At Roberts, our Master of Social Work program consistently prepares skilled clinical social workers in two concentrations: Mental Health and Child & Family Services. Our graduates’ passing rates for the LMSW and LCSW exams exceed both state and national averages.
Our curriculum provides a solid theoretical foundation and hands-on clinical skills, including a unique group work class. As the first Christian college with CSWE accreditation for an MSW, we welcome students from all backgrounds.
Even though we take pride in being a strong clinical social work program, we also mentor and nurture students whose career interests focus more on community and macro level social work. You can engage in research through independent studies and conferences, with funding opportunities available.
Our program emphasizes local, national, and global service. For example, past experiences include donating Thanksgiving meals to individuals facing homelessness, trips to Albany, NY and Washington DC to lobby for policy changes, and cross-cultural trips to a number of countries.
Our program provides the academic depth, practical experience, and global perspective to equip you for meaningful social work practice.
Advance your career. Not your debt.
If you live in New York, you may be eligible for the CPT program.
This program provides tuition coverage and education-related expenses.
Concentration Option 1: Mental Health Specialized Practice
The Mental Health Specialized Practice/Concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with adults in mental health settings. This concentration emphasizes assessment, case formulation, treatment plan development, intervention, and an analysis of the policies that affect mental health practice.
During the concentration year, students will gain social work knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of individuals seeking mental health services. This includes developing a broad theoretical framework and a diverse set of intervention skills, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the mental health workforce.
Additional advanced-level coursework further equips students with knowledge, values, and skills related to group work, applied social work research and evaluation, and ethical issues relevant to mental health practitioners. The knowledge, values, and skills gained in coursework are put into practice in advanced field placement settings, culminating in 500 hours of fieldwork during the student’s concentration year.
Concentration Option 2: Child and Family Services Specialized Practice
The Child and Family Services Specialized Practice curriculum provides an in-depth exploration of specific issues affecting children, adolescents, and families. This area of specialized practice allows students to develop advanced skills in addressing unique challenges and needs within these populations, such as trauma, developmental issues, family dynamics, and the impact of relevant policies. In-depth attention is given to intergenerational and environmental systems, as well as policy frameworks, that directly affect child, youth, and family functioning.
Additional advanced-level coursework further equips students with knowledge, values, and skills related to group work, applied social work research and evaluation, and ethical issues relevant to social work practitioners working with children, youth, and families. The knowledge, values, and skills gained in coursework are put into practice in advanced field placement settings, culminating in 500 hours of fieldwork during the student’s concentration year.
Download a program guide with detailed information on cost, courses, and outcomes
I can honestly say that being a part of this program has been the best experience of my life. This program molds and refines you into the best version of yourself.
Katie, Social Work Graduate
Roberts gave me an opportunity to have experiences that furthered my education in areas that I was passionate about.For example, this program helped me create a church-based social work internship, allowing me to explore my passion while giving me excellent educational experience.
Alyssa, Social Work Graduate
Masters of Social Work
| Standard Program | Advanced Program | |
| Total Units | 60 | 38 |
| Completion Time (for full-time students) | 24 months | 11 months |
| Delivery method | Online synchronous | Online synchronous |
| Degree Pre-Requisites |
| BSW from an accredited undergraduate program within 5 years of enrolling in Roberts' MSW program |
| Timeline Options | full-time or part-time | full-time or part-time |
| Compatible Focus | Specializing in Mental Health or Child & Family Services | Specializing in Mental Health or Child & Family Services |
| Start Dates | August and January starts | May and January starts |
| Application Deadlines | Rolling admissions | Rolling admissions |
| Tuition | $48,300 | $30,590 |
| Scholarships & Grants | 25% tuition discount for benefit-eligible, employees, spouses, and dependents of our corporate partners | 25% tuition discount for benefit-eligible, employees, spouses, and dependents of our corporate partners |
| Contact | Laurie Couch Schedule A Meeting | Laurie Couch Schedule A Meeting |
2025-26 Cost Per Credit (fees not included)
Program Credits
for benefit-eligible employees, spouses, and dependents of our corporate partners
MSW BT Roberts Service Scholarship
This scholarship reflects the RWU Master of Social Work Program’s commitment to help advance the humanitarian roots of BT Roberts and the MSW Program’s mission of compassionate service.
This scholarship will serve eligible incoming students who meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate a commitment to service
Provide evidence of strong academic potential (through GPA and letters of recommendation submitted with your general application)
Have professional career goals that are in alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) core social work values and RWU’s mission to transform society.
Interested candidates should submit a 2-3 page, double spaced written response to the following prompts. Please email the response via PDF to AGE-Admissions@roberts.edu.
