Winthrop University’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) offers an empowerment-focused curriculum that enables students to improve lives and communities as competent, specialized social workers. This program offers both campus-based and online options with a focus on empowerment practice, which prepares students to create meaningful change.
Our M.S.W. program educates students to become advanced social work practitioners through the specialization in empowerment practice across systems (individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations).
To learn more about the online program, visit our Online Master of Social Work webpage.
Graduate Program Director:
Mr. Chris Ward
wardc@winthrop.edu
803/323-2648
Graduate Assistantships
Students have the opportunity to work in the Department of Social Work and around campus as graduate assistants and associates.
CSWE Accredited
The Winthrop University M.S.W. program, with a specialization in empowerment practice, is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Modality Options
The Department of Social Work offers two modalities and four options for pursuing your Master of Social Work Degree.
Each cohort begins in August and completes four semesters of study, including two field placements beginning each August.
Time to completion: 2 years
Total Credits: 60
Format: Campus-based
Additional Program Information
Curriculum (MSW - Full-time Traditional)
This program is designed for students who have previously earned a CSWE accredited bachelor's degree in social work. Enrollment is on a full-time basis for one calendar year beginning each May.
Time to completion: 1 year
Total Credits: 39
Format: Campus-based
Additional Program Information
Curriculum (MSW - Full-time Advanced Standing Traditional)
Winthrop University’s online MSW programs feature the same curricula and are taught by many of the same faculty as our on-campus programs. You benefit from the flexibility and convenience of being able to access your courses from any device.
100% Online Tracks include:
Traditional MSW program
Advanced Standing MSW program
The weekend programs are not currently enrolling new students.
This program is not currently enrolling new students. Graduate studies consist of intensive weekend course offerings and reduced weekly required field hours. Classes meet one weekend each month. Students enroll in classes over a period of three years beginning each August.
Time to completion: 3 years
Total Credits: 60
Format: Campus-based
This program is not currently enrolling new students. This program is designed for working professionals who have previously earned a CSWE accredited bachelor's degree in social work and desire a weekend course schedule. Classes meet one weekend each month. Students enroll in classes over a period of two years beginning each August.
Time to completion: 2 years
Total Credits: 39
Format: Campus-based
A cohort admissions process is used for MSW admissions. Review of applications begins February 1.
Summer Admission (Advanced): Review ends April 30
Fall Admission (Traditional): June 15
Please contact the Master of Social Work department in regards to space availability:
Department of Social Work
132 Bancroft Hall
803/323-2168
mswadmissions@winthrop.edu
The 60 credit hour Full-Time Traditional Program cohort is admitted for August enrollment.
The 39 credit hour Full-Time Advanced Standing Program cohort is admitted for May enrollment.
The 60 credit hour Weekend Traditional Program cohort is admitted for August enrollment. This program is not currently enrolling new students.
The 39 credit hour Weekend Advanced Standing Program cohort is admitted for August enrollment. This program is not currently enrolling new students.
Both 100% Online MSW Programs admit students for January, May, and August enrollment. Read more about the online admission here.
Note: All admission materials must be received by the Graduate Studies Office before an application will be reviewed.
Application requirements for the Master of Social Work program (all tracks) include:
The online Graduate Studies application with the non-refundable application fee
Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Transcripts must be sent directly to Winthrop's Graduate Studies office from the issuing institution(s). We cannot accept transcripts (even sealed, official transcripts) from individuals.
Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (Advanced Standing applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited college or university).
Three professional recommendations. Personal/character references from family members, friends, co-workers, and clergy are not appropriate. If you graduated within the last five years, one reference should be an academic reference. You may also use an employer or someone who has supervised your volunteer work. You will be asked to provide names and e-mail addresses of three individuals who can complete a recommendation form on your behalf.
A current, professional resume that demonstrates paid and volunteer experience in the helping profession.
A professional narrative statement (3-5 pages) addressing the following:
1) Your reasons for pursuing the MSW degree and your commitment to the profession
2) Your career goals upon completing the degree
3) How will a specialization in empowerment practice help you reach your professional goals?
Note: Prior to beginning your statement, please read the NASW Code of Ethics and our statement on Empowerment Practice. This statement must be developed solely by the applicant with no outside assistance and reflect sound, professional judgment.
Have an overall undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the Advanced Standing Program. For the Traditional Programs, a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred on the last 60 credit hours; or a 2.8 overall GPA.
Note: No GRE is required to complete an application.
"The empowerment practice specialization of Winthrop’s MSW program gives me the flexibility to move across all client systems. I see the program as a universal way to introduce future social workers to this broad profession. To have a firm base of empowerment knowledge will serve me no matter what aspect of the profession I chose to practice. It is the embodiment of what a social worker does - provide the tools for individuals, families, and communities to empower themselves!"
MSW graduates go on to careers in a wide variety of social work fields or continue to further their education and earn doctorates in social work.
Our graduates are equipped for positions that include:
Child and family social workers
Hospice and palliative care social workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
Geriatric social workers
Criminal justice social workers
Clinical social workers
School social workers