Thank you for your interest in the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University The Graduate Social Work Program

Transcription

1 Thank you for your interest in the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University The Graduate Social Work Program Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. For additional information contact: Alabama A&M University Department of Social Work Graduate Social Work Program P.O. Box 998 Normal, AL (256) (office) (256) (fax)

2 MSW PROGRAM ADMISSION DATES Summer Admission (AAMU Campus) February 15 (Advanced Standing program - 39 hours) Summer Admission (AAMU Campus) February 15 (Weekend Program - 60 hours) Fall Admission (AAMU Campus) March 1 (Regular 2 year- program - 60 hours) Spring Admission (AAMU Campus) November 30 (Regular 2 year- program - 60 hours) Spring Admission (Satellite Campus at UNA) November 30 (Advanced Standing Program 39 hours) Summer Admission (Satellite Campus at UNA) April 15 (Weekend program - 60 hours) **(These admission dates are listed in the MSW Program Application Packet and also in the AAMU Graduate Catalogue (pp ), and are in compliance with accreditation standards of (CSWE) Council on Social Work Education.

3 AREAS OF CONCENTRATION Community Mental Health Family/Child Welfare DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Master of Social Work Social Work ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Hold a Bachelor s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 1. Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 grading scale) 2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work attempted 3. Three letters of reference (on departmental or institutional letterhead) that reflect the applicant s academic and professional potential and ethical values orientation. At least one letter must be from a current or former professor. All letters of recommendations should be written by persons who are, or who have been, in a position to objectively evaluate aspects of the candidates academic, personal and intellectual capabilities 4. Submit two essays. Each essay should not exceed 500 words. Essay must focus on the following: a. Why applicants wish to pursue the MSW degree; and b. A major contemporary social problem that is of concern to the profession of social work; (state why, in your opinion, it is a problem for the profession), and how you would intervene to ameliorate and/or eradicate this problem 5. Students are expected to have had preparation in the liberal arts, usually through undergraduate coursework in the social and behavioral sciences, humanities and life sciences. At least 24 credits are required in these areas. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ADVANCED STANDING In addition to meeting the meeting the requirements specified for entry into the traditional MSW Program, minimal admission standards for acceptance into the Advanced Standing MSW Program include: 1. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work (CSWE) accredited program 2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 including upper division social work courses may apply for advanced standing MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS Admission Requirements Effective August 28, 2014, all students seeking admissions to a graduate program at Alabama A&M University must submit a completed Student Medical Examination Record Form. CHARACTER AND PERSONAL FITNESS FOR THE PROFESSION The Admissions Committee requires that candidates submit two essays and three references, which are used to gauge their fitness for the program and profession. The essays should provide information about the candidate s background, qualification, experience, and reasons for choosing social work, perceptions on the role of the profession, and perceptions of self as a social worker. The essays and the personal interview help the Admissions Committee in gaining some insights into the motivation, self-awareness, and value assumptions of the candidate, as well as their ability to plan, organize, conceptualize and write.

4 Candidates must also submit with their application references from three individuals. These individuals may be former professors, supervisors, colleagues, or others who are, or have been in a position to evaluate aspects of the candidates personal and intellectual capabilities among them responsibility in doing, and completing academic or work assignments, dedication, sensitivity, emotional maturity, self-reliance, flexibility, leadership ability, and capability to develop positive relationships. WORK AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Work experience (either paid or volunteer) and field practice are also considered in the student s application. It is preferred that applicants have some work or volunteer experience. ADVANCED STANDING Applicants with a B.S.W. degree from a CSWE accredited program, and a minimum GPA of 3.00 in overall courses including upper division social work courses may apply for advanced standing. The B.S.W. degree must have been granted within five (5) years of date of application to the Advanced Standing program. Qualified applicants will be required to take 39 semester hours, instead of 60 hours required for the two-year program. Of these 39 hours, 8 are required in field instruction. The Advanced Standing program must be completed in three (3) consecutive semesters; beginning in the summer with three (3) required courses.

