College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Work
Online Masters of Social Work (MSW) Clinical Program
"Your Education, Our Priority."
Mission Statement
The Tuskegee University'sCollege of Arts and Sciences Department of Social Work's online Master's of Social Work (MSW) program’s mission is to prepare students for advanced generalist practice with traumatized children, families, communities of color, immigrant communities, and other vulnerable populations. It will provide students with a well-rounded knowledge base from which to enter professional practice and field work experiences that prepares them to work with specialized client populations in diverse settings.
Vision
The program’s vision is for the next generation of social workers to diligently fight for social and environmental justice for vulnerable communities in Alabama and across the nation. This new generation of social workers will also be more aware of global social problems and global social work opportunities. It will also be the most diverse generation of advanced social work professionals produced. The new cohort will be recognized for their outstanding leadership, practice skills, ethics, and knowledge of research and technology.
We believe, as University’s co-founder, Booker T. Washington did, that, “Education is not what a person is able to hold in his head, so much as it is .... skill of hand, and strength of mind and heart; and we help you in these ways.”
Contact Information
Tuskegee University
Department of Social Work
College of Arts and Sciences
1200 West Montgomery Road
Bioethics Bldg./Kenney Hall Rm. 44-333
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Phone: (334) 727-8300
Fax: (334) 725-5476
Email: socialwork@tuskegee.edu
Professional Development
Other University Offices
The Office of Distance Education and Learning
The Graduate School
Graduate School Admission Requirements
The Office of Bursar: Tuition/Fees/Financial/Support Aid
MSW PROGRAM DEPARTMENTAL LINKS
Accreditation and Memberships
Accreditations
Tuskegee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tuskegee University.
The Tuskegee UniversityDepartment of Social Work online MSW program is in pre-candidancy for additonal accreditation as a professional program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWEis a nonprofit national association representing more than 2,500 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA) as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country.
Memberships
The Department of Social Work at Tuskegee University isa member of theInternational Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), which is the worldwide association of schools of social work, other tertiary-level social work educational programs, and social work educators. The IASSW promotes the development of social work education throughout the world, develops standards to enhance the quality of social work education, encourages international exchange, provides forums for sharing social work research and scholarship, and promotes human rights and social development through policy and advocacy activities.
Tuskegee University Department of Social Work is a member of the Southeastern Telehealth Resource Centerthat serves as a focal point for advancing the effective use of TeleHealth and support access to TeleHealth services in rural and underserved communities in the southeastern region of the United States. We have extensive TeleHealth experience and can provide services, resources and tools to both developing and operating programs. The Center'srole iscomplementary to the activities of the telemedicine programs in the Southeast in that the SETRC provides the basis for widespread application of educational and clinical support services and technical advances that have been studied as well as validated at the Georgia Partnership for Telehealth (GPT) and its partner sites.
The Department of Social Work is a member of Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), whosemission is to ensure that new and current health professionals are proficient in the competencies essential for patient-centered, community- and population-oriented, interprofessional, collaborative practice.To view IPECs strategic framework,click here.
Students have the opportunity to join Phi Alpha Honor Society for social work, National Association of Social Work, National Association of Black Social Workers, and other Student Organizaitons.and the National Pan-hellenic Associations.
Department Goals and their Connectivity to the Program's Mission
The goals of the Department of Social Work online masters clincial program at Tuskegee University are listed below and are a derivation of its mission:
- Educate students to become ethical, empathetic, and culturally competent professionals prepared to work with diverse individuals and communities
- Integrate cutting edge technology into the curriculum thereby furthering students’ comfort with technology
- Prepare students to deliver tele mental health services and integrate new technologies into their practice and advocacy work
- Prepare students to understand the effects of trauma on clients and work with traumatized populations using the latest evidence-based trauma interventions.
- Prepare student for social work practice in global settings, to understand global social policy and practice problems, and recognize the many opportunities to make change abroad.
