The Master of Social Work and the Master of Public Administration programs at USI offer the University's first dual degree program. Through this program, you will have the opportunity to complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in two years. You will gain both hands-on social work skills along with managerial skills needed to lead public and nonprofit organizations.
The Master of Social Work and the Master of Public Administration programs at the University of Southern Indiana offer a dual degree program, which can be completed in a minimum of two years.
Students must be admitted to both graduate programs before beginning the dual degree program. View admission requirements for the Master of Social Work and admission requirements for the Master of Public Administration.
Students can enroll in the full-time liberal arts track for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work degree or the two-year advanced standing track for students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Students must complete the MPA comprehensive examination in order to graduate with the MPA degree, taken towards the end of their coursework.
To get started, complete the following four steps:
1.) A completed USI Application for Graduate Study and $40 application fee.
2.) Upload the following to your application account.
3.) Submit official transcripts to Graduate Studies.
4.) International students may be required to provide additional information.
Admission Policy
It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all required materials to the Social Work Department by the application deadline. Applications are reviewed when all materials have been received by the Social Work Department MSW Admissions Committee.
Admission decisions for the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program are based upon:
Indiana Public Law 11-1994 and MSW Admission
In order to fully comply with Indiana Public Law 11-1994 (conviction of sexual offenses against children), the Social Work Department will conduct a criminal history check of students requesting admission to the Master of Social Work program. This check will be conducted at the point of admission and upon entering the field placement. A student who has been convicted of sex offenses against children as identified in P.L. 11-1994 will not be granted admission to or allowed to continue in the Master of Social Work program.
Individuals who were convicted of such crimes outside of the state of Indiana are required to report their intent to reside more than seven days in the area within Indiana to local law enforcement authorities having jurisdiction in the area of intended residence.
Like the traditional MPA, you will graduate with the preferred graduate degree for those who seek to work in the public or nonprofit sector. It pairs the skills and credentials of the MSW with expertise in public and nonprofit management. The degree will equip you to work hands on in the field of social work while developing the managerial and technical capacity to be promoted and manage the organizations in which you work.
*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.
The Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern Indiana is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Nine Competencies of Social Work Practice | Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Requirements for licensure and certification vary by profession and by state. USI has reviewed the educational requirements for each state and licensing agency to determine if the academic program here at USI meets the educational requirements to be eligible for licensure/certification in each state or not. Please note that some states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as residency requirements, additional non-academic certifications, etc. that USI cannot determine. We encourage you to check with your state's licensing agency for all requirements needed to obtain licensure.
