social work phd wvu

School of Social Work Now Accepting Applications for New PhD Program

“This new program will offer the first PhD degree in social work in West Virginia,” said Deana Morrow, professor and Director of the School of Social Work. “The program is crucial for advancing social work research and leadership throughout the state and beyond.”

The new PhD in Social Work is structured around community-focused research and will promote scholarship that has significant impact on people’s lives at the local, regional and national level. Students will graduate with skills to excel in teaching, research and leadership in the field of social work and higher education settings.

The program will offer students individualized professional development and career placement support, as well as support for cross-disciplinary training and mentorship opportunities.

“Consistent with WVU’s research and land grant missions, the PhD program will provide a structure for facilitating the expansion of knowledge to strengthen communities, eradicate disparities and advance excellence in social services,” said Morrow.

Dr. Carrie Rishel, an experienced academic leader with a record of teaching and research at the graduate level, will serve as the director of the PhD program. She is a professor in the School of Social Work and the director of the Rural Integrated Behavioral Health Training Program.

The PhD in Social Work will begin its courses in Fall 2023. The program is full-time, and it offers a hybrid course plan so students can complete latter portions of the program remotely.

“I am delighted that the School of Social Work is launching its Ph.D. program. This will, no doubt, augment Eberly’s rich portfolio of doctoral programs,” said Greg Dunaway, Dean of the Eberly College. “More importantly this program promises to make vital contributions to social work research and education within and outside of the state of West Virginia.”

Applications have a priority deadline of January 15, 2023 but will be accepted until March 1, 2023. For more information visit socialwork.wvu.edu/students/phd or contact Rishel at  [email protected] .

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What Can You Do With a PhD in Social Work?

Posted by Shelly Quance on 10/17/22 8:16 AM

Careers in social work are some of the most impactful and mission-driven roles in the workforce today.

From positions that focus on community outreach or child welfare, to careers related to social policy and field research, social work is all about improving social problems and helping people live more fulfilling lives.

In order to become a licensed social worker, candidates nearly always have to obtain a graduate degree in social work before sitting for a licensure exam. Many aspiring social workers obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW), but let's explore why you should take the extra step and consider getting a PhD in Social Work — especially if you are passionate about research, leadership, policy, and academia. 

What is the difference between a DSW and a PhD in Social Work?

Both a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work are respected doctoral degrees, but they are not the same and will actually prepare graduates for different career paths. In short, a DSW prepares graduates for clinical practice while a PhD in Social Work is research oriented.  

If you are passionate about research and see yourself working in either academia or a research-focused social work position, then choosing a PhD in Social Work will be the right move for you.

A PhD in Social Work will grow your career opportunities.

A PhD is a terminal degree, one that comes with significant prestige and respect. And specifically, a doctoral degree in social work is a highly respected credential that can lead to high-level career opportunities including social work leadership, research, policymaking, and professorship.

With a PhD in Social Work, you will learn to design and implement independent research that is guided by theory and addresses significant, meaningful, and relevant social work research questions. With these skills,  you will be recognized as an expert and will enter the field with the invaluable skills and the credibility needed to implement critical systems-wide change.

The PhD in Social Work salary is bright.

Historically, professionals who have a doctoral degree make higher salaries than those with fewer academic credentials. In fact, research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers who hold a doctoral degree make around 20 percent more than those who only hold a master's.

For social workers specifically, the average PhD in Social Work salary is about $86,000  — while the BLS asserts that social workers with less education make about $50,000 per year . 

The increase in salary is a significant draw for many social work professionals, and by pursuing a PhD sooner rather than later, you will start reaping the benefits of your academic investment sooner as well.

West Virginia University: now offering a PhD in Social Work

West Virginia University is excited to announce that we are now recruiting for the first cohort of students for our new PhD in Social Work (coming fall 2023).  

Our PhD in Social Work will prepare students with the skills needed to excel in research, teaching, and leadership. The theme of the program, community-focused research, reflects the mission of WVU as a R1 status , land-grant institution to advance education, healthcare, and prosperity for all by intentionally promoting research that has significant impact on people’s lives.

Pro Tip: Check out our frequently asked questions regarding the PhD in Social Work here .

Here's what makes our PhD in Social Work unique:

Community-focused research theme that echoes University mission and intentionally promotes research that has significant impact on communities of West Virginia and beyond

Coursework plan that guides students in building toward their dissertation and provides practical preparation for academic and leadership careers

Strong support for cross-disciplinary training

Strong emphasis on mentorship and opportunities to support students’ professional development and career placement

Hybrid model of graduate training with flexibility to complete latter portions of the program remotely (online)

The WVU School of Social Work (SSW) PhD program has been developed in accordance with the Quality Guidelines for PhD Programs in Social Work  established by The Group for the Advancement of Social Work Education (GADE). GADE is the primary organization which promotes doctoral study and disseminates guidelines for quality Social Work PhD Programs.