- Provide a range of research and field study opportunities that further students’ knowledge of global social work practice, disparities in health outcomes, effective work with children and families, work in healthcare settings, and practice with diverse people, families, and communities.
- Provide students with a foundation for pursuing life-long learning, ongoing professional development, and public service.
- Prepare advanced generalist social work practitioners for practice in smaller, rural, and non-urban communities
Tuskegee University is a national, independent, and state-related institution of higher learning located in the State of Alabama. The University has distinctive strengths in the sciences, architecture, business, engineering, health, and other professions, all structured on solid foundations in the liberal arts. In addition, the University's programs focus on nurturing the development of high-order intellectual and moral qualities among students and stress the connection between education and the highly trained leadership Americans need in general, but more especially for theworkforceof the 21st Century and beyond.
The desired outcome of the online masters of social work program are students whose technical, scientific, and professional prowess have been not only rigorously honed but also sensitively oriented in ways that produce public-spirited graduates who are both competent and morally committed to public service with integrity and excellence. In addition, students who are grounded in a values perspective that emphasizes client strength, actively opposes all forms of oppression, and supports social, economic, and environmental justice.
Over the past century, various social and historical changes have transformed this institution into a comprehensive and diverse place of learning whose fundamental purpose is to develop leadership, knowledge, and servicefora global society. Committed deeply to academic excellence, the University admits highly talented students of character and challenges them to reach their highest potential. The University also believes strongly in the equality of opportunity. It recognizes that exquisite talent is often hidden in students whose most acceptable development requires unusual educational, personal, and financial reinforcement. Therefore, the University actively invites a diversity of talented students, staff, and faculty from all racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to participate in this educational enterprise.
Outcomes and Evaluative measures:
Students who obtain a Master of Social Work graduatedegree from the Department of Social Work at Tuskegee University shall:
- Identify as a Professional Social Worker and conduct one-self accordingly.
- Utilize Social Work Ethical Principles to Guide Professional Practice.
- Apply Critical Thinking to Inform and Communicate Professional Judgments.
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage in Research Informed Practice and Practice Informed Research.
- Apply Knowledge of Human Behavior and the Social Environment.
- Engage in Policy Practice to Advance Social and Economic Well Being and to Deliver Effective Social Work Services for individual, groups and communities.
- Respond to Context that Shape Practice.
- Engage, Assess, Intervene and Evaluate with Individuals, Families and Groups, Organizations and Communities.
Social Work Faculty and Staff
April Jones, LMSW, PhD, M.Ed., MS, MSW, BA
Department Chair/Associate Professor
ajones@tuskegee.edu/3347278306
Profile: Dr. Jones is a licensed social worker and has traveled to over 10+ cournties to present her publicatiosn and research. Her research interest are teaching with technology and AI/ChatGPT, health disparties, community development, military families, and organizational development. Her areas of practice are working in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and military treatment facilities. She has been recognized for her leadership in social work education and other industries as well. Learn more about her and her international and domesitc peer reviewed publications and presentations found atORCID.
Denise Fitzpatrick, AS
Department Secretary
dfitzatpatrick@tuskegee.edu/3347278300
Profile: Mrs. Fitzpatrick has served the Department for over 38 years as the office adminstrator and support to students and faculty. She supervises work study students and volunteers. She is affectionaly known as "Mama" Fitzpatrick and has a wall of alumnus pictures to give the Department the mother Tuskegee touch and heart.
Teresa Grear, LCSW, PhD, MSW, BSW, MAC
Associate Professor/Director of Clincial & Global Studies Programs
tgrear@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Grear is a licensed clinical worker andan international social worker whohas travel to several countries, lived abroad, and taught at several universties abroad. She is a clincian of 30+ years in private practice and her experience in social work industry was serving military and veteran populations, along with working in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse industry. She holds a MAT in substance treatment among many other certifications. Her research interests are ecosocial work, veterinarysocial work, mental health and substance abuse, and BIPOC families. Learn more about her research publications and presentations at ORCID.
