United States Fully Funded Masters In Social Work.
When you recommend the idea of going for a masters in social work to someone (especially international students), they often ignore it. Masters in social work is not always seen as a big deal by several people out there in today’s world. Nevertheless, there are still individuals who wish to get a degree in this field, this is why we’ve put together a list of fully funded masters in social work.
It may not sound quite true to you but, social work actually if strong importance in our society. Just as the world we live in today, faces complex challenges, there is an increasing need for people who are skilled social workers. You reading this may actually be one of those individuals who are gifted with proper social skills. All that is needed is just a bit of higher education in order to broaden your skills.
One of the places that can be of good help in doing that is the United States. In the US, these programs are literally golden opportunities because aspiring social workers can pursue knowledge without worrying about tuition fees or student loans. Programs concerned with masters in social work in the US are capable of equipping students with multidisciplinary tools such as psychology, sociology, policy analysis, and lots more that can help them understand human behaviors.
We know there are a lot of graduates who are on the idea of going for their Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree in the United States. You might be worried about how to cut down costs at this university but worry less. We shall be looking at some fully funded masters in social work programs later on. But let us first discuss why one should even consider going for an MSW degree in the US.
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Why Consider The US For a Masters In Social Work
The United States of America is known for producing graduates every year in almost all fields of studies one can think of. The masters in social work is also not left out when it comes to having a substantial amount of graduates each year. Deciding to go for masters like this one, is a big step, and picking the United States as your destination for this life-changing experience has reasons.
Firstly, the United States is widely known for its diverse cultural and social learning environments. This diversity creates an exciting study environment that exposes you to lots of different perspectives, experiences, and people. You get to meet different people from different parts of the globe, which is something that’s actually effective for social work practice in today’s world.
Also, the US is home to some of the best universities and institutions in the world. Many of them are globally renowned for providing proper education, especially social work. Students get to have access to top-notch learning facilities, experienced teachers, and also programs specially meant for fully funded masters in social work.
With all these that we have mentioned above, we can say that getting a masters degree in social work within the US will open doors to opportunities. Opportunities include internships or field placements which may eventually lead to job offers. The US offers extra benefits from healthcare organizations to agencies where one can gain valuable experience while contributing positively towards society.
Unfortunately, there are people out there who wish to go for their masters programs in the US, but they can’t because of financial burdens. This is why there are a ton of helpful organizations and institutions that are there to help and offer programs that are for fully funded masters in social work.
1. Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
First on our list of programs for fully funded masters in social work, is the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is given to individuals pursuing a master’s degree in social work who have shown dedication to working with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino communities or have a strong connection with these groups.
This scholarship is named after Consuelo W. Gosnell, a dedicated advocate for civil and human rights who committed herself to enhancing the lives of underserved American indians and Latinos in the Southwest region. She worked extensively with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Bureau of Indian Affairs throughout her career.
Those who have worked with voluntary nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or grassroots organizations in the United States are also eligible for this scholarship.
Scholarship Amount
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is like some fully funded masters in social work programs, which are awarded based on the projected annual earnings to the fund and contributions. A panel reviews applicants and selects the award recipient. Up to 10 scholarships of up to $4,000 each will be awarded. In 2023-2024, 10 scholarships for $4,000 each were awarded.
To be eligible, students must be a NASW member and have either applied to or been accepted into an accredited MSW program. The award payment is dependent on the candidate’s full admission into the program.
Eligibility
Programs for fully funded masters in social work, like this are often with strict criteria. The requirements for this scholarship program are as follows:
- NASW membership, in good standing, is a mandatory requirement to receive an NASW Foundation Scholarship Award. Awardees must maintain active membership throughout the award period.
- Applicants who are current members in good standing can apply for a scholarship using their current membership ID number.
- To apply for NASW membership visit the NASW website (Online Join) or download and complete NASW‘s “Membership Application” found at “Online Join.” New members will receive email confirmation of membership, which will include a member ID and password.