Based on the GADE guidelines, the PhD program graduates in social work will be able to do the following:

Students will demonstrate expert knowledge in their chosen content area and explain how their work fits within the intellectual landscape of social work, including its relevance to social policy and social justice.

Students will design and implement independent research that is guided by theory and addresses significant, meaningful, and relevant social work research questions.

Students will conduct a broad range of methodological and statistical techniques appropriate to the research question(s) posed.

Students will clearly communicate and disseminate results of their research, both through professional oral presentations and written manuscripts.

Students will abide by social work values and ethics in the implementation of research and knowledge development.

Students will demonstrate effective teaching skills, including the implementation of theories of adult learning and instructional strategies that are appropriate for diverse populations and learning styles.

If you are ready to learn more about obtaining a PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University, then we encourage you to request more information . You can also review our program page and explore admissions requirements .

Learn more about obtaining a graduate degree at one of the best research universities in the U.S. — download WVU's Research Collaboration Guide!

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Posted by Shelly Quance

Shelly Quance has spent almost 20 years working in higher education marketing communications. She currently serves as Director for West Virginia University’s Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment where she works collaboratively with College leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate creative and effective comprehensive communication and marketing plans to increase graduate student enrollment.

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UNC School of Social Work ranked No. 4 best graduate school for social work in the nation 

Posted on April 9, 2024

Tied for No. 2 public, No. 4 overall, UNC School of Social Work is recognized alongside a score of Carolina programs ranked Top 10 in the nation in their respective categories by the magazine.  

Months after being ranked fourth in national research and development (R&D) expenditures among R1 higher education institutions, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work earned another No. 4 ranking today.  

The School of Social Work moved up three spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings , rising to a tie for fourth in the nation among the 319 surveyed social work schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.  

The School ranked No. 1 among schools of social work across the Southeast and tied for second nationally among public universities. 

Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson said being ranked second among all public university social work programs was especially meaningful due to the school’s responsibility to serve local, national and global communities. 

“Our new national ranking is exciting news,” Denby-Brinson said. “Among many measures of success, the ranking recognizes the tremendous contributions of our faculty and staff. Our MSW (Master of Social Work) program is preparing practitioners, researchers and advocates who improve life for thousands of people each day. We are honored to be recognized by our peers for the excellence displayed by our faculty in all they do.” 

Executive Vice Provost Amy Locklear Hertel, a clinical assistant professor at the School, said “The UNC School of Social Work is a true asset on campus, to our state, and the globe. By drawing our attention to pressing issues of our most vulnerable populations, to developing strong communities and systems, to informing policy as well as practice, the UNC School of Social Work is preparing social service practitioners and researchers to fully ‘advance equity, transform systems, and improves lives’ — just as the School’s mission states.” 

She went on to say, “It is an honor to be a clinical faculty member in the School.” 

Since arriving at the School as dean in August 2021, Denby-Brinson worked closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to establish a strategic plan that helped to elevate the graduate programs, modernize the curriculum, and increase student enrollment by providing access and flexible degree offerings while using advanced learning modalities and proven pedagogical tools.  

“Our graduates are prepared to work with individuals, families and communities to solve complex problems,” Denby-Brinson said. “The practice approaches that we teach derive from the impactful research produced by our faculty. We have a strong faculty, and they are tackling entrenched issues and devising real world solutions.” 

“I’m delighted to hear this news, and to note that the School has consistently ranked in the Top 10 since 1997,” said Dean Emeritus Jack Richman.

The latest rankings were compiled based on peer assessments from administrators, deans and faculty of accredited degree programs and are compiled on a scale of one (marginal) to five (outstanding). The surveys were sent in fall 2023 and early 2024. 

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CED Ability Grand Rounds - May 14, 2024

Reflections from the UK: Why employer flexibility matters to the recruitment, retention and progression of disabled workers

WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities Grand Rounds webinar

When: May 14, 2024 2-3 p.m. EST

Topic: "Reflections from the UK: Why employer flexibility matters to the recruitment, retention and progression of disabled workers"

Dr. Cara Molyneux School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds Leeds, UK

Learning objectives:

• To share insights from interviews with smaller-sized UK employers on their experience of being flexible during the recruitment and employment of disabled workers.
• To consider the value of comparative international research: How best to capture and share case study examples of inclusive employment policy and practice?

