M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Social Work: Traditional
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), situated in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional program, designed specifically for individuals who hold undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work. This program is rooted in a commitment to fostering social change, promoting biopsychosocial-economic and spiritual well-being, and addressing systemic marginalization and oppression through a holistic social work practice. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the sole accrediting body for social work education in the United States.
Curriculum: The Traditional MSW program at UNF is a comprehensive 60-credit-hour curriculum that typically spans two years for full-time students or four years for part-time students, commencing in the fall semester. The courses are primarily offered face-to-face on the UNF campus during late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum covers foundational aspects of social work, including human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and institutions, social work research methods, and generalist practice. A significant component of the program is field education, considered the "signature pedagogy" of social work. Traditional MSW students are required to complete 900 hours of field education, divided into 400 hours at the generalist practice level and 500 hours at the advanced generalist level. Elective courses allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, such as social work in healthcare settings, psychopathology, or social work practice with the military, veterans, and their families.
Research Focus: The MSW program at UNF integrates a strong research focus throughout its curriculum, emphasizing evidence-based practice and research-informed interventions. Students engage with social work research methods, learning to critically evaluate existing research and conduct their own studies. This emphasis prepares future social workers to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession and to use research to inform their practice and advocate for policy changes. Faculty members within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work often engage in research related to various social issues, which provides students with opportunities to participate in scholarly activities, including presenting student-led research at symposia and collaborating with faculty as graduate assistants.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MSW program benefits significantly from robust industry engagement through its extensive community partnerships. Jacksonville's diverse community offers numerous opportunities for field education, where students gain hands-on experience in various social service agencies, healthcare settings, schools, and non-profit organizations. These required field education hours are supervised and structured, ensuring graduates develop practical skills for multi-method clinical and administrative practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program's focus on "experiential learning and research-informed practice" ensures that graduates are well-equipped to make a tangible impact in micro, mezzo, and macro practice settings. The university's overall commitment to connecting with regional economic drivers, including healthcare, also provides valuable networking opportunities for social work students.
Global Perspective: The MSW program at UNF cultivates a global perspective by fostering an understanding of human behavior within diverse social and cultural contexts. The curriculum often addresses issues of difference, discrimination, and oppression on a systemic level, preparing students to work with diverse populations both locally and internationally. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which accredits UNF's program, actively promotes the inclusion of an international dimension in social work curricula. UNF MSW students have even engaged in study-abroad opportunities, further broadening their understanding of global social issues and practices. This exposure helps graduates develop culturally competent practice skills, essential for addressing social and economic justice issues in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional program from the University of North Florida (UNF) is designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers focused on promoting social justice and well-being for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The rigorous curriculum, coupled with extensive field education, equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for direct practice, advocacy, and leadership roles in diverse settings. The CSWE accreditation ensures a high standard of education, leading to eligibility for state licensure.
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-eligible): This is a primary career path, with an MSW being the foundational degree for pursuing licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues, providing therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups in various settings like private practices, hospitals, and mental health clinics.
Healthcare Social Worker: Working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and hospice care, these social workers help patients and their families cope with illness, injury, and disability. They provide emotional support, connect clients with resources, and assist in navigating complex healthcare systems.
Child, Family, and School Social Worker: These professionals work to protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and support student well-being. They may be involved in child protective services, foster care, adoption, providing counseling to students, addressing behavioral issues in schools, or connecting families with vital resources.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Social Worker: Specializing in addiction and mental health disorders, these social workers provide assessment, counseling, and intervention services to individuals and groups. They often work in rehabilitation centers, community mental health agencies, or private practice.
Social and Community Service Manager: With their understanding of social issues and organizational dynamics, MSW graduates can move into administrative or leadership roles within non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community-based programs. They oversee program development, manage staff, and ensure effective service delivery.
Gerontological Social Worker: This specialized role focuses on addressing the unique needs of older adults. Gerontological social workers help seniors maintain independence, access services, navigate healthcare and housing challenges, and advocate for their rights and well-being.
Forensic Social Worker: Operating at the intersection of social work and the legal system, forensic social workers assist individuals involved in the criminal justice system. They might work in courts, correctional facilities, or victim advocacy programs, providing assessments, support, and resource connections.
Policy Analyst/Advocate: MSW graduates can leverage their understanding of social issues and research skills to influence public policy. They work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations to research, analyze, and recommend policies aimed at promoting social welfare and justice.
Crisis Intervention Specialist: Social workers often respond to individuals and communities in crisis, such as during natural disasters, domestic violence situations, or mental health emergencies. They provide immediate support, de-escalation, and connection to ongoing resources.
Case Manager: A foundational role in social work, Case Managers assess clients' needs, develop personalized care plans, coordinate services across various agencies (e.g., housing, medical, financial), and advocate for their clients to ensure they receive appropriate support.
