School of Social Work - The University of Alabama - Overview
Master of Science in Social Work Programs at the University of Alabama
The School of Social Work at the University of Alabama focuses on increasing students' knowledge of social issues and their solutions, improving social conditions in the state of Alabama and beyond, and promoting social justice for all people.
The school offers students an outstanding Master of Social Work (MSW) program that can be pursued in the traditional, on-campus setting or via distance learning. It prepares students for advanced practice with 2 populations: (1) children and their families, and (2) individuals and their families.
Because of its progressive curriculum, accomplished faculty members, and cutting-edge research endeavors, the MSW program at the University of Alabama has a ranking within the top 30 percent of accredited programs of this nature in "US News and World Report's" guide to the Best Graduate Schools.
Two-Year MSW Distance Learning Program Curriculum
The 2-year MSW program's curriculum includes 60 credits of coursework. The first year of the program is the foundation year in which students complete core courses. In year 2, students complete concentration courses for one of the following specializations: social work with children, adolescents, and their families; or social work with adults and their families.
The curriculum also includes 500 clock hours of field study each year.
Two-Year MSW Distance Learning Program Formats
Students who enter the program in 2011 take the first or foundation year courses on Saturdays at the Tuscaloosa campus or at the University of Alabama Gadsden Center that is located in Gadsden, Alabama. In the second (concentration) year, courses are offered on weekdays in Tuscaloosa for Tuscaloosa students and mainly online for Gadsden students.
Students who begin the program on the Tuscaloosa campus may be granted permission to transfer to the online program during the second year of study.
The 2-year MSW distance learning program is administered primarily online. Students will attend "face-to-face skills labs" that are held at regionally convenient locations across the state of Alabama. This format will enable the University of Alabama (UA) to offer the program to individuals across the state of Alabama and in neighboring states.
Advanced-Standing MSW Distance Learning Program
The advanced-standing MSW program is designed for individuals who have earned Bachelor of Science in Social Work degrees from programs that have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
This accelerated program can be completed in 1 year (3 semesters). Students spend a spring or summer semester studying a "bridge" curriculum that leads directly into the concentration year of study, which includes 500 clock hours of field work.
Students in this program must meet general admissions requirements and must each have a maximum of 1 grade of 'C' in professional-level social work courses. They also must have at least a 'B' average in professional core courses and a grade of 'B' or better in field instruction.
Advanced-Standing Distance Learning Format
The advanced-standing program is offered primarily online; however, face-to-face skills labs are held on Saturdays at convenient locations across the state of Alabama.
Field Placements
Field education takes place at reputable organizations throughout the state of Alabama and -- on occasion -- in neighboring states.
Field placements may also take place in Hong Kong -- through UA's study abroad program -- with Shue Yan University as well as in Washington, D.C. Under certain circumstances, students may complete their field studies at their places of employment.
Student's field education plans receive approval from the field education coordinator. They also complete 3-hour orientations and obtain background checks before beginning field education.
Accomplished and Dedicated Faculty Members
The UA School of Social Work faculty members are prolific researchers whose expertise spans a diverse range of subjects including children's services, advocacy for the aging, mental-health services, and policies regarding poverty. Teaching and mentoring students are equally important to these dedicated researchers and educators.
Professor David E. Pollio focuses his research on evidence-based practice, group interventions, homelessness, mental health and addiction services, and runaway and street youth. One of his most recent articles, "The Homeless," was published in "Addiction Medicine" in 2011.
Professor Lucinda L. Roff researches issues pertaining to social gerontology, family care giving for seniors, religiousness and aging, and public views about social welfare policy. Her research has been published in a variety of scholarly journals including the "Journal of Aging and Health," the "Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging," and "Health and Social Work."
Financial Assistance for Graduate Students
Students may qualify for a variety of financial programs including federal loan and work study programs. They may also seek scholarships from the College of Continuing Studies, which coordinates distance learning programs at the University of Alabama.
The School of Social Work also provides merit-based scholarships and some stipends that are based on both merit and financial need.
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a one of the top "student-centered, research universities" in the United States. The university, which is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the southern region of the United States, was established in 1831.
It offers more than 30,000 students over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The university is also committed to service learning and community engagement.
Through its College of Continuing Studies, UA also provides a wide-variety of educational outreach programs that helps non-traditional students and distance learners further their educations and advance their careers.