Alabama State University

• Are you looking for a career that is rewarding yet challenging?
• Do you want to contribute to society by helping people overcome difficulties and improve their lives?

A master's degree in Social Work can be a challenging yet rewarding career choice to pursue! 

The social work program’s mission and goals reflect the profession purpose and value and the program’s context.

1. Program Mission Statement

The mission of the MSW program at ASU is to prepare students for advanced professional practice. As related to the University’s mission, the Department’s mission is to prepare students with requisite advanced social work knowledge, skills and values in specialized areas of practice, and the use of scientific inquiry to aid in practice and policy analysis, grounding instruction of human behaviour, need and growth in the strengths perspective. Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to their understanding and commitment to diverse populations to promote human and community well-being while alleviating the impact of social and economic injustice on diverse individuals, families and communities domestically and globally, particularly those injustices that are unique to the poor and oppressed communities of Alabama and the Southeastern United States and the result of structural inequity. The overall mission of the Social Work Department is consistent with the purposes of social work in that the Department seeks to prepare students to be ethically responsive to the needs of diverse populations. The curriculum has been designed to address the needs of students as it related to preparing them for advanced practice and leadership within communities and organizations.

Students are able to practice locally and globally to the extent that social problems of the state align with national and global social ills. The issues of poverty and racism are evident among the problems associated with, but are not limited to, child neglect and abuse, the judicial system or criminal justice, domestic violence, physical and mental health problems, lifespan challenges, community development, economic injustice and women’s health. In addition, ASU’s MSW program utilizes hybrid and education technology in the delivery of the program. This method of instruction allows students residing in central and southern Alabama who have experienced barriers to accessing the existing MSW programs in other locales in Alabama. Thus, the approach will contribute to the development of practitioners to enhance the quality of life for rural and other communities.

A forensic social worker, also sometimes called a criminal justice social worker, applies social work principles and expertise to law-related issues and litigation. Forensic social workers primarily use their legal expertise to work within the court systems, child and family agencies, hospitals, mental health agencies, substance abuse agencies, correctional facilities, prisons, community agencies, and faith-based institutions.

What do they do? 

Forensic social work practice is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spouse abuse, juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall under this definition.  They also practice in areas related to policy and social justice. 

What are their job responsibilities?

Providing consultation, education, or training to:

• Criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional systems
• Law makers
• Law enforcement personnel
• Attorneys, law students, and paralegals
• Members of the public

Diagnostic impressions, treatment, and recommendations:

• Providing diagnostic impressions, assessing, and treating criminal and juvenile justice populations
• Providing diagnostic impressions, treating, or making recommendations about mental status, childrens’ interests, incapacities, or inability to testify
• Serving as an expert witness
• Screening, evaluating, or treating law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel

Other functions:

• Policy and program development
• Mediation, advocacy, and arbitration
• Teaching, training, and supervising
• Behavioral science research and analysis

ADMISSIONS

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

Students admitted to the program will have a choice of the degree concentrations via three avenues for study, which includes:

• Traditional (two-year, full time)
• Advanced standing (12 months)
• Part-time (four-year).

Each curriculum has its own requirements for admission. In addition to these requirements, students must meet specific minimum requirements for admission established by the University.

CURRICULUM GUIDES

Mental Health_Advanced Standing.pdf

Mental Health_Traditional (two-year).pdf

Forensics_Advanced Standing.pdf

Forensics_Traditional (two-year).pdf

Department of Social Work

Alabama State University
915 S. Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

334.229.6957
https://www.alasu.edu/clas/social-work/master-social-work

socialwork@alasu.edu