Register in advance for this meeting:  https://wvu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqdemurToqGNXD60qaNJ_Zd-6BF4LrNR8D#/registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. It is recommended that you also join by phone to avoid audio delays due to bandwidth.

For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please email  [email protected]   Grand Rounds are an important teaching tool that helps our teams and other disability service providers keep up to date in evolving areas that may be directly related to, or associated with our core practice. The CED hosts a variety of state, national and international experts to share information and provide opportunities for discussion.

Learn more:  https://cedwvu.org/education/ability-grand-rounds/

View Grand Rounds Archives:   https://cedwvu.org/education/grand-rounds-archives/

SAVE the DATE 2024 Grand Rounds Presentations All webinars will be at 2:00 p.m. EST unless noted otherwise.

June 11 Presenter: Jenna Beffel Title: Caregiving experiences of typically developing siblings of individuals with disabilities

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Social Work increases in national rankings

Tuesday, Apr 09, 2024 • Neph Rivera : contact

Three University of Texas at Arlington graduate programs ranked among the top 50 nationally in the 2024 Best Graduate School rankings from U.S. News & World Report, highlighted by a No. 31 national ranking, out of 170 universities, for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI).

CONHI’s MSN program jumped 23 spots from its previous ranking. The college sets the standard for nursing education in Texas as the largest producer of baccalaureate-degreed nurses in the state and one of the largest in the country. With a variety of graduate options, including registered nurse to MSN programs, professionals can take their careers to the next level, no matter where they are in their nursing journeys.

“The U.S. News & World Report's recognition of our MSN program is a testament to the outstanding faculty who lead and teach in the program,” said CONHI Dean Elizabeth Merwin. “Their contributions in educating the next generation of health care professionals deserve this recognition, and we are excited to take our graduate programs to even greater heights in the future.”

School of Social Work

UTA’s School of Social Work (SSW), which for over 50 years has been training the next generation of professionals looking to improve the lives of their clients, improved eight spots to No. 43 overall out of 319 schools. SSW trains professionals through education, interdisciplinary research and evidence-based clinical practice. The school has more than 12,000 alumni making a difference every day in government agencies and organizations, as well as creating and leading nonprofits, working in the military or in private practice and serving as deans, professors and directors in social work programs worldwide.

“The UTA School of Social Work has long been a leader in our field,” Dean Kirk A. Foster said. “Our increase in this ranking reflects the strength of our academic programs and the reputation we have as a research powerhouse producing social work leaders who are making a difference every day in communities throughout Texas and the country.”

College of Business

The College of Business also was recognized for its graduate program success. Its part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was ranked No. 60 nationally out of 269 programs.

College of Business Associate Dean of Students and Programs Fernando Jaramillo touted the program’s flexibility as one reason for its success, as it offers 13 concentration options and the opportunity to take classes online or at the Arlington or Fort Worth campuses.

"Our MBA faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard to build a quality graduate program that competes nationally with other well-ranked programs and institutions,” Jaramillo said. “This ranking is a reflection of those efforts and the high-quality MBA students we have here at UTA.”

In addition, UTA’s public affairs graduate program, located within the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, jumped up nine spots to No. 99.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

WVU announces recipients of 2023-24 Benedum Distinguished Scholar Awards

Three outstanding faculty members at West Virginia University have been selected as the 2023-24 Benedum Distinguished Scholars in recognition of their exceptional research and scholarly activity. 

Honorees include: 

Nina Assimakopoulos , associate professor of flute in the School of Music, College of Creative Arts;

Melissa Blank , associate professor of psychology in the Department of Psychology, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences; and 

Sarah Burke-Spolaor , associate professor of astronomy in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

The Benedum Distinguished Scholars Awards, funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, are awarded annually to faculty engaged in “creative research” in as many as four categories: behavioral and social sciences, biosciences and health sciences, humanities and the arts, and physical sciences and technology. This year, exceptional scholars were identified in three of the four categories. 

“As in year’s past, this group of Benedum Distinguished Scholars is extraordinary,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed said. “These brilliant faculty members are changing the way we experience art, understand the universe, and protect our most vulnerable populations from health risks. They inspire their students and colleagues to push the boundaries of discovery and engage in work that matters.” 

Assimakopoulos is the recipient of the 2023-24 Benedum Distinguished Scholar Award in the Humanities and the Arts. She is known for her performance and recorded publication of new compositions and sonorities that showcase underrepresented composers, such as American women composers, and that uniquely combine classical music practices with flute works from music cultures around the world. Her efforts have resulted in more than 100 new works or world premiere recordings and performances, nine compact disc publications, and 206 solo performances. 

