Master of Social Work Programs

Our full-time, two-year MSW program offers a dynamic blend of in-class learning and hands-on fieldwork. In the first year, students are introduced to core social work principles during the Generalist Year. The second year, known as the Specialized Year, allows students to deepen their expertise in their chosen specialization.

Program Overview

Our MSW Flagship program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours, while graduates from accredited Baccalaureate Social Work Programs may be eligible for our 45-hour Advanced Standing Program. Students can specialize in either Direct Practice or Community, Administration, and Policy (CAP) Practice, with options to focus on one of six fields:

• Family and Child Welfare Services
• Criminal Justice
• Mental Health
• Health
• Social Gerontology
• Displaced Populations

Part-Time Enrollment Options

We also offer flexible part-time enrollment each semester, including evening and some online classes, to fit various schedules. Students can either work with their advisors to create a customized part-time plan or select one of our recommended part-time programs:

• Plan 1: Complete the degree over three to four years, extending the full-time, two-year curriculum.
• Plan 2: Finish half the degree requirements full-time (30 credits) and the remaining part-time (30 credits) over three years.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The admissions review process typically takes four weeks once all required materials are submitted. While GRE or GMAT scores are not required, applicants must provide:

• Official transcripts from each college or university attended (sent directly by the institution).
• Three letters of recommendation from professors, academic advisors, faculty mentors, and one university-based internship/work/volunteer supervisor.
• Application essay.
• A personal statement.
• A non-refundable application fee of $100.

For applicants who have completed degrees within the past year or are transferring from another MSW program, at least two recommendations must come from faculty who have taught them.

For more information on program requirements visit the MSW Flagship Admissions. 

MSW Online (Starship)

The Howard MSW Online program seeks to enroll individuals with the potential to become leaders in the social work profession. Our online MSW program upholds the same rigorous admissions and academic standards as our on-campus program, ensuring a high-quality education.

Rooted in the Black Perspective guiding philosophy, the MSW online curriculum emphasizes how oppression, self-determination, and culture shape the way we serve individuals and communities. 

The online program offers two pathways:

• Traditional MSW (60 credits) for those with a B.A. degree
• Advanced Standing (45 credits) for those with a BSW degree

Application Requirements

• Complete online application
• Current resume
• Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Personal statement and application essay
• Three letters of recommendation
• No GRE required

For more information on application requirements, visit the admissions page.

Advanced Standing Program

The Advanced Standing status allows BSW graduates to complete their MSW degree in three semesters by requiring 45 credit hours, rather than the typical 60.

The supplemental advanced standing program application can be found here. Applicants who meet the requirements for the Advanced Standing Program will be granted advanced standing status upon formal financial enrollment in the MSW degree program.

Criteria for Advanced Standing:

• A degree from a baccalaureate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• An overall "B" average in your undergraduate coursework
• Grades of "B" or better in key foundation courses: practice methods, field education, social research, human behavior and social environment, and social welfare policy and services
• The baccalaureate degree must be earned within four (4) years of applying for the MSW program.

Advanced Standing Accelerated Program (ASAP)

For those who qualify for Advanced Standing, the Accelerated Program (ASAP) offers an even faster path to earning your MSW. In this option, you can complete the degree in two semesters of full-time enrollment, requiring just 30 credit hours.

Preparing for the Exam:

Enrollment in ASAP requires passing the ASAP Exam, which is administered on-campus. This exam assesses knowledge typically covered in the second semester of the MSW program, focusing on material from Human Behavior & the Social Environment and Social Welfare Policy.

At the Howard University School of Social Work, we offer three dynamic dual, joint, and accelerated degree programs that allow students to expand their expertise and career opportunities:

• Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Masters of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Social Work/Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MPH)

These dual degree options provide an exciting interdisciplinary approach for students enrolled in our MSW program. With guidance from academic advisors in both fields of study, students can tailor their course selections to align with their career goals. MSW students also have the opportunity to specialize in either Direct Practice or Community Administration Policy Practice. Please note that separate applications are required for each degree program.

For more information on admissions criteria, visit Dual Programs.