Advanced Standing Master of Social Work, MSW
Mission Statement
Within the context of a Christian, liberal arts institution for higher learning, and grounded in core professional values, the Master of Social Work program seeks to develop ethical, competent, and effective advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to promote positive social change, to challenge injustice, and to provide services to enhance and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities locally and globally.
Overview
The Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program is designed for students who have an earned Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. The program prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice. A minimum of 30 credit hours are required for the program.
Criteria for Admission
Admission to the Advanced Standing MSW program requires prospective students to complete an application (www.mobap.edu). Applicants must have a conferred bachelor’s degree from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by CSWE, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. The BSW degree must have been completed no more than 7 years prior.
One of the essential criteria for admission into the MSW program is that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree prior to entry into the program. Applicants may be conditionally accepted into the program pending graduation with the baccalaureate degree.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average for general admission, or a 3.0 GPA for the most recent 60 credit hours. Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 - 2.74 may be admitted on probation, with approval.
The priority admission deadline for students interested in the advanced standing program is May 1 and the final admission deadline is June 1.
Application materials required for consideration of admission include:
- Completed online application
- Professional Statement
- Resume
- An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by CSWE, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- An admissions interview
- A Non-refundable application fee of $35. (This fee is waived for online applications.)
Transfer Credit
No transfer credit will be accepted.
Master of Social Work Degree Requirements (Advanced Standing)
Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for the Master of Social Work degree. Students awarded advanced standing receive credit for 30 credit hours of the generalist practice curriculum of the MBU MSW program. This includes 27 hours of core courses and 3 hours of electives. The advanced standing program consist of 30 credits: a 3 credit hour “Bridge” course, 24 hours of specialized core courses, and 3 credit hours of electives.
Field Hours
Students interested in the advanced standing program are asked to provide documentation of completed hours of field experience in their BSW program. Students are given credit for field hours completed in their BSW program, up to a maximum of 450 hours. Students who earned between 400 and 450 hours will receive credit for these hours. They will be required to complete the remaining hours to total 900. (For example, a student who earned 415 hours in the BSW program, would be required to complete 485 hours in the advanced standing MSW program, for a total of 900 hours.)
If no documentation is provided, it is assumed that the student completed 400 hours (the minimum required for a BSW degree..) In this case, the student will be required to complete a total of 500 hours of field throughout the MBU MSW program over two semesters (250 hours first semester, and 250 second semester.)
Corporate Security Leadership, MSCS
Mission Statement
Missouri Baptist University’s Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership prepares the student to serve as a corporation’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) and leader in: ethical management; physical security; information systems security; financial systems security; security law and compliance; corporate investigations; corporate espionage, counter intelligence and terrorism; executive protection, kidnapping & ransom planning and response; and security problem resolution.
Goals for the MBU Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership Program are:
- To teach, empower, and inspire our students for service and lifelong learning.
- To prepare students to serve as a/the security leader of corporations.
- To prepare students to make consistently accurate, ethical decisions.
- To prepare students to be a corporation’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) in key aspects of the security industry.
- To prepare students to pass qualifying exams to earn key certification credentials.
Overview
Missouri Baptist University’s Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership is designed for career oriented students who wish to advance their expertise in security leadership, prepare for corporate promotion, or transition into a security leadership position from a related career field such as criminal justice, national defense, etc.
The MSCS also extends the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest: building environmentally sound security solutions; transportations systems security; health care systems security; retail systems security; manufacturing systems security; and emergency, disaster and contingency planning.
The MBU Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership Program is a thirty-six (36) semester hour program offered exclusively online. Nine (9) core leadership courses comprise twenty-seven (27) semester hours of the program. The remaining nine (9) semester hours are elective leadership courses.
Half of the core courses will be offered during the fall semester and the other half in the spring semester. Electives will be offered in the summer and will rotate topics. The capstone course will be offered each semester, but must be taken during the student’s final semester.
Summary of the Master’s Degree Process
To earn the Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership degree, students must complete each of the following steps:
- The student must develop a comprehensive plan of study with the Graduate Advisor.
- The student must complete all coursework included in the plan of study.
- The student must complete a capstone project.
- An Application for Graduation, signed by the student, Graduate Advisor and Vice President for Graduate Studies and Academic Program Review, must be filed with the Graduate Office and the Records Office in the semester prior to the term in which the student intends to graduate.
- Students must pay the required graduation fee. All graduate candidates for graduation during an academic year – Summer (previous year) Fall/Winterim, and Spring – are encouraged to attend the commencement exercises which are held at the close of the Spring Semester. Graduate students must have all work completed and a degree conferred in order to participate in the ceremony. Students must notify the Vice President for Graduate Studies and the Director of Records if they choose not to participate. Students must pay the graduation fee whether they attend commencement or not.
- All graduate students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in order to graduate from the program.