Assimakopoulos is internationally known for her contributions at the forefront of contemporary flute performance, including her works that exemplify contemporary non-traditional playing techniques called extended techniques. Her recordings in this emerging genre of modernist music encapsulate the entire range of extended techniques in use by flutists and composers. Her work is so significant that it has been selected for funding by prestigious grants, including two from the Aaron Copland Fund for New Music Recording. A recent album release, “Bending Light: Sonic Prisms for Solo Flute,” won two international awards — a Global Music Award and a Music and Stars Award — for best instrumentalist. Assimakopoulos has offered over 100 workshops and master classes to make these techniques globally accessible to flutists and composers. 

She is also a renowned international leader in the realm of multimedia performance and experimental composition using global flutes she makes from wood and works that blend improvisation, instruments made from organic matter, storytelling, and the use of eco-performance themes as points of entry. “The Legend of SkyWoman” encapsulates her unique compositional style and was recognized with a bronze medal for experimental music in the 2023 Global Music awards. Also included in this category of interdisciplinary and multimedia artistic experiences is her choreography of 20 works for flute performance and movement and her more recent eco-performance work — “Sonic Bloom: Breath, Branch, Song” and “Fallen Angels, Voices from the Forest” — that combine West Virginia field recordings and musical instruments that Assimakopoulos created with organic matter. 

Blank is recognized as the 2023-2024 Benedum Distinguished Scholar in Behavioral and Social Sciences for her significant research contributions to evaluating the relationship between electronic cigarette use and dependence among vulnerable populations of youth and young adults. In 2014, Blank began questioning and assessing whether these products have the potential to promote and maintain nicotine dependence in populations that tend to be otherwise naive to nicotine and/or tobacco. 

Over a span of 10 years and with $4.6 million in external funding as a principal investigator or co-investigator, Blank has focused much of her research on evaluating the interaction between e-cigarette design features and user behavior to understand the ability of these products to deliver nicotine. This work is vital for determining e-cigarettes’ efficacy as a smoking cessation tool. Blank also found that withdrawal symptoms for both cigarette and e-cigarettes/vape abstinence are very similar — and equally bad — and that dependence on e-cigarettes is different (i.e., more reinforcing) than dependence on nicotine patches or gum. In addition, her studies have established young adults using newer e-cigarette models more frequently have the highest dependence levels; that white, rural youth are the most likely to use e-cigarettes, and that many of those youth who start with e-cigarettes eventually smoke cigarettes. 

Blank has translated this research into 23 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals in her field and is known for instilling rigorous research methods, dedication, and passion in her graduate students. She has also translated her research into practice in educational materials and prevention programs. For example, she is a contributing author on the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on e-cigarette use, the first by a federal agency to comprehensively document the impact of e-cigarettes on the health of youth and young adults. In 2018-2019, she collaborated with the American Lung Association on developing the INDEPTH Program, an alternative option offered to students who face suspicion for violation of school policies banning tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes. Blank also consulted in 2020 with the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Division of Tobacco Prevention to create a vaping toolkit and has given numerous community presentations on the dangers of vaping.

Burke-Spolaor is honored as the 2023-2024 Benedum Distinguished Scholar in Physical Sciences and Technologies. She is known nationally and internationally for her groundbreaking work on fast radio bursts and supermassive black hole binaries. SBHBs are the largest, most destructive objects in the universe, but their “darkness” makes it near impossible to find and study them using classic electromagnetic waves (i.e., light from material around black holes). SBHBs are important to find and understand due to their significant role in galaxy evolution and for the unknown, extreme physics that occurs within them. 

While the very first detection of gravitational radiation occurred in 2015, a different, longer gravitational wavelength is needed to locate black holes. Burke-Spolaor is a leading member of the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, which uses a network of stars called “pulsars” distributed throughout our galaxy to detect small ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by the distant gravitational waves of SBHBs. Burke-Spolaor’s research in the field of low-frequency gravitational wave astrophysics has laid the foundation for the next generation of progress in pulsar timing array science and is paving the road to find the first SBHB in the near future.

Burke-Spolaor has been recognized for her work with a Jansky Fellowship, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, and a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Azrieli Global Scholarship. She has authored or co-authored 83 refereed publications with over 18,000 citations, and as a principal investigator or co-investigator has secured over $20 million dollars in external funding. Burke-Spolaor led the formation of the Gravitational Wave Astrophysics Working Group within NANOGrav, has given 25 invited talks since 2018, and is regularly interviewed by leading media outlets such as The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, and The New York Times. 

Each Benedum Distinguished Scholar will receive a $5,000 professional development honorarium. The scholars will be recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception at Blaney House in April and will be featured in next year’s Benedum Distinguished Scholars Showcase . Details about the event will be shared at a later date in MOUNTAINEER E-News.