5 Attention!! Please note the changes in Applications for Admissions School of Graduate Studies Application Fee Online Application Fee -- $ Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Not Required

6 ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA (256) Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - Address CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE To The Applicant: Please print name of your reference: First Middle Last Please submit three (3) letters of reference from people who are in a position to provide statements concerning your academic qualifications, your recent or current employment, or your personal qualifications for entry into graduate social work education. At least two of the three letters of reference should be from people who have known you in a professional or academic setting. Each reference person should be provided this form and an accompanying envelope to be mailed directly to the School. TO THE REFERENCE: The above named is applying for admission to the Alabama A&M University-Graduate Social Work Program. The candidate has given your name as a person having knowledge of his or her potential for undertaking graduate study in social work. Please be candid in your assessment of the candidate. You may attach a separate letter to this form, if you prefer. Your statements will be held in confidence and should be mailed in the enclosed envelope with your signature on the envelope. Since the School s decision cannot be made until references have been received, we would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation and interest. NOTE ON CONFIDENTIALITY: Applicants for admission do not have access to their application records. Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, only registered students and alumni have access to their educational records. This reference will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not the applicant should be admitted to AAMU. This reference will be removed from the accepted student s file and destroyed when the student has matriculated. 1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 2. Please rate the applicant relative to other students, employees, or people interested in social work whom you have known. Academic Performance Intellectual Ability Maturity Oral Skills Written Skills Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others Exceptional (Top 5%) Superior (Top 10%) Good (Top 25%) Average (Top 50%) Below Average (Bottom 50%) Not Observed

7 MSW CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE Page 2 3. Personal qualities such as intelligence, maturity, capacity for self-awareness, presentation of self, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and a concern for the well-being of others are important for success as a social worker. Please assess the applicant s academic and professional promise within this context (feel free to attach a separate letter in addition to providing information in the space below). 4. I would: Recommend with enthusiasm Recommend with confidence Recommend with reservations Not recommend Signature Date Name (printed or typed) Title Organization Address Telephone ( ) - ( ) - PLEASE RETURN TO: MSW Admissions Committee c/o School of Graduate Studies Alabama A&M University Post Office Box 998 Normal, Alabama 35762

8 ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA (256) Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - Address CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE To The Applicant: Please print name of your reference: First Middle Last Please submit three (3) letters of reference from people who are in a position to provide statements concerning your academic qualifications, your recent or current employment, or your personal qualifications for entry into graduate social work education. At least two of the three letters of reference should be from people who have known you in a professional or academic setting. Each reference person should be provided this form and an accompanying envelope to be mailed directly to the School. TO THE REFERENCE: The above named is applying for admission to the Alabama A&M University-Graduate Social Work Program. The candidate has given your name as a person having knowledge of his or her potential for undertaking graduate study in social work. Please be candid in your assessment of the candidate. You may attach a separate letter to this form, if you prefer. Your statements will be held in confidence and should be mailed in the enclosed envelope with your signature on the envelope. Since the School s decision cannot be made until references have been received, we would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation and interest. NOTE ON CONFIDENTIALITY: Applicants for admission do not have access to their application records. Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, only registered students and alumni have access to their educational records. This reference will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not the applicant should be admitted to AAMU. This reference will be removed from the accepted student s file and destroyed when the student has matriculated. 5. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 6. Please rate the applicant relative to other students, employees, or people interested in social work whom you have known. Academic Performance Intellectual Ability Maturity Oral Skills Written Skills Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others Exceptional (Top 5%) Superior (Top 10%) Good (Top 25%) Average (Top 50%) Below Average (Bottom 50%) Not Observed

9 MSW CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE Page 2 7. Personal qualities such as intelligence, maturity, capacity for self-awareness, presentation of self, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and a concern for the well-being of others are important for success as a social worker. Please assess the applicant s academic and professional promise within this context (feel free to attach a separate letter in addition to providing information in the space below). 8. I would: Recommend with enthusiasm Recommend with confidence Recommend with reservations Not recommend Signature Date Name (printed or typed) Title Organization Address Telephone ( ) - ( ) - PLEASE RETURN TO: MSW Admissions Committee c/o School of Graduate Studies Alabama A&M University Post Office Box 998 Normal, Alabama 35762

