West Virginia Social Work Masters (MSW) Programs
It would be best to learn more about their programs as you plan to study for the Master of Social Work in West Virginia.
This article aims to explore the study structure of MSW in West Virginia, types of pathways, course details, and much more. Let’s set the ball rolling.
West Virginia Social Work Masters Programs
The objectives of MSW studies in Western Virginia are sufficient reasons to consider studying in the province.
Their program structure is intended to equip fellows with basic skills and proficiency in social work. This will assist them in working with diverse populations in society.
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MSW Program Structure in West Virginia
The learning structure in West Virginia is twofold.
The advanced practice and generalist syllabus. The advanced practice syllabus helps scholars develop and apply diverse skills across all levels of society.
Such skills include:
- Critical thinking is linked to health behavior at all levels
- Evaluating epistemologies
- Technological advances to become standard practice models.
- Regular ethical monitoring practice.
- Reading, writing, research, etcetera.
The generalist curriculum fosters the perspective of researchers with a concurrent impact on multiple systemic levels. More so, the studies are based on the liberal arts.
Therefore, it will enlighten you about the complex organization of various people and ideas.
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West Virginia MSW Entry Track and Duration
In West Virginia, there are two pathways for MSW scholars.
These are regular and advanced standing studies. The traditional standing entry path is designed to teach scholars without training or competence in social work.
We refer to academics with an undergrad certificate in other fields besides social work. As a result, the study syllabus is structured with core and specialty courses.
The advanced standing pathway addresses those who have social work experience or skills. Here we refer to researchers with a BSW obtained from CSWE-approved institutions.
Therefore, the syllabus is designed with only specialized classes.
How long you study in West Virginia depends on your chosen study pathway and whether you are a full-time or a part-time scholar.
Those who enroll in regular standing studies full-time will graduate in two years. But if you study part-time, you can spend three or four years.
Full-time advanced standing studies take only a year to finish.
While part-time studies may take two years, the advanced standing path will suit you if you are looking for an accelerated MSW study in West Virginia.
Colleges Offering MSW Degrees in West Virginia
A master of Social Work studies in this state will prepare you to be a well-rounded progressive practitioner. You can respond to the complex realities of practice in various roles and settings.
You build on generalist practice if you specialize in their advanced integrated approach. You can integrate micro, macro, and mezzo skills across all service sectors.
If you’re here to learn more about the best MSW program in West Virginia, you’ve come to the right spot. Below are some reputable academic institutions that offer top-notch studies in social work.
Let’s check on them.
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Marshall University
This institution welcomes students with and without BA in social work. Their social work masters studies consist of two tracks, which are standard and expedited classes.
The expedited courses are for you if you hold a BSW from a certified institution. Its curriculum is structured with only focused classes. You’ll cover 36 credits and 900 hours of field research for that.
If you choose to learn full-time, you can graduate within 12 months. But it will take part-time scholars two or three years to wrap up.
Meanwhile, the standard classes are for you if you don’t have previous social work knowledge. Course content features both foundational and specialization subjects.
Therefore, you’ll cover 66 credits and 900 hours of supervised site-based practicum. Students who opt for such programs finish their studies within two or three years.
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Concord University
You can be sure of acquiring world-class MSW education at this institution. They offer top-tier programs for scholars with a BA in social work and those without.
The accelerated class will suit those with a recent bachelor’s degree in social work. Course content features only specialization fields which can be concluded within a year or two.
Until then, you cover 525 hours of supervised fieldwork.
You can opt for the regular programs for those lacking a BA in social work. The study curriculum entails both foundational and focused areas.
You’ll be required to cover 925 hours of fieldwork before graduating. Students who opt for this learning route finish their studies within a year or two.
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West Virginia University
MSW studies at this institution aim at educating scholars on integrated social work practice. Therefore, the study curriculum focus on producing competent and effective practitioners.
We mean social workers committed to enhancing well-being and quality of life. What’s more? Graduates of their programs will be eligible to pursue social work licensure.
However, there’re two program options for prospective candidates. They include regular and accelerated classes. If you recently obtained BA in social work, their expedited programs will fit you.
The course content is structured with specialization subjects only. In addition to that, you’ll cover 600 hours of field research. Within a year or two, you’ll be done with school.
For those without social work backgrounds, the extended classes are for you. The study curriculum entails foundational and focused areas.
Before you graduate, you’ll cover 60 credits and 900 hours of field research. Students who opt for this learning route typically finish their education within two or three years.
These are all the reputable schools offering MSW studies in West Virginia. You’re to select either of them that matches your occupational goals.
Until then, you must research more about their graduate studies and how you can apply them. This will help you make a successful career in social work.
Criteria for Admission
Entrance standards for MSW programs in West Virginia may vary by university. However, we have a few generally accepted entry standards in the province.
- Candidates interested in advanced standing studies must hold a BSW from the university approved by the CSWE. Such a certificate shouldn’t exceed five years at the time of application.
- Scholars with interest in regular-standing studies may present any undergrad degree. However, the certificate has to come from a recognized university or college.
- All scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible
- Practically all universities in West Virginia require applicants to submit three letters of reference. These letters should be obtained from a previous school or workplace
- Scholars will be required to submit their undergrad transcripts for review
- Some universities in the province will ask for GRE result
- Applicants might be asked to compose a note containing their aims and objectives for studying in West Virginia.
There are a lot more entry requirements for MSW students in Western Virginia. Those above are few.
Go to your desired institution’s website to learn more about MSW entry standards in this region.
Course Details
As you seek an advanced understanding of social work, many classes will be aligned with your program syllabus. These courses are designed to teach you essential social work and progressive practices.
Check below; we’ve listed a few of these courses.
- Introduction to social welfare policy
- Community organizing
- Health and mental health, social work
- Human Behavior and the social environment
- Families and elders
- Women and child development
- Children and family services
- Sexual and gender minority mental health
- Current issues in human services
- Theories of poverty
- Children and Families
- Communication and counseling
- Child, family, and school social work
- Psychology
- Trauma-informed care
- Introduction to disaster management
- International social work
Fieldwork Locations For MSW Scholars In West Virginia
Field Education is a mandatory curriculum for MSW researchers in Western Virginia.
Most universities in the province demand that scholars have at least 900 hours of supervised field experience. This is about giving them a chance to apply their knowledge in class.
Some spots where you can complete your field placement include foster care services, correctional centers, homeless shelters, hospice services, juvenile detention centers, NASW, recovery homes, domestic violence centers, counseling facilities, child protective services, veterans affairs services, etc.
Withdrawal From School
Essentially, three things can result from a scholar being withdrawn from school. They include poor field training scores, academic performance, and ethical conduct.
The program chair will notify scholars eligible for withdrawal by serving them a letter.
Child Welfare Stipend
Universities in West Virginia provide financial assistance to people interested in child protection and social work. One of these aids is the “Title IV-E Grant.”
The Department of Health and Human resource sponsors it. Before an MSW fellow receives this scholarship, he must satisfy the conditions below.
- You must enroll in a program that includes at least 60 accredited courses.
- Scholars must also have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- you must offer a minimum of 12 hours of classes per semester.
- A minimum of two reference letters, an address, a resume, and a previous transcript must be submitted with your application
- You must attend an interview with WV DHHR and sign a binding contract
Note: Researchers who have not met these conditions will be asked to repay their funding with interest.
Now you can see reasons to study MSW in West Virginia. Their universities have licensed social work programs. This means they have attained all nine CSWE proficiencies of the agency.
Thus, you can use your certificate to obtain a state permit after graduating.
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