Image coming soon.
Assistant Professor/Director of Practicum and Internship Education
Profile: Coming Soon!
Donald Mathis, LMSW, MSW, BSW
Adjunct Instructor/ Practicum & Internship Education Faculty Liaison & Coach
dmathis@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mr. Mathis, known as coach Mathis to interns, is a licensed masters level social worker with career experience in child welfare, substance abuse, and mental health setting with adult and youth populations.His research interests are student success and mental health treatment. He is a minster of the gospel in his personal life and enjoys helping people through the life cycle.
Maya Martin, LMSW, DSW, MSW, BA
Adjunct Assistant Professor
mmartin@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Dr. Martin is a licensed masters social worker who servedas an Assistant Professor for seven years with the Department before starting her adjunct faculty term and leadership career with the federal government. Her research interest are gerontology,mental health, and intellectual disabilities social work practices in rural communities.
.jpg "Tuskegee University MSW online program (6)")
Andrea Stallworth, LCSW, MSW, BSW
Adjunct Assistant Professor
aimafidon@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Ms.Stallworth is a licensed clincial social worker (inactive) and served previously asDirector of Field Education for four years prior to her transition to adjunct faculty teaching clincial courses and practicumand internship education. Her research interests are self-care, stress management, computer applicatons in social work practice, and entrepreunership. She is a blogger and social work consultant.
Mary Wilson, LMSW, MSW, BA
Adjunct Instructor
mwilson@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Ms. Wilson is a published author and alicensed masters level social worker with 30+ years of healthcare, corrections, child welfare, and mental health industry experience. She has worked with the Department for several years and her research interests are black male health disparties and image in the world.
Jennifer Rutledge-Marable, LMSW, MSW, BA
Adjunct Instructor
jrutledge-marable@tuskegee.edu
Profile: Mrs. Rutledge-Marable is a licensed masters social worker, army veteran, and minister of the gospel. She has experience working as a veteran social worker for 25+ years and has worked with the Department for several years. Her research interest are faith based social work and military and veteran families.
Image coming Soon!
Assistant Professor/Director of Research and Grants
Profile: coming soon!
Scholarships and Education Partnerships
The Department of Social Work online MSW graduate program offers the following scholarships available for application once admitted to the program.
1. USAID The Payne Fellowship program
2. Thrugood Marshall Scholarship
3. United Negro College Fund Scholarship
4. Department of Social Work General Scholarship Fund
5. The Lawanna R. Barron Endowment & General Scholarship
Tuskegee University has several partnerships with Schools of Law for a dual degree in law, J.D., LLM, along with a Law Ready program for undergraduate students toprovide acceleratedmatriculation through law school at the graduate school level. The partnership with the School of Public Health offers adual degree for the masters inPublic Health upon matriculation of the masters of social work program. Interdisciplinary study is available with the Schoolof Veterinary Medicine andthe College of Agricultural and Nutrition Sciences at the University. Many other opportunities for professional development training andcertificates for practiceare available through our partners with other Universities and/or the Telebehavioral Health Institute, the certificates or trainings include but is not limited to the following offerings:
- The ClinicalMilitary Counselor Certificate
- Animal Assisted Therapy-Interventionist Credential (25.5 CE)
- Eating Disorder Certificate Program (24 CE)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Counseling Certificate (18 CE)
- LGBTQIA+ Certificate Program (4 CE)
- Grief Counseling Certificate Program (7 CE)
- Intellectual Disabilities Counseling Certificate Program (12 CE)
- Telebehavioral Health Certificate Program (12CE)
- Motivational Interviewing Training Program
- Telemental Health Training Program
Study Abroad Program-Tuskegee Univesity Global Office (TUGO) offers study a semesterabroad, service-learning abroad (2-6 weeks), and internship abroad opportunities. Contact Dr. Rhonda Collier,Global Officer, for more details at rcollier@tuskegee.edu and coordinate with the program Director of Clincial & Global Studies, Dr. Teresa Grear at tgrear@tuskegee.edu
National Student Exchange Program- Tuskegee University National Student Exchange (TUNSE) Program works with NSE member schools to provide opportunities for students to engage in off-campus experiential learning through community work and place-based educational programs. Whether academically-based or co-curricular, these experiences complement classroom learning, foster personal, professional and civic development, and allow students to work with others to enhance the well-being of our communities.Contact Lucy Asare-Baah, TU-NSE Coordinator at nse@tuskegee.edu
Acadeum Course Sharing Program-Tuskegee University (TU) has partnered with Acadeum, a College Consortium that has a network of accredited colleges and universities that share online course offerings.Courses taken through Acadeum are considered institutional credit and impact the student's GPA and graduation requirements in the same way a TU course does. The course will appear on the student's TU transcript as a TU course. Students in the graduate program may customize their learning experience by requesting to take an acadeum course for elective courses desired by not offered in the program or for additional credit hours for customization of the learning experience.