Read more about these and other awards.

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April 9, 2024 | Ziba Kashef

UConn School of Social Work Rises in 2024 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

The UConn School of Social Work (SSW) is ranked at No. 28, which puts the SSW among the top 9% of graduate social work programs in the nation.

Exterior views of the School of Social Work (SSW) with students walking out of the building. Sept. 15, 2022. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

On April 9, U.S. News & World Report released its national rankings of graduate schools of social work, with the UConn School of Social Work (SSW) ranked at No. 28. That ranking, which is up from No. 36, puts the UConn SSW among the top 9% of graduate social work programs nationally.

With this ranking, the UConn SSW continues to lead graduate social work programs in Connecticut and be a top choice for students across the country.

“The UConn School of Social Work stands strong among graduate social work programs nationwide,” says Dean and Professor Laura Curran. “Building upon more than 75 years of history, we have a growing research portfolio, innovative academic programming, and long-standing partnerships that impact communities locally and globally.”

The U.S. News social work rankings were calculated and published in 2024, based on surveys in fall 2023 and early 2024. Those surveyed included 318 social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Board of Accreditation.

The UConn SSW is the first public university in Connecticut to offer bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in social work, and its research doctorate is the only public social work Ph.D. program in the region. Areas of distinction include child and adolescent well-being, health and behavioral health, LGBTQ youth and families, aging, policy practice and community organizing, and global social work.

In 2023, the UConn SSW expanded its national footprint by welcoming Innovations Institute , an interdisciplinary, translational research center. The SSW is actively involved in a growing number of interdisciplinary collaborations within the University – including with UConn Health and the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute – and has extensive collaborations with public and private human service agencies.

Earlier this year, the SSW launched a new fully Online MSW program to provide greater access to aspiring social workers across the state and region.

SSW graduates – more than 8,800 strong – play major roles in planning, administering, and providing social and mental health services in Connecticut, the region, and beyond.

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The University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) graduate programs in occupational therapy, social work and nursing (master's and doctor of nursing practice) have been ranked among the top 100 in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) Best Graduate Schools list.

“We are delighted to receive recognition for our graduate programs in nursing and allied health professions. At UNH, our nationally-recognized faculty support our students in becoming the clinical leaders they aspire to be,” says CHHS Dean Kirsten Corazzini. “Our rankings reflect our commitment to inclusive academic excellence, and our students’ exceptional career trajectories.”

The rankings are as follows:  CHHS's graduate occupational therapy program is ranked No. 41; the master of social work (MSW) program is ranked No. 95; the nursing master's program is ranked No. 56, and the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is ranked at No. 91.

Among the recognized programs:

The UNH  graduate occupational therapy program  continues to build on its 75-year history of success with innovative classroom and clinical learning experiences in cutting-edge settings that lead students to highly successful careers.

Our  graduate nursing programs  include Master’s in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree options, with small class sizes, cutting-edge simulation technology, and online options to support working professionals and advance careers in high-demand fields.

UNH’s  master of social work  program offers full-time (two-year, advanced standing), part-time, and online options. Curricular options include the nation’s only Dual Degree Outdoor Education program, as well as graduate certificates in child welfare, substance use disorders, and disabilities.

"Collectively, our continued rise in rankings represents our deep commitment to academic excellence to prepare and nurture the next generation of clinical leaders across our health care and human services fields,"  says Corazzini. "We are grateful to our faculty and staff who support and inspire generations of health and human service practitioners locally and globally."

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Michigan state university school of social work’s outstanding senior: brianna mccray.

April 9, 2024 - Brandon Drain

The Michigan State University School of Social Work is thrilled to congratulate its outstanding senior, Brianna McCray.

However, the struggles of life would birth perseverance and a sense of duty to help others. “The lack of access to resources, for myself and those surrounding me, empowered me to want to become a social worker,” McCray explained. “I wanted to make those resources, which I hadn’t had access to, available to children, youth and families who have either faced, or are facing similar hardships -- in addition to being a source of support for those that lack one.”

McCray attributes her success and stability at MSU to key programs and mentors who have helped guide her in her collegiate journey. Being a member of the MSU FAME Program -- a resource center for foster youth alumni attending MSU as well as for youth who were in kinship care, have experienced homelessness, or are otherwise independent -- gave McCray a network of friends who share common upbringings and experiences, as well as an avid support system dedicated to her individual success. “Prior to meeting Chiquita, the director of the MSU FAME Program, I struggled to navigate resources and support as a first-generation undergraduate,” said McCray. “However, ever since I have gotten to work with Chiquita, she has helped me to navigate resources valuable to my success and well-being. As well as inspiring me to keep going and even helped me build the courage to get more involved in leadership roles!”

