Arkansas State University
Graduate Program in Social Work
P.O. Box 2460
State University, AR 72467
Phone (870) 972-3984
Fax (870) 972-3987
http://www2.astate.edu/a/conhp/socialwork/majors/masters-of-social-work/

Program Description
THe MSW Program offers a concentration in rural-based clinical social work practice.  Students learn the fundamental knowledge, skills and ethics that guide social work practice and the populations traditionally served by the profession.  Students are prepared to acknowledge and utilize the less formal social exchange between people and systems that exist in rural communities by learning how to identify and develop resources and use natural helping networks.  Students are expected to employ a broad range of approaches, theories and models in their practice and to develop skills that enable them to perform multiple roles in the helping process.  Additionally, students learn the importance of examining issues of diversity; social work values and ethics; how to identify, prevent and interrupt social economic injustice; and the importance of community empowerment.

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Graduate Program in Social Work, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Students choose from two program choices:

1. Foundation Curriculum - For applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline, who graduated from an accredited BSW program more than 5 years ago, or who do not meet requirements for the Advanced Curriculum program.  All students admitted to this option must successfully complete the Foundation Curriculum and the Advanced Curriculum.

2.  Advanced Curriculum - For applicants who have received a BSW degree within the last 5 years from a social work program accredited by CSWE.

Application Requirements
          1. Admission to the Arkansas State University Graduate School
          2. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
          3. All Official Transcripts
          4. Three references from individuals who can objectively assess the student's potential
              for graduate work (Faculty, Field Supervisor, Field Liaison, Co-Worker, Other
              Professional)
          5. A grade of C or better in the following Prerequisite Courses: American Government,
              Human Biology, Basic Sociology, Statistics, Basic Psychology and Introduction to
              Social Work
          6. Computer literacy demonstrated through prior coursework (Web-based or Computer
              classes)
          7. A Personal Goal Statement
          8. A Current Resume
          9. A Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work
             for admission to the Foundation Curriculum; 
             A Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better in the last 60 credit hours of the BSW degree for
             admission to the Advanced Curriculum