Whether you’re looking to enter the field for the first time or are a seasoned BSW professional seeking advanced practice skills, our advanced generalist program integrates direct practice and macro skills, providing the flexible, rigorous training needed for high-level licensure and ethical practice. With a focus on evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, you will graduate equipped to address complex challenges across diverse populations and systems.
To be considered for admission into the MSW program, you must submit the following materials: You are considered for admission into the program once all application materials have been received. Traditional MSW Applicants Advanced Standing MSW Applicants Admission criteria Transfer Students Transfer students from other accredited MSW programs must submit the standard application materials for MSW applicants. We will accept up to 9 generalist credit hours for Traditional MSW applicants and up to 6 credits for Advanced Standing MSW applicants if student earned a “B” or better in the course and it was taken within the last seven years. Additionally, please submit: Course syllabi for all graduate social work courses they wish to transfer and MSW practicum/field evaluation if relevant.
Beyond your core social work classes, you will select three elective courses from Counseling, Theology and Health Services Administration. This unique structure allows you to customize your education to fit your desired career path.
Please note: The Xavier University MSW program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
Year 1: Fall Semester
- SOCW501: Introduction to the Social Work Profession
- SOCW505: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
- SOCW520: Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups
Year 1: Spring Semester
- SOCW510: Research Methods for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice
- SOCW525: Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
- SOCW560: Generalist Practicum I
Year 1: Summer Semester
- SOCW515: Social Welfare Policy and Analysis
- SOCW565: Generalist Practicum II
- Elective
Year 2: Fall Semester
- SOCW605: Advanced Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
- SOCW620: Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups II
- SOCW615: Advanced Social Welfare Policy Action
- Elective
Year 2: Spring Semester
- SOCW610: Advanced Research Methods in Social Work Practice evaluation
- SOCW625: Advanced Practice with Organizations and Communities II
- SOCW660: Advanced Practicum I
Year 2: Summer Semester
- SOCW665: Advanced Practicum II
- Elective
- Elective
Year 1: Fall Semester
- SOCW605: Advanced Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
- SOCW620: Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups II
- SOCW615: Advanced Social Welfare Policy Action
Year 1: Spring Semester
- SOCW610: Advanced Research Methods in Social Work Practice evaluation
- SOCW625: Advanced Practice with Organizations and Communities II
- SOCW660: Advanced Practicum I
Year 1: Summer Semester
- SOCW665: Advanced Practicum II
- Elective
- Elective
Why Xavier's MSW program?
Earn your MSW on your schedule with flexible coursework, combining online and in-person courses. You will attend campus-based courses one late afternoon/evening per week for live, face-to-face learning.
Recent BSW graduates (within last 7 years) may be eligible for the advanced standing program, while those with other undergraduate degrees can apply for the traditional MSW.
Engage directly with expert faculty who translate their active, real-world social work practice into a powerful and supportive learning environment.
Experience an education rooted in Cura Personalis (care for the whole person) and a commitment to changing the world for the better.
The Loyal Musketeer Scholarship is available to all Xavier graduating students and alumni. The scholarship is equal to 25 percent off the program tuition rate for the MSW program.
From working with the Deaf and hard of hearing communities to spiritual companionship, Colleen Witchger-Furey has dedicated her life to serving others.
MSW Program FAQs
Have questions about the MSW program? Find quick answers here.Students with an undergraduate degree in social work from an accredited program, can complete the MSW in 12-months. Students who do not hold a BSW/BASW degree, can complete the MSW in less than two years.
Students can attend full-time or part-time.
Xavier University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Pre-candidacy indicates that a program submitted an application to be reviewed for candidacy and received approval of its Benchmark 1 from CSWE accreditation staff to move forward for a candidacy review within 1-year. A program that has attained pre-candidacy status has not yet been reviewed by the BOA nor verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
Students that are admitted to pre-candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining pre-candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain candidacy and initial accreditation.
Review our program’s pre-candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, email CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation at accreditation@cswe.org.
Social Work, MSW Program at Xavier University
The Xavier University MSW program is currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Pre-candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it submitted an application to be reviewed for candidacy and received approval of its Benchmark 1 from CSWE accreditation staff to move forward for a candidacy review within 1-year. A program that has attained pre-candidacy status has not yet been reviewed by the BOA nor verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Students that are admitted to pre-candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining pre-candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain candidacy and initial accreditation. Pre-candidacy applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s pre-candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.
Xavier University's College of Health and Human Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CHHS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."