VCU School of Social Work
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Help others with VCU’s online Master of Social Work. Learn how to serve individuals and families as you prepare to become a decision maker in the field of social work.
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The VCU School of Social Work offers a graduate professional curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) leading to the Master of Social Work degree. Choose from two academic concentrations and five learning pathways: part-time (four years), accelerated part-time (three years), full-time (two years), accelerated full-time (16 months) and advanced standing (12 months).
Graduates of this program will be able to address personal and social problems; formulate, implement and evaluate policies and programs; engage in knowledge development for the profession; and influence community decision-making. The educational program focuses on service to and empowerment of people who experience oppression or vulnerability due to inadequate or inequitable distribution of personal, social or institutional resources. Within this context, social work practice is defined as the application of professional knowledge, skills and values across a range of settings and populations for the prevention and amelioration of personal and social problems.
The interactions among persons and their environments are the primary targets of social work practice. Services provided by social workers include the restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance and enhancement of optimal functioning of individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Knowledge for social work practice is based on analysis and critical application of qualitative and quantitative research from within the profession and related social, behavioral and biological sciences. Skill in professional practice is based on the differential application of theories and research findings about people in their sociocultural and organizational contexts. Skill is developed by the social worker through the educational process, self-critical practice and the use of supervision and consultation. Values in social work practice are articulated in the profession’s code of ethics and reflect the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of each individual, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
The School of Social Work facilitates the online learning experience with multiple pathways that allow students to start the program at different times, and varied program tracks that allow students to pick a higher or lower number of credit hours each semester.
Students are largely in control of their own schedules through a predominantly asynchronous learning environment. Each course has three synchronous classes that students are required to attend each semester. In general, students should plan for about six to eight hours of work per week per course. There are no restrictions around when students do the work – as long as they submit assignments on time.
Geographic flexibility means students do not have to relocate to enroll in the program. VCU will find field placements (internships) at agencies in local communities where students are living and learning. Students in a regular standing track must complete 900 total field hours over two field placements; advanced-standing students complete 750 hours at one field placement. Most field placements will be during regular business hours.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
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Employment statistics for “Social Workers” in the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Degree outcomes data based on graduate responses to VCU’s First Destination Survey.
The macro practice concentration equips you with the advanced skills needed to drive systemic change. Through a blend of critical and emergent theories and practice, you’ll learn to navigate complex social issues, develop leadership in community and organizational settings, and cultivate transformational relationships. This track emphasizes self-awareness, power, and positionality as key elements of understanding and influencing change. You’ll build expertise in values-driven planning, policy strategies, and advocacy, while gaining practical tools for resource management, community organizing, and effecting meaningful social change.
This concentration is available in the following pathways:
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
The clinical practice concentration prepares students for advanced practice in mental health, health care and community settings, among others. Grounded in trauma-informed, anti-racist and evidence-based approaches, the concentration emphasizes clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment with individuals, families and groups. Students develop strong clinical skills through coursework, hands-on field placements and specialized training in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic therapies and motivational interviewing. Graduates are equipped to pursue licensure and provide high-quality, ethical care across diverse populations.
This concentration is available in the following pathways:
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
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