ONLINE
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK
Apply By April 20th to
Start Classes May 5, 2026
ONLINE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
Communities across the nation face challenges in mental health, social justice, and family services, creating a need for skilled social workers. Are you ready to make a difference? Get ready to advance your knowledge in key areas such as human behavior, research and advocacy with ACU’s online Master of Science in Social Work. This program equips you with the skills to understand, lead and provide compassionate care in diverse settings. Take the next step in your career today.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ACU’s online Master of Science in Social Work prepares you for advanced practice in clinical and community settings. Through coursework focused on social justice, policy advocacy and nonprofit management, you develop the skills needed to support a wide range of individuals and groups. This programs offers two pathways; Advanced standing for students who have obtained their bachelor's degree in social work, and a Standard pathway for those who obtained their bachelor's degree in another discipline but still hold the passion to serve others and their communities.
EXAMPLE COURSEWORK
COMMON JOB TITLES
- Foundations of Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Theories and Frameworks in Generalist Social Work Practice
- Social & Racial Justice in Anti-Oppression Practice
- Social Policy Practice & Advocacy
- Practice-Informed Research in Social Work
- Clinical Social Worker
- Social and Human Services Professional
- Addiction Counselor
- Children’s Services Specialist
- Community Support Specialist
Looking For A Different Program?
Build a Serious Career at an Affordable Tuition
Abilene Christian University is among the most affordable Christian universities in the country. Our nationally recognized online degree programs are designed for busy working adults just like you. Balance work and life while you pursue a degree for a career that matters. As a student of ACU Online, a top-ranked Texas university, you are part of a vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community.
SPECIAL OFFERS
ACU Offers Special Military Tuition Rates for Online Degrees
We support our military students through specialized tuition assistance programs for ACU's online degrees. Our active-duty and veteran military tuition discounts include:
- Active-Duty Undergraduate Students $250 per Semester Hour
- Active-Duty Graduate Student $495 per Semester Hour
- Veterans 10% Tuition Discount
- Military Spouses 10% Tuition Discount
Over $50,000 in Academic Achievement Scholarships Available for New Graduate Students
New Graduate students that begin classes in our Summer I session, beginning May 5, 2026 and maintain a 3.33 GPA minimum will be eligible for a scholarship. Exclusions apply. Please fill out the form to learn more about full award rules and disclaimers.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit official transcripts showing earned bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university or the equivalent.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, If undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, the GRE or MAT entrance exam may be required.
- Write a personal statement addressing your motivation for graduate studies and entering the social work profession, and reflections on the program’s four themes of human rights and justice, cultural and spiritual humility, holistic practice and empowerment.
- A video conference interview with the program director may be requested.
ADVANCED STANDING DEGREE PLAN
- Students must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Applicants who completed the BSW more than five years ago are eligible for Advanced Standing only if they are employed in the field of social services or hold a current social work licensure.
- Submit three letters of recommendation, two of which must represent people who can speak to the student’s abilities as an emerging social worker. Of the two academic references, at least one must be a program director, practicum director, or practicum instructor/supervisor.
- Submit a final BSW/BSSW practicum evaluation (mid-term evaluation can be reviewed for conditional admission).
STANDARD PROGRAM DEGREE PLAN
- Students can have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Students are expected to demonstrate a broad liberal arts background, including two courses from each of the following areas: science/math, social/behavioral sciences, humanities/fine arts, and communication/language.
- Submit three letters of recommendation, two of which must represent people who can speak to the student’s academic and/or professional behavior abilities, including but not limited to a faculty member, program director, internship supervisor.
- Submit a writing sample in the form of a formal graded (returned with feedback highly preferred) upper-level assignment of at least five pages from the student’s undergraduate work (or an acceptable alternative).
