Social Work (MSW)
You are ready for a career of purpose. Our MSW program is ready for you!
The MSW program at MBU engages each student around their unique interests, goals, priorities, and dreams. On-line and hands-on, with flexible timelines and loads of support, in our program you really matter. Everything we do, we do through meaningful relationships – from one-on-one mentoring, to individualized career planning, and real connections with peers and highly responsive, engaged teachers, we keep the social in social work through creative and thoughtful use of virtual learning approaches.
- Time to CompletionInquire for more information
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Social Work
Next steps
Now accepting applications for our inaugural MSW cohort, to start in spring 2027!
- Part-time regular standing
- Complete your degree in Spring 2009
- 2-3 courses/semester
- Fully online
- Combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning
- Scheduled to meet needs of non-traditional/working students
Why study social work at Mary Baldwin?
Social work is a dynamic profession, offering lots of ways to make a difference. Social workers do it all – from mental health therapy, to child welfare, health social work, addictions services, community development, non-profit administration, policy advocacy…an MSW is THE degree to launch your high-impact career.
MBU’s online MSW features combined synchronous and asynchronous courses, with in-person “field practicum” placements near you – and sometimes where you already are employed!
Faculty who know the ropes
MBU social work professors are experts in diverse fields with experience helping communities around the world. Many are actively involved in social work in addition to their teaching. Our professors have deep knowledge in their fields and know what employers are looking for. Connections, expertise, and experience come together in MBU’s social work program.
Next steps
I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.
Lily Tomlin
Curriculum and Courses
Our curriculum prepares students with the core practice skills, knowledge, and experiences to work across diverse social work settings, and provides the opportunity for deep dives into the specific areas of practice that interest them most.
Through coursework, field practicum experiences, and professional development seminars, we support each student to be career-ready!
Next steps
MSW Mission Statement
At MBU, our MSW program is on-line, our teaching is hands-on, and our commitment is all-in, supporting each learner to accomplish their unique social work career goals through flexible, supportive, and individualized professional education. Our mission is to develop resilient, self-aware, advanced generalist social workers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle challenging problems.
Sample Courses
Building on core skills developed in the generalist curriculum, this graduate-level course explores the nature of trauma and its effects, and core principles of trauma-informed practice. Students learn to apply trauma-informed approaches to engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice across systems levels, and complete a “deep dive” project, developing greater expertise about experiences of trauma and implications for practice with a selected population, organization, or community.
This graduate-level course introduces students to a range of theories of how individual humans develop, with particular attention to the diverse family, community, cultural, and socio-economic contexts that 1) shape understandings of development, 2) differentiate opportunities for development, and 3) are in turn shaped by that development. Students will develop knowledge and skills to critically assess different theories and their usefulness for understanding different individual’s strengths, challenges, and needs.
This graduate-level course supports each student to formulate a professional development plan, identifying their professional interests, goals, strengths, and developmental needs. Students will also build foundational skills for professional writing; self-care; and core professional behaviors, including effective communication, appropriate use of self, and practice guided by the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Building on the generalist curriculum, this graduate-level course introduces students to foundational knowledge and skills for working with child and families across service systems and settings, with a particular focus on school, child welfare, juvenile justice settings.
This graduate-level course supports each student to formulate a professional development plan, identifying their professional interests, goals, strengths, and developmental needs. Students will also build foundational skills for professional writing; self-care; and core professional behaviors, including effective communication, appropriate use of self, and practice guided by the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Our Faculty
Our school’s faculty is made up of skilled professionals with extensive real-world experience in their practice areas. They are committed to seeing you succeed, offering one-on-one mentorship and real-world experience.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. That’s why Mary Baldwin offers generous financial aid packages and a broad range of scholarships. Our mission is to help you bring your aspirations to life.
MBU also helps you fast-track your path to a social work degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.