Social Work Degrees at Spalding
Spalding University appears in our ranking of the 35 Best Value Christian Colleges with CSWE-accredited Programs.
Since 1974, the School of Social Work has awarded an accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work for Spalding University undergrads to connect to community betterment projects that improve marginalized lives. Directed by Dr. Shannon Emory Cambron, the 2013 Mary Angela Shaughnessy Leadership Award winner, the 120-credit curriculum prepares for LSW credentialing based on Catholic cornerstones. The Louisville courses like Child Abuse, Living with AIDS, and Intervention uniquely offer 15-week semesters or fast, six-week blocks with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. At least 450 fieldwork hours are integrated at Kindred Hospital, Wayside Mission Shelter, The Healing Place, Landmark Recovery, Expanded Horizons, and others. BSSW majors might also minor in Addiction Studies, earn Public Child Welfare Certification, travel to Ireland, join Theta Tau, and engage in the Egan Leadership Center.
Given a $1.15 million HRSA Grant, Spaulding University launched the Master of Social Work in 1999 for post-grads to fulfill the shortage of advanced generalist practitioners in rural, underserved communities. Chaired by Dr. Kevin Borders, the 58-credit, non-thesis degree has a hybrid online format that meets on alternating Fridays and Saturdays in Louisville. Those with qualifying BSW backgrounds are fast-tracked in the 34-credit Advanced Standing option. Before the Exit Colloquium, cohorts stack courses like Human Dynamics, Policy Analysis, and Addictions in Society for CSW licensure. Expect 400 foundational and 500 concentration hours of internship at "Derby City" agencies from Hosparus Health to Omni Family Services. Other opportunities include getting LCADC certification, attending the Optimal Aging Conference, serving in Guatemala, joining the NASW, and continuing for the Clinical PsyD.
About Spalding University
Spalding University was opened in 1819 as Nazareth Academy in Bardstown, Kentucky, by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity following the call of Bishop John Baptist Mary David. In 1829, it was officially chartered by the Commonwealth Legislature for women's education. Ninety years later, the Academy became Nazareth College and erected its 24-acre Louisville campus around the historic 851 Mansion. By the 1970s, it was renamed Spalding for the Sisters' foundress and opened to men. Doubling its endowment to $17.9 million since 2006, Spaulding University stands as a private Kentuckiana Metroversity member with 2,322 Golden Eagles, including Social Work majors. Linked to 6,553 LinkedIn alumni, Spalding has trained Silas House, Elmer Lucille Allen, Diana Raab, and more.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Spalding among the top 300 national universities with the 201st best social work school. On Niche, Spalding boasts America's 51st best standout academics, 111st safest campus, 219th best small community, and 315th top psychology courses. College Factual named Spalding the 151st best Catholic school with the 254th top-paid social work grads. PayScale calculated a median mid-career salary of $68,000 for Spalding University alumni. According to WalletHub, Spalding has the country's 171st most selectivity, 153rd best campus experience, and 375th best financing. The Social Mobility Index placed Spaulding 464th nationally. In Washington Monthly, Spalding University claims the 62nd best graduation rate and 157th best faculty academies too.
Spalding University Accreditation Details
In 2017, Spalding University satisfactorily passed an assurance review from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to renew its Level VI accreditation without sanctions for another 10 years under president Dr. Victoria Murden McClure, the 1999 Silver Horse Shoe Award for Service recipient. Located 423 miles south in Decatur, this 11-state regional accreditor is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to make Spalding's 36 baccalaureate, 19 master's, and four doctoral degrees Title-IV eligible. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has also reaffirmed the BSSW and MSW majors through June 2021.
Spalding University Application Requirements
Starting at Spalding University is labeled "moderately difficult" by Peterson's because 500 of the 994 Fall 2016 applications were okayed for 50.3 percent acceptance. First-year Golden Eagles gliding into the Bachelor of Science in Social Work must verify the receipt of a high school diploma or GED first. On average, freshmen present a 3.87 GPA, 1050 SAT score, and 21 ACT score. Transfers are welcome with up to 90 credits less than 10 years old from regionally accredited colleges with minimum 2.0 GPAs. Credits from CLEP and DSST exams are offered. International BSSW majors have an extra step to display English proficiency with a 535 TOEFL or 450 SAT Critical Reading score. The Master of Social Work admits bachelor's grads with 2.8 or higher GPAs, including CSWE-accredited degrees for Advanced Standing.
Spalding University has rolling undergrad admission until August 1st for Fall and February 1st for Spring or Summer entry. The Graduate School only admits MSW cohorts once yearly until April 1st though. Candidates log into the applicant portal to update their profile and upload documents for free. If needed, mail extras to 901 South Fourth Street in Louisville, KY 40203. Please contact (502) 585-7111 or [email protected] for further questions. Caring social workers abide by the following application checklist:
- Validated high school or college transcripts
- Official ACT, SAT, and TOEFL test scores
- Three letters of professional reference
- Original, well-written personal goals essays
- Copies of field evaluations (Advanced Standing only)
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2018-19, Spalding University will charge full-time Bachelor of Science in Social Work majors $12,250 per semester or $24,500 yearly. Part-time study incurs $815 per credit taken. Evening or online FLEX courses are the exception at $420 per credit. Spalding suggests leaving $1,650 for textbooks. Living at the Louisville campus' dorms like Morrison Hall adds $2,650 for housing and $1,400 for board each term. Annual bachelor's study equals $36,778 on-site and $28,878 with family. The Graduate School presently bills MSW majors $710 per credit. Master's students expect to pay $41,180 for Regular Standing or $24,140 for Advanced Standing total.
According to the NCES College Navigator, 90 percent of full-time Spaulding Golden Eagles fly financially with median assistance offers of $17,205 for $20.35 million combined. University funds include the Mother Catherine Spalding Scholarship, Nazareth Scholarship, Honors Scholarship, Transfer Scholarship, Muhammad Ali Scholarship, Bellsouth Minority Scholarship, Ann Gordon Brigham Scholarship, Sister Mary Ignatius Fox Scholarship, and Koo Social Work Scholarship. The KHEAA gives Bluegrass State natives the College Access Grant, Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship, or Coal County Completion Scholarship. Federal SEOG Grant, Pell Grant, and Direct Loan money is often opened with FAFSA applications coded 001960. The Department of Veteran Affairs determines eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Work-study jobs offer undergrads $8.00/hour on or $9.00/hour off campus. Master of Social Work majors also apply for assistantships beginning on July 1st each Spring.
Learn more about Spalding University at the School of Social Work website.