Graduate Catalog 2026-2027 
    
    Jun 13, 2026  
Graduate Catalog 2026-2027

Master of Social Work


Program Mission

The Malone University Master’s of Social Work Program draws on its unique context as an Evangelical Friends institution with access to urban, rural, and international practice opportunities, to prepare advanced social work practitioners who are capable of culturally appropriate practice across diverse populations who promote social justice and who can ethically integrate Christian faith with social work practice. This foundation fosters the growth of practice wisdom and scientific inquiry with an overarching purpose of enhancing the quality of life for micro, mezzo, and macro systems in relation to their environment.

CSWE Standards

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior. (EPAS 2.1.1)

  2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice. (EPAS 2.1.2)

  3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice. (EPAS 2.1.3)

  4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice. (EPAS 2.1.4)

  5. Engage in Policy Practice. (EPAS 2.1.5)

  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. (EPAS 2.1.6)

  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. (EPAS 2.1.7)

  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. (EPAS 2.1.8)

  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities. (EPAS 2.1.9)

Besides the CSWE Standards noted above, an additional competency will be assessed to fit with Malone University’s mission:

  1. Appropriately integrate Christian faith with professional social work practice and recognize the importance of spirituality to the human experience

The aforementioned competencies will be measured at least twice during a student’s academic year. Each competency will be measured in field practicum and in course assignments, adhering to CSWE standards and practices.

Accreditation & Licensure Preparation

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) have approved Malone’s MSW program application and the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) has received our candidacy eligibility form, needed prior to pursuing Council on Social Work (CSWE) accreditation. The MSW program plan (Benchmark 1) is currently being reviewed by CSWE’s accreditation specialist, which is the first step of the multi-year process towards accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Admittance to the Foundational Track requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

  • Review of transcripts.

  • Two Professional References.

Admittance to the Advanced Standing Track requires:

  • Bachelor’s of Social Work from a CSWE (or equivalent) accredited school of social work within the last 8 years.

    • If a student graduated more than 8 years prior to their application, they can write an essay on their knowledge, values, and skills related to the current Malone MSW program competencies. This essay will be evaluated by the MSW admission committee as part of their consideration for advanced standing.

  • B- or higher in all social work prefix undergraduate classes.

  • Two professional references, including one reference from a social work professor in your undergraduate education.

  • Review of transcripts and practicum evaluations.

  • Evaluation by MSW faculty who will use these standards and make final decisions on admittance.

  • MSW faculty reserve the right to determine if there are any classes from the foundation track that students will need to complete.

Programs

Master of Social Work, M.S.W.