Apr 19, 2025  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Social Work, MSW

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The MSW Curriculum

The MSW curriculum is a 60-hour graduate program which includes field experiences. The Louisiana Christian University MSW program offers areas of specialization during the advanced/2nd year in healthcare/behavioral health and advanced generalist practice. To successfully complete the area of specialization, a student must take 9 hours of elective courses in their chosen area of specialization and complete both advanced year field placements in either a healthcare/behavioral health agency or an advanced generalist practice setting. Students have the option of entering the program as part-time, full-time (2 years), or full-time advanced standing (1 year). A student who has received a baccalaureate degree in social work from an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be eligible for the advanced standing option. Certain coursework criteria must have been met through the undergraduate social work degree as well.

  Part-time 6 hours/semester 3-4 years to complete
  Fulltime 15 hours/semester 2 years to complete
  Advanced standing 15 hours/semester 1 year to complete

The MSW degree will require students to successfully complete a non-thesis track. Candidates for this degree will take a comprehensive exam during their final semester of study and complete a capstone paper relating to the understanding and application of social work values/Christian values.

Admission requirements specific to the MSW Program are as follow:

  • Must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;
  • Must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    Official transcripts are:
  1. Electronic or E-Scripts are accepted if sent by the respective Universities to: msw@lcuniversity.edu.
  2. Those mailed from the college or university directly to the School of Human Behavior, MSW Program, Louisiana Christian University, L.C. Box 605, 1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71359.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission to the two-year traditional track, a student with a 2.5 cumulative GPA may be considered
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume’
  • Admissions Essay
  • Admissions Interview
  • Present proof of immunizations: Documents proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957.
  • Present proof of major medical coverage.
  • 9 hours of social science courses and 9 hours of humanities courses in undergraduate work

To qualify for advanced standing: a student must have a GPA or 3.0 or higher, meet all other requirements as listed above, and hold a degree from a CSWE accredited BSW program, have a B or higher in all undergraduate core social work courses, and have completed the BSW undergraduate program within 5 years of applying for the MSW program.

Policy on Applicants/Students Reviewing Recommendations:

As part of the online application process for the MSW Program, each applicant is required to complete a Waiver/Recommender Form identifying three individuals they would like for the program to contact. This form includes two statements from which the applicant can choose if they either waive or not waive their rights to access their recommendations. All recommenders are notified in an email sent to them requesting a reference on the applicant’s behalf that states the applicant may or may not have waived their rights to access to the recommendation. In the event the applicant chooses to not waive their rights and makes a request to access recommendations written on their behalf, the following protocol is in place.

  1. The phrase ‘access to recommendations’ is defined as having the opportunity to review their records. This review will take place in the MSW Program Director’s office.
  2. The applicant/student may read/review this information but cannot make copies nor take photos of these letters.
  3. Applicant/student must notify the MSW Program Director in writing of their desire to access recommendations written on their behalf. The Program Director has 10 days to respond to this request.

Degree Plan of Study

Course Title

Generalist Year Courses

Advanced Year Courses

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60

Note

Program Completion: Responsibility for reading catalog requirements for completion of the program and for knowing when the program has been completed rest entirely upon the student.

Candidate must apply for graduation by the end of the 2nd week of the semester the student expects to complete all degree requirements.

 

LCU MSW Program is accredited by the CSWE.

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