Cost & earnings at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Social Work graduates earn a median $44,960 Across 363 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →A practice-focused master's that prepares graduates for clinical and leadership roles in social services, integrating spirituality, ethics and evidence-based interventions. Suited to applicants seeking licensure-track clinical practice or nonprofit/hospital leadership, with options for standard or advanced-standing paths.
The curriculum covers engagement and assessment with individuals and groups, social policy practice and advocacy, spirituality in diverse populations, clinical assessment and differential diagnosis, integrated health and behavioral health, and nonprofit management. The program offers two degree plans: a Standard plan (60 credit hours, approximately 2 years, two practicum placements) and an Advanced Standing plan for CSWE-accredited BSW holders (33 credit hours, approximately 11 months, one 500-hour practicum placement).
Applicants must submit an application with fee and official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected; applicants with lower GPAs may be asked to submit GRE or MAT scores. Candidates write a personal statement addressing motivation for graduate study and the program’s themes of human rights and justice, cultural and spiritual humility, holistic practice and empowerment; a video conference interview with the program director may be requested.
Advanced Standing applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited BSW; if the BSW was completed more than five years earlier, eligibility requires current employment in social services or an active social work license. Advanced Standing applicants also submit three letters of recommendation (including at least one academic/practicum reference) and a final BSW practicum evaluation (a mid-term evaluation may be used for conditional admission). Standard plan applicants (non-BSW) must demonstrate a liberal arts background across specified areas, provide three recommendations (including academic or professional references), and submit a formal graded writing sample of at least five pages or an acceptable alternative.
Graduates are prepared for licensure-track clinical social work and leadership roles across hospitals, nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. Common job titles include Licensed Clinical Social Worker, nonprofit or social services director, medical/healthcare social worker, school social worker, substance abuse social worker, child welfare advocate, sexual assault counselor, immigration policy advocate and military/veterans affairs social worker.
The School of Social Work offers priority review dates for summer admission (preferred consideration for graduate assistantships, scholarships and field placements) and a standard review deadline later in spring; applicants seeking funding should observe the February 16 priority-review date. The program notes that 80% of first-year students receive paid field placements. Published per-credit tuition rates are provided on the program page for planning purposes.
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