation until 2030 and therefore meet the educational requirements to become a licensed social worker in other states. Some states may have requirements beyond the educational requirements in order to be licensed. 

Our programs are also reviewed and monitored by a Professional Advisory Council, composed of trained professional social workers, and are affiliated with many professional organizations including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the School Social Work Association of America.

Professional Advisory Council

Roanoke PAC

  • Raleigh Campbell, Retired Practitioner
  • Ted Edlich, Total Action Against Poverty
  • Jane Conlin, City of Roanoke Department of Social Services
  • John Woodrum, Veterans Hospital, Salem 
  • Kathy Wolford, Carilion
  • Gloria Manns, Private Practice
  • Mark Derbyshire, Carilion
  • Pam Kestner, Council of Community Services
  • Wesley Brusseau, RU School of Social Work Alumni
  • Mitzi Cotton, RU School of Social Work Alumni
  • Reverend Joe Cobb, Metropolitan Church

 New River Valley PAC

  • Terry Smusz, New River Community Action
  • Vicky Collins, Radford City Department of Social Services
  • Tina King, New River Valley Agency on Aging
  • Pat Brown, Women’s Resource Center 
  • Larry Lindsay, Montgomery County Department of Social Services
  • LeeAnn Martin, Pulaski County Department of Social Services
  • Guy Smith, Pulaski County Department of Social Services
  • Lewis LaFon, Wythe County Department of Social Services
  • Tracie Brewster, Montgomery County Department of Social Services

Former Members

  • Dr. Harvey Barker, Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Kim Matthews

  • 100 M.S.W. students across all program options

  • 27 years of accreditation by CSWE

  • 300 sites available for practicum placement provided by the school

Flexible options so you can learn how you like

Students can choose full-time, part-time, face-to-face, or online options. Classes are offered late afternoons and evenings or asynchronously.

portrait of student in a lounge

“Radford's M.S.W. program was very convenient for me since they offered a part-time program at the Roanoke campus. My internships especially prepared me for my career as a bilingual therapist. I will be able to use the skills I gained throughout my career.”

Shawnte Woodson, M.S.W. QMHP

Ready to Study at Radford?

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.