MSW Program Options

The Advanced Standing Program can be completed in three semesters full-time, beginning in summer semester. Part-time students generally complete the Program in two years. Part-time students can begin in summer or fall semester.
This is a 35-credit hour program.
Students go right into the advanced practice and specialized practice courses in the program and are expected to complete a 500-hour internship over an academic year. There is a specific process to determine the internship site, and this process begins in the spring prior to beginning the program with a conversation with the MSW Field Coordinator who will meet with each student individually to determine the field site.
Students should obtain their Licensed Social Worker (LSW) prior to starting practicum.
In addition to meeting the criteria for Regular Standing, Advanced Standing candidates must:

1. Hold a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program with a minimum GPA of 3.2 in major coursework and have graduated within the past three years, or

Hold a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program and be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a minimum of three years of experience in the field, and

2. One of the two required recommendations must come from the applicant’s undergraduate field instructor or field director. If the field instructor is not available, a letter from the applicant’s current employment supervisor is required.

This option is for students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.2 GPA is core sociial work courses.

Regular Standing

Description

The Regular Standing program is designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work. The program can be completed in two years full time or three to four years part time.
The program begins in fall semester. Completion of 56 credit hours is required.
The first year of the MSW Program is called the Generalist Year. Courses in this year provide students with an introduction to the social work profession, its values and ethics, and foundation knowledge in social policy and social work practice in order to advance to the advanced and specialized curriculum in the second year.
The second year focuses on advanced and specialized practice. The curriculum provides students with advanced knowledge and skill in social work assessment, clinical and macro practice, and specific focus in one of several practice areas: health, aging, and children & families.
Students are required to complete a 900-hour internship that spans a calendar year beginning in the summer semester. There is a specific process to determine the internship site, and this process begins at the end of fall semester of the generalist year with a conversation with the MSW Field Coordinator who will meet with each student individually to determine the field site.
Upon completion of the MSW Program, students are eligible to sit for the national licensing test to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).To gain regular admission status, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants below a 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission status. Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon admission, final official or notarized copies of transcripts from all institutions where degrees were earned and diplomas from international institutions must be submitted.

This option is for students who do not possess an undergraduate degree in Social Work, or do not meet the criteria for Advanced Standing.

Program Strengths

· Our program provides a blend of online, face-to-face and evening courses tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and newly graduated students.

· A low student-to-teacher ratio provides opportunities for quality connections between students and faculty, and small cohorts mean students receive personalized attention.

· Our cohort model allows students to develop a sense of belonging and support within the program and encourages students to explore and expand their clinical and research skills.

· Classes emphasize experiential learning through the application of concepts and skills in agency or community settings, and our curriculum offers a specialization in advanced generalist practice with focus areas in Gerontology, Health, and Children and Families.

· We offer a highly professional and supportive learning environment designed to ensure student success as highly competent social work practitioners. A bachelor’s degree in social work is NOT required for admission. Students who have undergraduate degrees in other areas are welcome to apply, although degrees in human service fields are preferred.

All applicants must submit a 3-5 page typewritten statement of purpose. Two letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study are also required. Reference letters need to be written on letterhead.

Applicants must have completed courses in research methods and statistics, with a minimum grade of C, during their undergraduate education. If the courses were not included as part of the undergraduate degree, the applicant will need to complete them prior to or during the first semester in the program.

The GRE is not required.

Updated: 07/24/2023 08:51AM

MSW Program Options

Program Strengths

Department of Human Services