Scholars AdminA Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level academic degree that prepares individuals for advanced careers in the field of social work. It is typically a two-year program, although some universities offer accelerated or part-time options. The MSW degree provides students with specialized knowledge and skills to effectively address the social, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities.
12 Masters Of Social Work Scholarships
1. Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust
Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
State Restriction: Open to residents in New Hampshire.
Description: This trust was established to help students entering the fields of nursing, medicine, or social work, who may not otherwise be able to attend college due to financial circumstances. Applicants must be New Hampshire residents, already in the process of post-secondary education, who can demonstrate both financial need and academic excellence. Submit applications to Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust, 127 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 03801.
2. Fordham University MSW
Description: Pursue licensure and become a social work leader with an MSW from Fordham University’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service2. The online MSW program prepares you to stand up for social justice and human rights—no matter where you call home.
We take an integrated approach that includes generalist and specialist phases, so you’ll graduate with the skills, confidence, and ethical values needed to practice.
To earn your degree, you will attend online classes, complete interactive coursework, and gain in-person, hands-on experience at placement sites near your community. You will develop CSWE-accredited integrated social work competencies while working with the following clients: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
In addition, Fordham Graduate School of Social Service also offers on-campus and hybrid options, all of which feature the same curriculum.
click here to find out everything you need to know.
3. American Cancer Society Training Grants
Who’s eligible: Master’s social work students in their second year, focusing their education on providing psychosocial services to people with cancer and their families, and undergoing training in a nonprofit hospital, medical center, or community-based program. Also available to doctoral candidates training at a school of social work to conduct research that’s relevant to oncology.
Award Amount: Two-year master’s degree grants of $12,000 per year, with funds awarded directly to the institution ($10,000 for student training and $2,000 for professional development of the faculty). Doctoral degree grants are also for 2 years, with an annual award of up to $20,000 for tuition and other educational expenses. Both grants have the possibility of being renewed.
Application Requirements: Master’s-level recipients must be nominated by a field instructor at the institution where they’re training, while doctoral applicants can nominate themselves for the grant. Applications for both grants must be submitted in paper and electronic forms and include detailed descriptions of the training program or research plan.
click here to find out more
4. Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
Who’s Eligible: Full-time social work students in their final year of undergraduate or graduate studies (targeted to but not limited to minority students). Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
Award Amount: Two $500 scholarships are awarded each fall. The money is intended to be used for books and other needed supplies.
Application Requirements: Inquire via email on the CSWE website.
5. The Kosciuszko Foundation
Amount: $1,000 — $7,000
Description: The Kosciuszko Foundation provides tuition scholarships for U.S. citizens of Polish descent to be used for graduate studies in any field at colleges and universities in the United States, and to Americans of non-Polish descent whose studies at American universities are focused primarily on Polish subjects. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis for one academic year.
6. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Leadership Grant
Amount: $4,000 — $25,000
Description: Through the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) and more than 650 state and local lodges, the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) has awarded nearly $61 million in scholarships to date to U.S. citizens of Italian descent (at least one Italian or Italian American grandparent) enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a four-year, accredited academic institution during the fall term.
Previous SIF scholarship winners are not eligible. Additional eligibility requirements may apply to specific scholarships.
7. Simmons University (MSW)
Description: Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.
- Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW
- Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks
- Minimum completion time: 9 months
8. Howard University (MSW)
Description: The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations are available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.
- Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
- Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
- Earn your degree in as few as 12 months
9. Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
Amount: $500 each
Description: Two book scholarships are awarded each academic year to students who demonstrate a commitment to work for social justice and equity in social work. Applicants must be in their last year of study in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in social work accredited by CSWE.
Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be full-time students, demonstrate a commitment to equity and social justice, and be American citizens, non-citizen nationals, or have permanent residence status. Priority will be given but not limited to minority ethnic/racial individuals.
10. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Amount: Up to $15,000
Description: The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides grants to students actively working for peace and justice and living in the United States. These need-based scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work at the university level and who are part of the progressive movement on their campus and in the community.
The exact amount of the award is determined by circumstance and the amount of funding available.
11. Ima Hogg Scholarships
Amount: 5,000
State Restrictions: Texas-based graduate schools of social work are invited to recommend a student only.
Description: The Ima Hogg Foundation awards scholarships to graduates in accredited social work programs in Texas. Applicants must be recommended by the dean or director of the social work program, demonstrate a commitment to providing mental health services to underrepresented or underserved Texas communities and address needs and hardships in the personal statement.
12. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
Amount: $2,500 – $12,000
Description: The NIAF will award scholarships and grants to Italian American students, or students with Italian descent, who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements. The awards will be made on the basis of academic merit and divided between two groups of students. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Eligibility Requirements
The criteria and eligibility requirements for Masters of Social Work scholarships can vary significantly depending on the scholarship provider and its specific focus. Below are some common criteria and eligibility requirements that applicants may encounter when applying for social work scholarships:
1. Academic Performance
Many scholarships require applicants to have a strong academic record, often specified by a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement. Common GPA thresholds are usually around 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. Field of Study
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program or a related social work degree program.
3. Citizenship or Residency
Some scholarships may have specific citizenship or residency requirements. They may be open to domestic and international students or limited to certain countries or regions.
4. Financial Need
Several scholarships are need-based and require applicants to demonstrate financial need. This may involve submitting financial information such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or other financial documents.
5. Specific Social Work Interests
Certain scholarships target students interested in specific areas of social work, such as clinical social work, child welfare, mental health, or school social work. Applicants may need to show their commitment to these specialized fields.
Conclusion
Upon completing the MSW program, graduates are equipped to pursue various career paths in social work, such as clinical social work, community organizing, school social work, healthcare social work, and more. They are well-prepared to advocate for social justice, provide counseling and support, implement social programs, and facilitate positive change in the lives of vulnerable populations. Additionally, an MSW degree often opens doors to advanced roles in the social work field and may be a prerequisite for obtaining licensure in many jurisdictions.
Amarachi Agwu
Scholars Admin