Within the context of a Christian, liberal arts institution for higher learning, and grounded in core professional values, the Master of Social Work program seeks to develop ethical, competent, and effective advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to promote positive social change, to challenge injustice, and to provide services to enhance and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities locally and globally. 

MSW Program Goals: 

The Master of Social Work program at Missouri Baptist University:  

1. Prepares students to engage in service and leadership to promote positive social change, and to challenge injustice.  
2. Prepares students to engage in advanced social work practice at the highest professional level of practice informed by theoretical perspectives and knowledge based on research.
3. Prepares students to practice according to the values and ethics of the profession and understand and demonstrate ethical integration of Christian faith in advanced social work practice.
4. Prepares students to demonstrate an understanding of social work theories, values and practices from a Christian worldview.
5. Engages in service to the MBU, local, and global communities.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN MSW DEGREE? 

An MSW is a graduate-level degree that prepares students for advanced professional social work practice. An MSW program requires a higher level of work than an undergraduate program, as it provides students an opportunity to expand and deepen their theoretical, research, and practice knowledge and skills through intensive classroom and field work experiences. 

Students can directly enter the MSW program upon graduating from a BSW program or gain work experience between completion of a BSW degree and entry into the MSW program, or students may enter the MSW program with an undergraduate degree other than social work. 

To practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or a Licensed Advanced Master Social Worker (LAMS) in Missouri, individuals must have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. 

WHY AN MSW FROM MBU? 

The MSW program at MBU seeks to develop ethical, competent, and effective advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to advance social and economic justice, and to provide services to enhance and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities locally and globally, all in the context of Christian service.

The MSW program at MBU offers competitive tuition costs, full and part-time program options, and flexible courses that can be completed fully online.

The MSW program at MBU is offered in the context of a small, liberal arts university, where faculty are accessible, approachable and passionate about supporting the growth of their students. 

MSW program faculty have teaching, research and practice experience in a variety of social work areas, including faith-based non-profit organizations.  

† The Master of Social Work Program at Missouri Baptist University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.