During her collegiate tenure, McCray has strived to empower her local community in a variety of ways. Being a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, the senior has facilitated and been involved in community service projects which “has allowed me to promote the furthering of social justice in the Lansing community.”

As an undergraduate research assistant with the Great First Eight, McCray has been “granted the opportunity to work in developing a curriculum for infants and toddlers in urban areas, which seeks to help teachers make adaptations to the developmental needs of children.”

Additionally, McCray has contributed to enhancing the experiences of the Black community on campus. She’s done this by becoming a contributor and editor of the MSU publication The MSU Black Book: A map to Black networks and resources at Michigan State University which centers on the Black student experience through a living archive to unearth Black existence at our predominately white institution and recognize the role community connection plays in student success.

For McCray, graduation will be a launching point in what is shaping up to be a prosperous career in social work. The senior plans on attending graduate school to pursue her master’s in social work with hopes of one day getting her doctorate as well.

McCray’s experience at MSU has “equipped me with drive, passion, patience and motivation, which has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities in the field of social work,” she explained. “MSU has encouraged me to take advantage of the once-in-a-life opportunities that I have been granted as well as allowing me to work on my leadership skills, which will be highly valued for big opportunities and my work within the field!”

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Home  >>  News  >>  Press Release

UT Tyler Celebrates First Cohort of Bachelor of Social Work Degree Candidates

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April 11, 2024

Media Contact:    Hannah Buchanan Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations Marketing and Communications The University of Texas at Tyler 903.539.7196 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler is celebrating the first cohort of Bachelor of Social Work degree candidates who will graduate this spring. Launched in 2020, UT Tyler’s BSW program was created to address the need for more qualified social workers in East Texas and the state.

“The projected need for social workers in Texas is growing,” said Richard Kenney, UT Tyler professor of practice and program director. “We congratulate these 19 students as they go on to provide meaningful service in our East Texas communities, the state and beyond.”

The cohort will be recognized during spring 2024 commencement at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.

UT Tyler’s first cohort of BSW degree candidates are listed by hometown.

ATHENS – Bertha Lopez.

BROWNSBORO – Jack McNulty.

CANTON – Katie Nava.

GREENVILLE – Kinsey Bell.

MARSHALL – Diana Maldonado.

MABANK – Chloe Urrutia.

MINEOLA – Brandi O'Shea.

PANTEGO – Madeleine Price.

PENSACOLA – Alex White.

TIMPSON – Harlie Ware.

TYLER – Rylie Bay, Tiara Davis, Emily Fowler, Cadence Hiltz, Cheyenne Lortz and Lluvia Martinez.

VAN – Emily Presswood.

WHITEHOUSE – Amanda Fritter.

NEW JERSEY – Amanda Amorim.

UT Tyler recently earned initial professional accreditation for its program through February 2032 by the Council on Social Work Education, which provides a gold-star standard of accreditation for colleges and universities. Students who entered or completed the program prior to accreditation will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program. For more information, visit uttyler.edu/programs/social-work-bsw/ .

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 10,000 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.

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Here are the speakers for Pitt’s graduate school commencement ceremonies

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This story will be updated as speaker details for some schools are finalized.

Graduate and professional schools at the University of Pittsburgh will hold ceremonies to recognize their graduates throughout April and May. Find information on participating in the festivities, guest tickets and regalia.

Here are this year’s celebrations, listed in chronological order.

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

When: 11 a.m., Thursday, April 25 Where: Fitzgerald Field House Speaker:   Adrienne Washington (A&S ’10G, ’16G) is an assistant professor in the Department of World Languages, Literature and Linguistics at West Virginia University. Her sociocultural linguistics research explores the social use of language among intersectional communities of the African diaspora in various locations.

School of Pharmacy

When: 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 26 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Speaker: The graduating student speakers at this ceremony will include  Abigail Stewart (PHARM ’22), class of 2024 president, and  Yuang Chen  (A&S ’17, PHARM ’23). 

School of Nursing

When: 11 a.m., Friday, April 26 Where: Carnegie Music Hall Speaker: Professor Catherine M. Bender (NURS ’79G, ’94G) is a leader in oncology research with two focus areas covering the changes in neurocognitive function associated with cancer and cancer therapy; and disease and treatment-related symptoms and how symptoms and other factor influence adherence to cancer therapy. Throughout her career she has received millions of dollars in research funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the Oncology Nursing Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Swanson School of Engineering

When: noon, Friday, April 26 Where: Bellefield Hall Auditorium Speaker: Raman Venkatesh is the first chief sustainability officer for Medtronic, a medical device company. Before this appointment, Venkatesh served as an advisor to several venture capital funds in healthcare, energy and mobility and was executive vice president of Aquaporin, a company focused on improving water treatment and use.

