Radford University

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum builds advanced practice skills, theory and research methods needed for direct practice with individuals, families and communities, as well as for leadership and administration. Core topics typically include human behaviour and the social environment, advanced social work practice (with individuals, families and groups), social welfare policy and services, research methods and program evaluation, and ethics and professional issues.

• Foundation courses: theories of human development, diversity and cultural competence, assessment and intervention frameworks.
• Advanced practice courses: clinical diagnosis and treatment planning, trauma‑informed practice, substance use interventions, family and group therapy techniques.
• Policy and administration: macro practice, community organisation, grant writing, management of social service organisations.
• Research and evaluation: quantitative and qualitative methods, outcome measurement and program evaluation relevant to social services.
• Field education: supervised practicum placements in community agencies, hospitals, schools, juvenile justice or child welfare settings; practicum hours are a substantial, required component of the degree.
• Electives and concentrations: students can select electives or specialisation pathways to focus on clinical mental health, school social work, substance abuse, gerontology, or community practice depending on availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the MSW are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Preference is commonly given to candidates with coursework or experience in social work, human services, psychology or related fields, but applicants from other disciplines with relevant experience are considered.

• Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; minimum thresholds and competitiveness vary by applicant pool.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining professional goals and fit with the programme.
• Resume or curriculum vitae detailing work, volunteer and practicum experience.
• References or letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional referees.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation such as a background check, immunisation records for practicum placements, or to meet prerequisite course requirements; standardised test requirements (e.g. GRE) vary and should be confirmed with the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSW programme are prepared for a broad range of professional roles across clinical, community and organisational settings. Common career paths include clinical social worker, school social worker, child welfare practitioner, medical or hospital social worker, substance abuse counsellor, case manager, policy analyst and programme administrator.

With an MSW and required supervised practice hours, graduates may pursue state licensure for clinical practice (for example, licenced clinical social worker credentials), enabling independent practice in mental health and counselling settings. The programme’s field placements also help students build local networks that support job placement in hospitals, community health centres, schools, non‑profit agencies and government services.

Why study at Radford University

Radford University’s MSW emphasises hands‑on learning through sustained, supervised field education with community partners in the region, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real practice settings. Small class sizes foster close mentorship from faculty with clinical and research experience, and the programme typically offers flexible delivery options to accommodate working students.

Students benefit from Radford’s regional connections to healthcare systems, schools and social service agencies, as well as opportunities to engage in community‑based research and policy initiatives. The curriculum is designed to meet professional standards and prepare graduates for credentialing and leadership roles in the social work profession.