10 ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA (256) Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - Address CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE To The Applicant: Please print name of your reference: First Middle Last Please submit three (3) letters of reference from people who are in a position to provide statements concerning your academic qualifications, your recent or current employment, or your personal qualifications for entry into graduate social work education. At least two of the three letters of reference should be from people who have known you in a professional or academic setting. Each reference person should be provided this form and an accompanying envelope to be mailed directly to the School. TO THE REFERENCE: The above named is applying for admission to the Alabama A&M University-Graduate Social Work Program. The candidate has given your name as a person having knowledge of his or her potential for undertaking graduate study in social work. Please be candid in your assessment of the candidate. You may attach a separate letter to this form, if you prefer. Your statements will be held in confidence and should be mailed in the enclosed envelope with your signature on the envelope. Since the School s decision cannot be made until references have been received, we would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation and interest. NOTE ON CONFIDENTIALITY: Applicants for admission do not have access to their application records. Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, only registered students and alumni have access to their educational records. This reference will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not the applicant should be admitted to AAMU. This reference will be removed from the accepted student s file and destroyed when the student has matriculated. 9. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 10. Please rate the applicant relative to other students, employees, or people interested in social work whom you have known. Academic Performance Intellectual Ability Maturity Oral Skills Written Skills Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others Exceptional (Top 5%) Superior (Top 10%) Good (Top 25%) Average (Top 50%) Below Average (Bottom 50%) Not Observed

11 MSW CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE Page Personal qualities such as intelligence, maturity, capacity for self-awareness, presentation of self, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and a concern for the well-being of others are important for success as a social worker. Please assess the applicant s academic and professional promise within this context (feel free to attach a separate letter in addition to providing information in the space below). 12. I would: Recommend with enthusiasm Recommend with confidence Recommend with reservations Not recommend Signature Date Name (printed or typed) Title Organization Address Telephone ( ) - ( ) - PLEASE RETURN TO: MSW Admissions Committee c/o School of Graduate Studies Alabama A&M University Post Office Box 998 Normal, Alabama 35762

12 Course of Study All Changes to the Course of Study Must Be Approved by the Student s Advisor and the Program Administration

13 ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIALWORK PROGRAM P.O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, AL (256) (office) (256) (fax) The MSW Curriculum has four plans of study for completing the requirements for the MSW program. The plans are: advanced standing (39 credit hours, 8 credit hours during the summer plus 31 credit hours of concentration), two-year plan (60 credit hours). The eight credit hours required of advanced standing students during the summer are used as bridging courses for the two concentrations and to orient advanced standing students with the EPPSE conceptual framework, diversity, urban and rural social work as preparation for the advanced curriculum. All students must complete field practicum. Field Practicum for students admitted into the Advanced Standing program is held on Tuesday and Thursday (16 hours per week) beginning in the Fall semester; for Regular two year program students field is held on Tuesday, Thursday and ½ day on Friday (twenty hours per week) begin in the Spring semester. Two year students admitted to the three (3) and four year program, please refer to your specific course of study outline. COURSE OF STUDY OUTLINE ADVANCED STANDING PROGRAM SUMMER 8 credits SWK 522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK 523: Rural/Urban Social Work (2) SWK 587: Social Work Empowerment (3) DIRECT PRACTICE 16/15 credits 15 credits FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: Social Work Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2) COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SWK602: SWK Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Polices in CMH (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: Social Work Practice-Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2)