Transfer Students/Transfer Credits
Transfer credits must have been earned within the seven (7) years prior to entry into the Graduate Studies Program. Transfer credits must be approved by the Graduate advisor and the Division Chair or Program Director and must have grades of A, B, S, CR, or P. Students may not take courses from other graduate programs while enrolled at Missouri Baptist without written approval from the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Academic Program Review.
Students entering the Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership program may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from another regionally accredited college or university. The total hours transferred to Missouri Baptist, including courses from other programs while enrolled, may not exceed six (6) hours. Students must complete at least thirty (30) hours of credit, including MCSL 583 Security Leadership Capstone , at Missouri Baptist University. Students must complete the capstone class online at MBU.
The University only recognizes institutions accredited by the current edition of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education published by the CHEA and the American Council on Education.
Directed Studies
Courses in the Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership program are not available for directed study.
Capstone Requirement
All students seeking the Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership program degree are required to take MCSL 583 Security Leadership Capstone in which they will be required to complete a leadership project. This course may not be taken until the student has completed all other courses in the program for the Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership degree. Students are required to earn a grade of B or better in this course. The capstone project course must be completed through Missouri Baptist University.
Exit Examination
The Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership degree does not require an exit exam.
Qualifying Examinations for Professional Credentials
Missouri Baptist University’s Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership holds relationship with the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE); each key certification sources of professional security knowledge, skill and conducts. Course work is designed to prepare the student to take qualifying exams to earn the Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) credentials.
Criminal Justice, MSCJ
Mission Statement
In keeping with the Mission of Missouri Baptist University, the Mission of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Program is to develop students into leaders and innovators in all Criminal Justice Fields of Expertise based upon proven methods, best practices and validated research; while maintaining harmony with the Holy Scriptures, which is the ultimate Divine Authority on all matters related to justice.
Overview
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program is designed for career oriented students who desire to advance their expertise in ethical leadership and prepare for advancement within their profession. This online degree program promotes the development of leadership and administrative competencies to enable graduates to perform management roles in a variety of careers in Criminal Justice.
There are no prerequisite criminal justice courses for admission to the program. Students who have not had any Criminal Justice experience or Criminal Justice undergraduate classes may wish to consider taking CRJS 133 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CRPO 453 Constitutional Law I prior to beginning the master’s program. The culminating Capstone Project must be taken as the student’s last course.
Our 36 hour program is 100% online and fits into the busy and varied schedule of all Criminal Justice Professionals. Students accepted into this program are able to enroll in courses every eight (8) weeks. Students can take courses whenever their schedule allows, or complete all requirements within one year – whichever works best for them.
In addition to financial aid available for eligible students, fulltime Criminal Justice Professionals may apply for a $500 Law Enforcement Grant for each semester in which they manage a full-time course load (6 Hours). To be eligible for the grant, students must submit a copy of their Law Enforcement identification card at the beginning of each academic year to the Financial Services Office.
Summary of the Master’s Degree Process
To earn the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree, students must complete each of the following steps:
- The student must develop a comprehensive plan of study with the Graduate Advisor.
- The student must complete all coursework included in the plan of study.
- The student must complete a capstone project.
- An Application for Graduation, signed by the student, Graduate Advisor and Vice President for Graduate Studies and Academic Program Review, must be filed with the Graduate Office and the Records Office in the semester prior to the term in which the student intends to graduate.
- Students must pay the required graduation fee. All graduate candidates for graduation during an academic year – Summer (previous year) Fall/Winterim, and Spring – are encouraged to attend the commencement exercises which are held at the close of the Spring Semester. Graduate students must have all work completed and a degree conferred in order to participate in the ceremony. Students must notify the Vice President for Graduate Studies and the Director of Records if they choose not to participate. Students must pay the graduation fee whether they attend commencement or not.
- All graduate students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in order to graduate from the program.
Transfer Students/Transfer Credits
Transfer credits must have been earned within the seven (7) years prior to entry into the Graduate Studies Program. Transfer credits must be approved by the Graduate advisor and the Division Chair or Program Director and must have grades of A, B, S, CR, or P. Students may not take courses from other graduate programs while enrolled at Missouri Baptist without written approval from the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Academic Program Review.
Students entering the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from another regionally accredited college or university. The total hours transferred to Missouri Baptist, including courses from other programs while enrolled, may not exceed six (6) hours. Students must complete at least thirty (30) hours of credit, including CRJS 583 Capstone Project , at Missouri Baptist University. Students must complete the capstone class online at MBU.
The University only recognizes institutions accredited by the current edition of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education published by the CHEA and the American Council on Education.
Directed Studies
Courses in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program are not available for directed study.
Capstone Requirement
All students seeking the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree are required to take CRJS 583 Capstone Project in which they will be required to complete a research project. This course may not be taken until the student has completed all other courses in the program for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students are required to earn a grade of B or better in this course. The capstone project course must be completed through Missouri Baptist University.