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

When: 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 26 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

Visit the GSPIA commencement page  to RSVP for the event and learn more.

School of Public Health

When: 6 p.m., Friday, April 26 Where: Carnegie Music Hall Speaker: Admiral Rachel L. Levine , assistant secretary for health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will speak at the ceremony.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

When: 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Speakers: Pat Croce (SHRS ’77), a New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur with ventures in sports medicine, hospitality and professional sports (including serving as a minority owner and CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers), will speak at the morning ceremony.  Gregory Meloy (SHRS ’07) will speak at the afternoon ceremony. He is a celebrated orthopedic surgeon practicing in his hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania, who completed his residency under the tutelage of Freddie Fu . Attendees will also hear from Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine.

Find more SHRS commencement information online.

Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

When: 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27 Where: Petersen Events Center Speakers: At this first-ever combined ceremony, all Pitt Business degree recipients will hear from Henry E. Haller Jr. Dean Gene Anderson as well as the student and faculty member of the year from both the Katz School and College of Business Administration.

School of Social Work

When: 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Speaker:  Anthony Estreet is chief executive officer of the  National Association of Social Workers , the largest membership organization of professional social workers globally. He also is a professor for the Master of Social Work program at Morgan State University.

School of Law

When: 11 a.m., Friday, May 3 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Speaker: Emily Kinkead (LAW ’16) is a Pennsylvania State Representative committed to eliminating barriers for working families. Kinkead was elected to serve Pennsylvania's 20th Legislative District in 2020.

School of Medicine

When: 2 p.m., Sunday, May 19 Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Speaker: Jeanne M. Marrazzo succeeded Anthony Fauci as director of the  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases . In this role, she oversees a $6.3 billion budget that supports research to advance the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases to improve the health of millions globally.

— Kara Henderson, photography by Aimee Obidzinski

John Surma is Pitt’s 2024 spring commencement speaker

Help shape pitt it’s 10-year horizon plan, pitt extends the fall 2024 commitment deadline to may 15.

• Master of Social Work (MSW)

Admissions Requirements

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MSW Admission Process

The School of Social Work has adopted an online application process. Please carefully read and follow all instructions as outlined. Apply Now

On this page:

Deadlines Admission Requirements Letters of Recommendation Essay Requirements Dual JD/MSW

Application Deadlines

On campus program, regular standing (full and part time) and advanced standing (part time) (starts in fall 2024 (august)).

• January 15  is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by January 15 will be given preference for graduate assistantships and scholarships. 
• March 1  is the standard deadline. All applications must be submitted by March 1 for consideration.

Advanced Standing (Full Time) (Starts in Summer 2024 (May))

• January 15  is the priority deadline for summer admission.  Applications submitted by January 15 will be given preference for graduate assistantships and scholarships.
• March 1 is the standard deadline.  All applications must be submitted by March 1 for consideration.

ONLINE PROGRAM

Advanced and regular standing (part time only) (starts in fall 2024 (august)).

• February 1  is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by February 1 will be given preference for scholarships.
• April 15 is the standard deadline. Applications submitted between February 1 and April 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please remember that all required materials must be received and processed by the deadline dates listed above. Keep in mind transcripts, references, and test scores often take longer than anticipated to arrive.

Learn More About MSW Online

REGULAR STANDING

• Domestic applicants: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university OR a Graduate degree from a regionally accredited university
• International applicants: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. (*note: international applicants living outside of the United States are not eligible to apply to the online MSW program.)

ADVANCED STANDING

• Domestic applicants who have received a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program within the last eight years may apply for advanced standing.
• International applicants who have received a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors within the last eight years may apply for advanced-standing. (*note: international applicants living outside the United States are not eligible to apply to the online MSW program)
• Advanced standing enables the baccalaureate-holding social worker to move directly to the program’s advanced curriculum, waiving foundation-level courses as well as the Generalist-Foundation field experience.

The School of Social Work does not give academic credit for work or life-experience.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

• At least a 2.75 overall GPA required, though a 3.0 GPA is preferred
• A 3.25 or higher GPA for advanced standing applicants in their undergraduate social work courses is preferred
• Students with an overall GPA below 2.75 may be considered for provisional admission based on a review of the applicant's transcript(s) and the strengths of the other elements on the application. 