14 All students must complete field practicum. Field Practicum for students admitted into the Advanced Standing program is held on Tuesday and Thursday (16 hours per week) beginning in the Fall semester; for Regular two year program students field is held on Tuesday, Thursday and ½ day on Friday (twenty hours per week) begin in the Spring semester. Two year students admitted to the three or four year, or weekend programs, please refer to your specific course of study outline. COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE TWO (2) YEAR MSW PROGRAM 1 st Year Foundation 1 st Year Foundation (Saturday Classes) 15 credits 14 credits SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK510: Social Work Policy I (3) SWK520: HBSE I (3) SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK501: Social Work Practice II (3) SWK511: Social Work Policy II (2) SWK521: HBSE II (3) SWK523: Rural/Urban Social Work (2) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar I (4) SUMMER 6 credits 9 credits 8 credits SUMMER 6 credits SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK520: HBSE I (3) SWK501: SWK Practice II (3) SWK521: HBSE II (3) SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK510: SWK Policy I (3) SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK523: Rural Urban Social Work (2) SWK511: SWK Policy II (2) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar (4) CONCENTRATIONS DIRECT PRACTICE FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 16/15 credits 15 credits SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2) SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2)

15 All students must complete field practicum. Field Practicum for students admitted into the Advanced Standing program is held on Tuesday and Thursday (16 hours per week) beginning in the Fall semester; for Regular two year program students field is held on Tuesday, Thursday and ½ day on Friday (twenty hours per week) begin in the Spring semester. Two year students admitted to the three or four year, or weekend programs, please refer to your specific course of study outline. COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE TWO (2) YEAR PROGRAM ( ADMISSION) 1 st YEAR FOUNDATION -- ADMISSION 8 credits 11 credits 10 credits SWK510: Social Work Policy I (3) SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK523: Rural, Urban Social Work (2) SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK511: Social Work Policy II (2) SWK520: HBSE I SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK521: HBSE II (3) SWK501: Social Work Practice II (3) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar I (4) CONCENTRATIONS DIRECT PRACTICE FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 16/15 credits 15 credits SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2) SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2)

16 All students must complete field practicum. Field Practicum for students admitted into the Advanced Standing program is held on Tuesday and Thursday (16 hours per week) beginning in the Fall semester; for Regular two year program students field is held on Tuesday, Thursday and ½ day on Friday (twenty hours per week) begin in the Spring semester. Two year students admitted to the three or four year, or weekend programs, please refer to your specific course of study outline. COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE THREE (3) YEAR MSW PROGRAM 1 st Year 12 credits 10 credits SUMMER 7 credits SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK510: Social Work Policy I (3) SWK520: HBSE I (3) SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK501: Social Work Practice II (3) SWK511: Social Work Policy II (2) SWK521: HBSE II (3) SWK523: Rural/Urban Social Work (2) SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar (4) CONCENTRATIONS DIRECT PRACTICE FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 2 nd Year 9 credits SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK660: :Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) 8 credits 3 rd Year 7 credits 7 credits SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK : Elective (2) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3)

17 All students must complete field practicum. Field Practicum for students admitted into the Advanced Standing program is held on Tuesday and Thursday (16 hours per week) beginning in the Fall semester; for Regular two year program students field is held on Tuesday, Thursday and ½ day on Friday (twenty hours per week) begin in the Spring semester. Two year students admitted to the three or four year, or weekend programs, please refer to your specific course of study outline. COURSE OF STUDY FOR THE THREE (4) YEAR MSW PROGRAM 1 st Year 6 credits 5 credits SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK510: Social Work Policy I (3) 2 nd Year 6 credits 7 credits SWK:520: HBSE I (3) SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK501: Social Work Practice II (3) SWK511: Social Work Policy II (2) SWK521: HBSE II (3) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar I (4) SUMMER 5 credits SWK523: Rural/Urban Social Work (2) SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) CONCENTRATIONS DIRECT PRACTICE FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SUMMER 3 credits 3rd Year 6 credits 6 credits SUMMER 4 credits 4 th Year 7 credits 5 credits SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK601: Social Work Practice Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK : Elective (2) SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK : Elective (2)

18 Submit Application for Admission Request Official Transcript Pay Application Fee -- $45.00 Three (3) Recommendation Forms Essay #1 Why do you wish to pursue the MSW degree and become a professional social worker? Essay #2 Identify a major contemporary social problem that is of concern to the profession of social work; state why, in your opinion, it is a problem for the profession, and how you would intervene to ameliorate and/or eradicate this problem.