- Applicants awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program must include, with the membership form, their application to the MSW program with a letter from the college/university verifying the application has been received
- Non-members interested in applying can join NASW: 1) if they have a social work degree (BSW/MSW) or are matriculating in a CSWE-accredited social work program; or 2) are enrolled in or awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program.
- Applicants either must be or plan to be enrolled in a social work degree program to maintain eligibility.
- Award is disbursed in two installments, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Applicants graduating before the 1st installment are not eligible.
- Application form.
- Biographical essay (two typed, double-spaced pages). The essay must address career goals, interests, and work, volunteer, and school/field experience relevant to the guidelines of the award.
- Statement of merit and financial need for the award (up to one page, why is financial assistance needed).
- Two letters of support from professional references (you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two professional references). Letters can be written by a candidate’s professors; individuals or leaders of groups with whom the candidate has worked in a helping capacity; an employer/supervisor; and so on. Character references or references from clients or family members will not be accepted. If the applicant is applying for renewed funding from the NASW Foundation, one of the two references must be obtained from the applicant’s academic advisor.
- Official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate). Transcripts may opened to make photocopies. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
- Signed release of information.
Scholarship Deadline
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship program for this year has exceeded its deadline; January 19 – Thursday, March 21, 2024. But do not panic, as it’s an annual scholarship. You can apply for the next year’s own and also make inquiries at naswfoundation@socialworkers.org.
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2. AAUW International Fellowships
Next in our list of programs for fully funded masters in social work, is the AAUW International Fellowships. International Fellowships have been in existence since 1917. The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.
Scholarship Amount
The AAUW International Fellowships shall be awarding scholarships worth up to $20,000 for a Master’s/first professional degree. But note that a limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country) to women who are members of Graduate Women International (see the list of GWI affiliates). Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported.
Eligibility
The AAUW has scholarships which also include fully funded masters in social work, and for this specific program, there are requirements. They are:
- International Fellowships are not open to previous recipients of any AAUW national fellowship or grant (not including branch or local awards or Community Action Grants).
- Members of the AAUW board of directors, committees, panels, task forces, and staff, including current interns, are not eligible to apply for AAUW’s fellowships and grants. A person holding a current award is eligible for election or appointment to boards, committees, panels, and task forces.
- International Fellowships are open to women, including people who identify as women, in all fields of study at an accredited institution of higher education or, for postdoctoral fellows, research. AAUW will make final decisions about what constitutes eligible institutions.
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply.
- Have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. or possession of a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S. Women who are currently, or expect to be during the fellowship year, a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or dual citizen with the U.S. and another country are not eligible.
- Hold an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree completed by the application deadline.
- Intend to devote themselves full-time to the proposed academic plan during the fellowship year.
- Intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career upon completion of their studies.
- Be proficient in English and confirm proficiency by submitting one of the Required Components (see below), which include certain English proficiency exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement verifying English is the applicant’s native language.
- Applicants planning to take one of the accepted English proficiency exams should plan for and take the test as early as possible. Please direct questions about the tests to the test provider.
- Master’s/first professional degree and doctoral applicants must have applied by the AAUW application deadline, to an accredited institution of study for the period of the fellowship year and must indicate the name of the institution in the International Fellowship application. While acceptance is not required at the time of application, fellows must provide official confirmation from the institution with their award acceptance materials.
For more information concerning this scholarship and other programs meant for fully funded masters in social work, be sure to visit the official websites.
Scholarship Deadline
We have the full timeline in regards to programs for fully funded masters in social work like this one.
- August 1, 2023:
Application opens.
- November 15, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time:
Deadline for online submission of application, recommendations, and supporting documents.
- April 15, 2024:
Notification of decisions emailed to all applicants. AAUW is not able to honor requests for earlier notification.
- July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025:
Fellowship year
Also note that when a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the date will be observed on the following business day.
