The Master of Social Work program seeks to provide the highest quality professional education for all persons who are admitted into the program. The program seeks to develop within each of its students the rich intellectual and ethical capacities necessary for skillful and compassionate social work practice. The program's focus is community-based family practice, allowing students to acquire a blend of direct family practice skills coupled with an understanding and appreciation of human diversity. Because we are located in Appalachia, we offer coursework and internships focused on rural practice. However, for the student who wants practice experience that will lead to work in a city environment, we offer a selection of field placements in Roanoke--a midsize city about 45 miles from Radford.

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is reviewed and monitored by a Professional Advisory Council of 50-plus professional social workers. The School of Social Work is one of three academic schools in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services.

Radford University's Master of Social Work program provides two curriculum options: "Standard" and "Advanced Standing." Applicants are only eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing option if they have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited social work program and make application within 7 seven years and have attained a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate coursework, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate social work coursework.

Both Standard and Advanced Standing options may be sought on a full-time or part-time basis at The School of Social Work's Radford, or part-time through our extended campus, located in Abingdon, Virginia. The Abingdon program is part-time and does not offer a full-time option. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions status with review of applications to begin January 30 for both Advanced Standing program and the Standard program.  Applications for both programs will be accepted as early as November 1.  The Radford campus admits students each year, while the Abingdon campus admits students every other year (the next group of Abingdon applicants will apply for admission for 2009-2010.)