Social Work Degree Programs
Madonna University appears in our ranking of the 35 Best Value Christian Colleges with CSWE-accredited Programs.
Based out of Livonia, Michigan, Madonna University is a private university that offers two social work programs for students. The first of which is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. More than 60% of the graduates of this program earn their graduate degrees later, and 90% of those who do not go to graduate school find work in the field. This accredited program features both courses and practical work.
BSW students must take 46 credits of social work classes, including Introduction to Social Work and Tools for Success in Social Work and Sociology. They will also take Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II as well as Social Welfare History and Policy. The Practice Methods that they take show them how to work with individuals and small groups and communities and families. BSW students will do two practicums and spend at least 200 hours working in the field to complete each one.
The university now offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program too. Designed for those who want to enhance their skills and obtain their licenses, this program allows them to select a concentration in either children and youth work or mental health and health social work. A third concentration is available in community leadership. Students will learn more about working with diverse populations and helping both large and small groups of people. This program features some prerequisite courses, and the university gives students the option of taking those courses as an undergrad or taking the classes through the university. They also have access to electives that include Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health and Social Work Practice in Mental Health Settings.
MSW students must complete two practicums and spend at least 500 hours in the field. They'll also take social work courses such as Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Assessment and Social Work Approach to Practice with Children and Youth. Madonna University offers an advanced standing MSW program too. Students entering this program must have a BSW degree from an accredited college or university. Their knowledge allows them to take fewer classes and do less field work.
About Madonna University
Madonna University is one of the only Catholic colleges in Michigan. Founded in 1937, it is also one of the only independent religious institutions of higher learning in the nation. The Felician Sisters, who helped launch the university, also established five regional branches of the university in other parts of Michigan. Though the main campus is in Livonia, students can also take classes in Detroit and other cities. Despite being a Roman Catholic university, it accepts students of all denominations and religious beliefs.
The university is one of the only full colleges in the state that offers degrees at all levels. Students can earn a simple two-year degree from the university or enroll in a traditional bachelor's degree program. They can also earn graduate degrees from the university. Madonna added its first doctoral program to its curriculum in 2009 and plans to add similar programs in the future. U.S. News & World Report ranks Madonna as one of the top graduate schools in the Midwest. The university offers more than 100 programs across all levels and has an enrollment of around 4,500 students.
Madonna University Accreditation Details
Madonna University has accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the main professional organization in the social work field. The state of Michigan only awards licenses to social workers who graduated from a program with this type of accreditation. It also has accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is helpful for those who want to work as school social workers. Madonna has regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) too, which means that students can both transfer their college credits to the university and apply for financial aid from the government.
Madonna University Application Requirements
The university offers an online application that asks students whether they want to enroll in an undergrad or graduate program. They will then register for a new account and enter a full name as well as an email address. Students must verify that their addresses are valid before working on the application. Undergrads must submit transcripts that show they are in high school and then submit final transcripts that show they finished high school. The university will accept undergrads who have a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher and undergrads who scored at least 20 on the ACT. Students must meet one of these requirements to enroll.
Graduate students will follow a different process but complete the same online application. Applications are due by August 15 for the fall semester, December 15 for the winter term and April 15 for the summer semester. Students must download two recommendation forms and have their references complete and mail those forms back to the university. They will then contact the university and schedule an interview. The interviewer will make a recommendation for or against the student. Madonna offers full acceptance as well as conditional acceptance.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students attending Madonna University will pay different rates based on where they take classes. Undergrads attending the university's Livonia campus pay $730 per credit hour. The university charges full-time students $10,950 each semester and allows them to take up to 18 credits. Students taking classes online or on one of the university's satellite campuses pay $420 per credit hour. Madonna doesn't offer any discounts for full-time students attending one of these campuses. Graduate students attending any campus and those taking online classes pay a rate of $835 per credit hour.
Any student who needs financial aid must use the FAFSA. As soon as the university receives this form, it will design a financial aid package that meets most or all of the needs of a student. Financial aid packages for undergrads will typically include subsidized student loans and grants from the government, but some students may qualify for scholarships from the university too. The university also has some jobs available for students who need extra help. Graduate students can get unsubsidized student loans from the government and alternative loans from other types of lenders. More than 90% of the students attending Madonna University receive some type of financial aid.