Masters of Social Work, Concentration: Clinical Social Work

Chair:

Shalunda Allen-Sherrod, D.S.W., LICSW-S, PIP

Program Director:

Shalunda Allen-Sherrod, D.S.W, LICSW-S, PIP

Graduate Faculty:

Shalunda Allen-Sherrod, D.S.W., LICSW-S, PIP, Associate Professor
Ann-Marie Buchanan, Ph.D, LCSW, Professor
Isaac Olatunji, Ph.D., MDiv., Assistant Professor

Field Director: Tracy Thompson, MSW, Assistant Professor

Robyn Wright, D.S.W, LMSW, Assistant Professor

Adjunct Faculty:

Edith Fraser, Ph.D., LICSW, PIP Juanita White, Ph.D., LCSW Erhuvwukorotu Kollie, Ph.D., RN

Programs Offered: Master of Social Work

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Oakwood University is to prepare students for advanced clinical practice through a range of methods designed to promote holistic well-being. These methods are deeply rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing respect for human diversity, the integration of scientific inquiry, and the professional application of social work theories. The program’s approach incorporates a person-in-environment framework, addressing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders.

Grounded in the rich legacy and perspective of the African American experience, the program seeks to address systemic inequities while fostering resilience and empowerment. It integrates a culturally responsive lens that acknowledges the historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized communities. By combining evidence-based practices with a commitment to social justice and ethical service, the program equips students to meet the needs of diverse populations with compassion, competence, and a focus on transformative change.

Accreditation:

Oakwood University's Master of Social Work program is currently in candidacy status for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Students who enter programs pre-candidacy will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-Accredited program once the program attains initial accreditation. The candidacy process includes three phases, benchmark I, II, and III. The program is currently at the end of phase II.

Prerequisites for Admission:

Applicants must have earned the baccalaureate degree identified above within the past five years. Applicants who completed the baccalaureate degree identified above more than five years ago with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, may submit a letter to the MSW program requesting to be considered eligible to apply for Advanced Standing.

Criteria for admission into the Master of Social Work program requires the following:

1. Documented completion of a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.

2. Documented completion of a broad liberal arts background (minimum 30cr) including study in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences.

3. A complete online application

4. A personal statement

5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

6. Two letters of reference

   1. At least one must be from an academic or professional setting.

   2. Relative reference letters are not allowed.

7. Resume

Admission into the MSW Advance Standing program

Students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree who are considering admission into the MSW Advance Standing program are required to submit the following documentation, in addition to the general admissions materials requested above.

A baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university whose social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the time the degree is conferred; a baccalaureate degree in social work from a Canadian/International program accredited by CASWE; or ISWDRES verification of a baccalaureate degree in social work from an international program determined to be consistent with a degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

• Students must have received their baccalaureate degree in social work at least five years before enrollment.

• Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all baccalaureate level social work courses.

Provisional Admission

Provisional acceptance requires the applicant received a minimum score on the admission’s rubric for provisional acceptance. A score of 14-17 results in provisional acceptance admission to the department. Students who are given provisional acceptance are required to work in specific areas (i.e., academic, character areas in which they may warrant counseling, missing documentation).

Transfer Admission

Students who began their graduate studies in a master’s program with a major in social work and are considering transfer admission into the MSW program are required to submit the following documentation, in addition to the materials requested above for general admission.

1. Completion of graduate credits received while enrolled in a master’s degree in social work from a college or university whose social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the Canadian Associate of Social Work Education (CASWE) at the time the courses were taken.
   1. Students must have received a B or higher in all courses considered for transfer. 
2. A copy of the final field evaluation from the student’s graduate field placement.

Completion of graduate credits received while enrolled in a master’s degree in social work from a college or university whose social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the Canadian Associate of Social Work Education (CASWE) at the time the courses were taken.

1. Students must have received a B or higher in all courses considered for transfer.

2. A copy of the final field evaluation from the student’s graduate field placement.

MSW applications are scored in the Slate application management system. Once the application has been completed, then a notification is sent to the Program Director and assigned MSW faculty for review. The committee meets and processes the applications and once acceptance is completed the application is sent to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval. Students scored by the following rubric. A score of 18-32 on the rubric indicates full acceptance intothetraditional/advancestandingprogram. A14-17scoreresultsinprovisionalacceptanceand a 13 or below denial of admission to the department.

Time Limits:

The programs are structured to accommodate both part-time and full-time students. Full-time students typically take four courses per semester, while part-time students may take one or more courses per semester, depending on their individual circumstances. All requirements for the Master of Social Work degree must be completed within five years of initial enrollment. Requests for extensions beyond this period will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Residence:

The final Field Education courses, SW 619 & SW 689, along with SW 690 Capstone course must be taken through the Oakwood University Master of Social Work program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete 59 graduate credit hours in social work and one credit hour in Orientation (OU 501), for a total of 60 credit hours, including:

1. 30 hours in the foundational component

2. 30 hours in the concentration in clinical social work

3. Exception: Advanced standing students will complete 29 hours in clinical social work and one credit hour in Orientation (OU 501) for a total of 30 credit hours

Complete a total of 900 hours in the field education program for the Generalist Master of Social Work program. Advanced standing students must complete a minimum of 500 hours.

Concentration: Clinical Social Work

Program Description:

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to serve a diverse, online student population in the United States and abroad. Recognizing the varied backgrounds of our students— rural, urban, and suburban—the program is structured to meet the educational needs of individuals from a wide range of communities and demographics.

Our field education program places students in settings nationwide, where they engage in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These placements are carefully selected to align with social work values and to offer rich opportunities for meaningful, community-based practice.

Students also benefit from interaction with peers and faculty from across the country. This diverse learning environment encourages the exchange of perspectives and experiences, including shared insights from field placements, enriching students’ professional and personal development.

At its core, the MSW program aims to prepare students to become effective agents of change, equipped to serve and advocate for diverse populations within the broader national and global community.

Program Goals:

The Master of Social Work program at Oakwood University is designed to prepare students for advanced clinical practice through a curriculum that integrates evidence-based methods, ethical principles, and a Christian worldview. The program has identified the following goals:

• To prepare students for advanced clinical practice using a wide range of evidence-based modalities.

• To develop advanced clinical practitioners who respect and value human diversity and difference.

• To equip practitioners with a biblically grounded foundation, committed to promoting the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

• To train clinical social workers to apply social work theory in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders, utilizing a person-in-environment framework.

The goals of the Master of Social Work are derived from the program’s mission. Both the mission and goals focus on preparation of students for clinical practice with specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis, amelioration and treatment of mental, emotional and spiritual dysfunctions.

Additionally, the goals of the program are derived from the program’s mission in that both place an emphasis on faith and learning as the foundation for service to God and to humanity. The social work program encourages strong moral principles and a close relationship with God. It celebrates the diversity of faiths and respects the differences of persuasion that are present. The program believes in a holistic approach to life that balances mind, body, and spirit in such a way that students are fully prepared to serve the world when they finish their studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

2. Engage diversity and difference in practice.

3. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.

5. Engage in policy practice.

6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.