Exit Examination
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree does not require an exit exam.
Master of Social Work, MSW
Mission Statement
Within the context of a Christian, liberal arts institution for higher learning, and grounded in core professional values, the Master of Social Work program seeks to develop ethical, competent, and effective advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to promote positive social change, to challenge injustice, and to provide services to enhance and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities locally and globally.
Overview
The Master of Social Work Program prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice. A minimum of 60 credit hours are required for the degree, 48 of which are obtained in coursework and 12 of which are related to field education or internships and seminars. Courses and fieldwork are taken concurrently. The curriculum of the program is formed by an integrated sequence of generalist and advanced generalist or specialization content, both in the classroom and field education
Program Goals
The Master of Social Work program at Missouri Baptist University:
- Prepares students to engage in service and leadership to promote positive social change, and to challenge injustice.
- Prepares students to engage in advanced social work practice at the highest professional level of practice informed by theoretical perspectives and knowledge based on research.
- Prepares students to practice according to the values and ethics of the profession and understand and demonstrate ethical integration of Christian faith in advanced social work practice.
- Prepares student to demonstrate an understanding of social work theories, values and practices from a Christian worldview.
- Engages in service to the MBU, local, and global communities.
Criteria for Admission
Admission to the MSW program requires prospective students to complete an application. Applicants must have a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average for general admission, or a 3.0 GPA for the most recent 60 credit hours. Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 – 2.74 may be admitted on probation, with approval. For full admission to the MSW program, a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA is required or a 3.0 GPA for the most recent 60 credit hours.
The priority admission deadline for students is July 1 for admittance to the Fall semester, and November 1 for Spring semester.
Application materials required for consideration of admission include:
a) Completed online application
b) Personal Statement
c) Resume
d) An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
e) Official transcripts from any previously attended institutions
f) Three letters of recommendation
g) An admissions interview
h) A non-refundable application fee of $35. (This fee is waived if you apply online.)
Transfer Credit
Students may be eligible to transfer a maximum of six credit hours from another regionally accredited institution of higher education toward the Master of Social Work degree. Such hours may be applied toward the MSW degree when, in the judgment of the Program Director, faculty, and the student’s advisor, the credit hours contribute to the planned program of the student. Transfer credits must meet the time limit regulations governing all academic work at Missouri Baptist University in that they must have been completed no more than seven (7) years prior to entry in the MSW Program. A minimum grade of B is required for transfer credit. Transfer credit requests are subject to review and approval by the Director of the MSW Program and should be submitted prior to admission to the program.
Competencies
The curriculum content of the MSW Program implements ten competencies:
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 10: Demonstrate Ethical Integration of Faith and Social Work Practice
Master of Social Work Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 60-63 credit hours.
(Students are required to complete 27 credit hours of generalist coursework, 24 credit hours of specialized coursework, 9 credit hours of electives, and an additional 3 credit hours if admitted into the Advanced Standing MSW Program.)
Students will complete (27) hours of generalist practice courses:
- SOCW 5103 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
- SOCW 5113 Human Behavior and The Social Environment
- SOCW 5123 Social Work Research Methods
- SOCW 5133 Generalist Practice with Individuals & Families
- SOCW 5143 Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy
- SOCW 5153 Generalist Practice with Groups, Communities and Organizations
- SOCW 5163 Diversity in Social Work Practice
- SOCW 5182 Field Experience I
- SOCW 5181 Field Seminar I
- SOCW 5192 Field Experience II
- SOCW 5191 Field Seminar II
Students will complete (24) hours of specialization courses:
- SOCW 5203 Advanced Practice with Individuals and Families
- SOCW 5213 Advanced Practice with Groups, Communities and Organizations
- SOCW 5223 Diagnosis and Assessment
- SOCW 5233 Advanced Practice with Children and their Families
- SOCW 5243 Practice and Program Evaluation
- SOCW 5253 Advanced Values & Ethics
- SOCW 5282 Field Experience III
- SOCW 5281 Field Seminar III
- SOCW 5292 Field Experience IV
- SOCW 5291 Field Seminar IV
Students will complete (9) hours of electives:
- SWEL 5503 Self-care for the Resilient Social Worker
- SWEL 5513 Faith Based Social Services and Organizations
- SWEL 5523 Special Topics in Social Work
Students will complete an additional (3) hours if admitted into the Advanced Standing MSW Program:
- SOCW 5193 Advanced Standing Bridge Course
Total Degree Hours: 60-63
Note
The full-time program is structured to be completed within two years, and the part-time program is structured to be completed within three years. Students are expected to take courses within a specific degree path and timeframe. As a result, MSW students should expect to take courses at a faster pace than the typical full-time graduate course load requires.
Master of Science in Corporate Security Leadership
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Social Work