APPLICATION AND APPLICATION FEE

• Complete the combined WVU Graduate/School of Social Work application
• Select "Social Work - On Campus" for the on-campus program and "Social Work - Online" for the online program
• Students can apply to both the on-campus and online programs, but must submit separate applications and indicate their preference in the Admissions Essay or Addendum section of the applications
• $60 application fee per application

TRANSCRIPTS

• Submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework to the WVU Office of Graduate Admissions at P.O. Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506 or [email protected] (*note: official transcripts for applicants who attended West Virginia University will be uploaded by WVU Graduate Admissions upon submission of the graduate application).
• Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded by applicants in their application for the purposes of review for admission.  However, official transcripts are required before a formal acceptance to the MSW program is offered.
• Submit a current resume including employment, volunteer experience, including start and end dates.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Three professional letters of recommendation that address your ability to handle the rigors of graduate studies and your experience and skills in the helping field are required. Contact information for these individuals should be entered into the online Graduate Application (do not have recommenders send letters to the School of Social Work directly). Please submit a recommendation from each of the following categories:

• Academic (see note for advanced-standing applicants below)
• Social Work/Human Service Experience (volunteer or paid)

Advanced Standing Applicants : It is preferred that advanced-standing applicants submit a supporting recommendation from the director of their undergraduate program.  Use this as the academic reference. A recommendation from a different BSW faculty member is also acceptable.

For applicants that have been out of school for more than 5 years and/or have been working in the field, a combination of 3 professional social work and employment recommendations are acceptable. For students right out of undergraduate studies with little work experience; a combination of 3 professional recommendations that include 2 academic references and a social work/human service experience recommendation are appropriate.

If you use recommenders other than the suggested academic, social work/human service experience, and employer, discuss your reasons why in the Addendum section of the application essay.

Academic  IELTS : 6.5 TOEFL  iBT: 79 (WVU accepts MyBest scores) PTE  Academic: 53 Duolingo  English Test: 105

ADMISSION ESSAY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should read the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and reference the Code of Ethics in their essay where relevant.

The Admission Essay must address each of the following:

Human services and community work.

In one to two paragraphs, discuss how your volunteer and paid endeavors in human services, community work, and/or other experiences have contributed to your choice of social work as a profession. The MSW Admissions Committee is looking for evidence of leadership ability, experience, or interest in working with diverse populations or oppressed groups; commitment to social and economic justice; and other interests congruent with WVU’s School of Social Work mission and social work practice in a rural setting.

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE INTERESTS

Professional ethics.

Ethics are different from our basic sense of what is right and wrong; they consist of going above our personal values to identifying the difficult choices made that affect the well-being of people, systems, and societies. In ethical decision-making, answers are rarely clear cut and multiple options may be viable, thus requiring careful consideration.

Social work ethics include the values, principles, and standards that social workers adhere to in their professional practice. There are two important documents that guide ethical social work practice, the NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice. 

In one to two paragraphs, write about a time you felt conflicted ethically about a professional, work, or volunteer situation. Reflect on the ethical aspects you considered, how you responded to the conflict, and in hindsight, what you think of your response. Be sure to reference any relevant standards from the NASW Code of Ethics and/or the Technology Standards cited above in your response.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

As professional social workers, we challenge social injustices and value the worth and dignity of all people. We are guided by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics which promotes ethical and anti-racist social work practice for social workers. At the WVU School of Social Work, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and you can learn more about that commitment by reading our full Mission Statement , Land Acknowledgment Statement , and Antiracism Statement .

In one to two paragraphs, identify a current example of injustice or a form of systemic discrimination, such as racism, ableism, sexism, etc. that is of major concern to you. What are some possible ways that you could respond to this injustice? As a master’s level social worker, what role do you anticipate playing in promoting social justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations?

FIELD INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Field internships are an integral part of MSW education that allow you to apply the theories, knowledge and abilities you learn in the classroom in social work practice settings.  The field internship will require anywhere from 12 – 20/hours per week of your time in addition to your other coursework.  In one to two paragraphs, based on the current policy outline in the MSW Field FAQs  share your ideas and strategies around completing field requirements, as you envision fitting field experiences into your school/work/life balance.

If necessary, applicants can submit an addendum section of their application essay that addresses any gaps or deficiencies in their academic record, including incomplete grades, withdrawals from courses, etc. Also, applicants that use recommenders other than the suggested academic, social work/human services, and employer should explain why in this section. 

Admission Essay Guidelines have been compiled and adapted from the following institutions: University of Maine, University of Maryland at Baltimore, University of Michigan and New York University.

Dual JD/MSW

Applicants interested in the Dual JD/MSW program need to apply for both programs separately.  This program is only available on-campus.

Learn more about the JD/MSW degree