Thank you for your interest in the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Graduate Social Work Program and our Satellite School at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama 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 1417 Normal, AL 35762 (256) 372-5478
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. 103-104), and are in compliance with accreditation standards of (CSWE) Council on Social Work Education.
GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be considered for the MSW Program, applicants must: 1. Have a grade point average of 2.5 or more (on a 4.0 scale) and meet the general requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies at Alabama A&M University. 2. Have a Bachelors Degree from an accredited College or University. 3. Have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. 4. Have successfully completed courses in Human Biology and Statistics. 5. Take the Graduate Record Examination. 6. Write two essays not to exceed 500 words each on the following topics: a) Why do you wish to pursue the MSW degree and become a professional social worker? b) 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. 7. Have three letters of reference forms (included in application packet) that reflect the applicant s academic and professional potential, and ethical and value orientation. 8. Have a personal interview with the Admission s Committee or a designated MSW faculty member if required. 9. Have a broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 credits in the social behavior and natural sciences and humanities. It is recommended that the major undergraduate preparation of applicants should be in one of the following: Social Work Psychology, Sociology, or other Social Sciences Other human service areas (health sciences, teaching, nursing, special education) Liberal arts (e.g., humanities, philosophy, history, literature) While there is no requirement for a specific undergraduate major to qualify for graduate study in social work, applicants 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. 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. 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. ANNUAL APPLICATION DEADLINE 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 (Regular 2 year- program - 60 hours) Summer Admission (Satellite Campus at UNA) April 15 (Weekend program - 60 hours)
Attention!! Please note the changes in Applications for Admissions School of Graduate Studies Application Fee Online Application Fee -- $45.00 http://www.aamu.edu/graduatestudies/apply.html
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA 35762 (256) 372-5478 Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - E-mail 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
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
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA 35762 (256) 372-5478 Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - E-mail 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
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
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM P. O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, ALABAMA 35762 (256) 372-5478 Applicant s Name: First Middle Last Address: Street Apt. # City State Zip Code Telephone: ( ) - Cell: ( ) - Fax: ( ) - E-mail 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
MSW CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF REFERENCE Page 2 11. 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
Course of Study All Changes to the Course of Study Must Be Approved by the Student s Advisor and the Program Administration
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SOCIALWORK PROGRAM P.O. BOX 1417 NORMAL, AL 35762 (256) 372-5478 (office) (256) 372-5970 (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 and 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 POLICY, PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH FALL 16/15 credits SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) 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 SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK : Elective (2) SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3) SWK : Policy Elective (3) SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SPRING 15 credits SWK601: Social Work Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK : Elective (2)
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) FALL 15 credits SPRING 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 FALL 9 credits SPRING 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 FALL 16/15 credits SPRING 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: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK : Elective (2) DIRECT PRACTICE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 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 SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK : Elective (2) POLICY, PLANNNG & ADMINISTRATION SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3) SWK : Policy Elective (3) SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2) SWK630: Need Assessment & Program SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4)
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 FALL 12 credits SPRING 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 2 nd Year FALL 9 credits DIRECT PRACTICE FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK660: :Assessment of Individuals (3) COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3) SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3) POLICY, PLANNNG & ADMINISTRATION SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK : Policy Elective (3) SPRING 8 credits 3 rd Year FALL 7 credits SPRING 7 credits SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK : Elective (2) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK : Elective (2) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3) SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
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. Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)