Roberts Wesleyan University's MSW program, anchored in the work and vision of B.T. Roberts, prepares competent and compassionate social work professionals to serve as leaders in their communities, locally, nationally, and internationally.
We provide a rigorous and supportive learning environment that:
Curriculum Overview
Foundation/Generalist Curriculum
Foundation/Generalist Level Courses (24 credit hours):
Foundation/Generalist Level Field Instruction (6 credit hours):
Concentration Option 1: Mental Health Specialized Practice
Advanced Level Courses with Major Focus on Mental Health (11 credit hours):
Additional Advanced Level Courses (7 credit hours):
Advanced/Concentration Level Field Instruction (6 credit hours):
Elective Courses (6 credit hours):
Two 3-credit hour elective courses (see the section on Elective Courses for details).
Concentration Option 2: Child and Family Services Specialized Practice
Advanced Level Courses with Major Focus on Children and Families (11 credit hours):
Additional Advanced Level Courses (7 credit hours):
Advanced/Concentration Level Field Placement (6 credit hours):
Elective Courses (6 credit hours):
Two 3-credit hour elective courses (see the section on Elective Courses for details).
For the Standard Program (2-years full-time; 4-years part-time):
For the Advanced Standing program (1 year full-time; 2 years part-time):
Not required:
What type of accreditation does the MSW program have?
Roberts Wesleyan University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
How do I pursue licensure after graduation?
Once students successfully earn their MSW degree from Roberts Wesleyan University, they can pursue social work licensure, both LMSW (licensed master of social worker) and LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). Our curriculum meets the current prerequisite education requirements for both LMSW and LCSW licensure in New York State (NYS).
After earning their MSW degree from Roberts, students residing in NYS can apply for their LMSW license through the NYS Education Department Office of Professions. To apply for the LCSW, candidates must complete at least three years of supervised post-MSW experience as outlined by the Office of Professions.
Students are encouraged to review the detailed NYS social work licensure requirements on the NYS Office of Professions website.
For students residing or planning to reside outside of NYS, please contact the licensing board in the state or province where you plan to pursue licensure for their specific requirements.
A social work degree from a CSWE-accredited MSW program is only one requirement for applying for social work licensure. For additional details on social work licensure, visit the following websites:
What concentrations are available in the MSW program?
We offer two specialized concentrations: Mental Health and Child & Family Services. Both provide a strong foundation for clinical social work practice.
What format are the courses offered in?
Courses are held online in a 15-week synchronous format, with late afternoon and evening classes designed for adult learners.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The Standard Program takes 24-48 months, while the Advanced Standing Program (for BSW graduates) takes 11-22 months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
What is the class size for the MSW program?
Classes are small, with fewer than 20 students per class, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful interaction.
What types of careers can I pursue with an MSW from Roberts?
Examples of careers include:
Examples of employers include:
Does Roberts offer support for field education and placements?
Yes, we provide hands-on field work opportunities with a variety of local, national, and global placement options.
Are there options for exploring spirituality within the program?
All students take Spirituality and Religion in Social Work Practice course.
In addition, students with a Christian faith commitment can explore their faith more deeply through the Integration of Social Work and Christian Theology course. Alternatively, students can take the Justice, Values, and Ethics course that is grounded in Judeo-Christian values.
If you have a strong desire to help others and make a difference in the world, then an MSW degree may be the right choice for you! Master level social workers are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, child welfare agencies, nursing homes, mental health clinics, schools, government, and human services agencies. MSWs are trained as clinical social workers and are able to diagnose and treat mental illnesses.
What is the difference between MA Social Work and MSW?
An MA in Social Work does not lead to a path of licensure in New York State. In order to obtain licensure as a social worker in New York State, an MSW degree is required. This degree must be earned from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In addition, successfully passing a national licensing exam is necessary to obtain status as a Licensed Master Social Worker. (LMSW). In order to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), the earned MSW degree must include clinical courses. It is also required that LCSWs have three years of post-degree supervised experience in clinical social work and pass the clinical licensing examination. The MSW program at Roberts Wesleyan University is accredited by CSWE, provides the clinical courses required for the LCSW, and offers a review course for MSW students to prepare for the LMSW exam.
Do you need a bachelor's degree in Social Work to get a master's in Social Work?
You do not need a bachelors in social work to enter an MSW program. Many MSW students have a bachelor's degree in a field related to social work such as psychology or human services, although this is not necessary. MSW students come from a range of different backgrounds and have a variety of undergraduate degrees. However, students that have a bachelor's degree in social work can typically complete the program in a much shorter duration as an advanced standing student.
Questions?
Meet Your Enrollment Representative!
Laurie Couch
Assistant Director of Admissions
True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.
Martin Luther King
Social Work is the Art of Listening and the Science of Hope.
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