Signature Pedagogy of Social Work Education -- The Practicum & InternshipExperience
Tuskegee University is located in Tuskegee, Alabama which is 40 miles east of the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery, Alabama. Although the University is located in a rural setting, the Social Work program has been designed to provide students with Advance Generalist and Clinical Practice opportunities. Students not only have the opportunity to perform theirPracticum & Internship placements in Tuskegee, but partnerships have been developed with Social Services agencies domestic, abroad, and virtually from which they intern.
Students get an opportunity to apply the Advanced Generalist and Clinical Practice skills in a host of settings such as Hospitals, including the VA Hospitals, Schools, Nursing Homes, Mental Health, Centers, Department of Corrections, Department of Family and Children Services, Community Organizations and Data Analysis. In these area of Practice, students use Advanced Generalist Social Work skills such as Engagement, Assessment, Evaluation and Termination. Recognizing that the context of practice is dynamic. Student recognize that the Social Worker through their knowledge base as well as their years of experience will use their skill sets to obtain necessary resources from the Community. Social Workers will also use these resources to enhance their client's capacity for social functioning and create societal conditions that are favorable to their goals. This is the profession of Social Work.
Internship sites also include employment-based opportunities, International agencies, or within Community Centers, Juvenile and Adult Detention Centers, Work Release Programs as well as Human Resources, and Federal Correctional Systems. Students have a wide range of opportunities to obtain valuable experience at the private, local, state, and federal levels with paid or unpaid opportunities. They provide direct practice at the Micro and Mezzo level notably, Individuals and Family or Groups.
INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
Academic Calendar
Practicum and Internship Handbook
Practicum and Internship Libguides
Student Resources
Student Affairs
Ford Motor Library
Social Publishers Foundation, Inc.- Internship & Capstone Published Projects
Practicum & InternshipEducation - Time2Track Portal
"The use of technology in field education is helping our social work student interns be marketable. However, it is also helping their innovative skills to help move the field of social work forward. For example, Tele-mental health is the future of social work. Through virtual and onsite internships, Tuskegee University Department of Social Work, field education, implements technology skills through our Time 2 Track management tool which includes, digital time management, progress notes, and tele-mental health." –Andrea Imafidon, Director of Field Education 2020.Learn more about our story at the link below:
Our Time2Track article has been released. See our article on pages 66-69.
Tuskegee University Social Work Achieves Greater Connection During COVID Thanks to TIME2TRACK
Program Specialization Paths, Provisional Sheet, & Course Descriptions
Curriculum Paths/Provisional Sheets
Course Descriptions
The Department of Social Work MSW program partners with Universites, campus research centers, and local, state, federal, agencies to conduct behavioral science research and provide community service and outreach. Coming soon the Community & OrganizationDevelopment Engagement Research (CODER) Centerto serve rural and vulnerable communities, groups, and organizations domestic and international through service and behavioral science research.
