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 DEPARTMENTOFSOCIALWORK GRADUATESOCIALWORKPROGRAM
P.O.BOX1417
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.
Exceptional (Top 5%)
Superior (Top 10%)
Good (Top 25%)
Average (Top 50%)
Below Average (Bottom 50%)
Not Observed Academic Performance
Intellectual Ability Maturity
Oral Skills Written Skills
Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others
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 DEPARTMENTOFSOCIALWORK GRADUATESOCIALWORKPROGRAM
P.O.BOX1417
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.
Exceptional (Top 5%)
Superior (Top 10%)
Good (Top 25%)
Average (Top 50%)
Below Average (Bottom 50%)
Not Observed Academic Performance
Intellectual Ability Maturity
Oral Skills Written Skills
Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others
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 DEPARTMENTOFSOCIALWORK GRADUATESOCIALWORKPROGRAM
P.O.BOX1417
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.
Exceptional (Top 5%)
Superior (Top 10%)
Good (Top 25%)
Average (Top 50%)
Below Average (Bottom 50%)
Not Observed Academic Performance
Intellectual Ability Maturity
Oral Skills Written Skills
Ability to Think Critically Capacity for Leadership Ability to Work With Others
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) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
SWK602: SWK Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3)
SWK616: Issues & Polices in CMH (3) SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK660: : Assessment of Individuals (3) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3)
SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4) SWK___: Policy Elective (3)
SPRING 15 credits
SWK601: Social Work Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3) SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK601: Social Work Practice-Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3) SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2)
SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3)
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
1st Year Foundation 1st Year Foundation (Saturday Classes)
FALL 15 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)
SUMMER 6 credits
SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK520: HBSE I (3)
SPRING 14 credits
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)
FALL 9 credits
SWK501: SWK Practice II (3) SWK521: HBSE II (3)
SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3)
SPRING 8 credits
SWK510: SWK Policy I (3)
SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SWK523: Rural Urban Social Work (2) SUMMER
6 credits
SWK511: SWK Policy II (2)
SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar (4)
CONCENTRATIONS
DIRECT PRACTICE
POLICY, PLANNNG &
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) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
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) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3)
SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4) SWK___: Policy Elective (3)
SPRING 15 credits
SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3) SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3) SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2)
SWK630: Need Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3)
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
1st Year FALL 12 credits
SWK500: Social Work Practice I (3) SWK510: Social Work Policy I (3) SWK520: HBSE I (3)
SWK522: Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity (3) SPRING
10 credits
SWK501: Social Work Practice II (3) SWK511: Social Work Policy II (2) SWK521: HBSE II (3)
SWK523: Rural/Urban Social Work (2) SUMMER
7 credits
SWK530: Applied Social Work Research (3) SWK581: Field Practicum & Seminar (4)
CONCENTRATIONS
DIRECT PRACTICE
POLICY, PLANNNG & ADMINISTRATION FAMILY & CHILD WELFARE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
2nd Year FALL
9 credits
SWK600: Social Work Intervention (3) SWK610: Family & Child Welfare Policy (3) SWK660: :Assessment of Individuals (3)
SWK602: Social Work Practice Interventions in Mental Health (3)
SWK616: Issues & Policies in CMH (3) SWK660: Assessment of Individuals (3)
SWK604: Theory & Practice of Social Welfare Administration (3) SWK613: Budget & Finance (3) SWK___: Policy Elective (3) SPRING
8 credits
SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK601: SWK Practice - Groups (3) SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
SWK___: Elective (2)
SWK605: Org. Behavior & Mgt. (3) SWK615: Grant Writing (2)
SWK630: Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation (3)
3rd Year FALL 7 credits
SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
SWK621: Family Theories & Processes (3) SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4)
SWK614: Prin. of Planning & Program Administration (3)
SWK680: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4) SPRING
7 credits
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar III (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3)
SWK681: Field Practicum & Seminar II (4) SWK689: Integrative Seminar (3)
