Master of Social Work Program Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I obtain an admission packet?

A: Admission packets are available by contacting the Department of Social Work or the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Q: When is the application deadline?

A:  The application deadline is March 15 for priority consideration.  Students enrolled in the MSW program begin classes ONLY in the fall semester.  Students are not admitted for the spring or summer semesters.

Q:  Can I attend the program part-time?

A: Yes.  The regular program requires 60 semester hours.  Requirements for completion can be achieved in one of 3 progression options:  2 years full-time, 3 years modified full-time, or 4 years part-time.

Q: Is there an “advanced standing” option?

A:  Yes.  Applicants who possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree may reduce the credit hours required for the MSW degree by enrolling in the Advanced Standing Program.  This program reduces the total number of credit hours for the MSW degree from 60 to 36.

Q: Are evening courses available?

A: Yes.  Courses in the program are offered on weekday evenings and on Saturdays during the day.  Students enrolled in the field education components of the program should expected to be available daytime hours as the majority of supervised field education sites hold daytime hours of operation.

Q: Is financial aid available?

A: Yes.  Some limited financial aid through Department of Social Work scholarships and paid internships is available.  Additionally, students should contact the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for additional sources of student financial assistance.  Graduate assistantships are available to very few students.

Q:  Can I transfer academic credit hours earned from other programs or educational institutions?

A: Yes.  Graduate course credits earned from other educational institutions evaluated as equivalent to courses required in the MSW program may be transferred to the MSW degree.  A maximum of 9 semester hours may be transferred.

Q: Can I complete my social work field internship hours at my place of employment?

A:  Possibly.  The MSW Internship Coordinator works closely with students to develop quality practice-based educational experiences for students.   In instances where the student’s educational experienced is not compromised in their existing place of human services employment, an employment-based internship may be approved.

Q: Does admission to the program required that I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?

A: No.  While a social science degree is preferred, the program considers applicants in possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a broad range of disciplines.  It is preferred that students have completed at least several social science courses.  

Q: Is the MSW program accredited?

A: Yes.  The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Q: Is it possible for me to retain employment and maintain family responsibilities while engaged in the MSW program?

A:  As can be expected, graduate level coursework combined with the time and focus required for engagement in field education is considerable.  Student ability to manage these demands is unique to each student.  Students should carefully assess their capacities and current life demands and carefully and realistically evaluate the impact of increased demands as they become engaged in the MSW program. 

Q: I have a criminal record.   Can I be admitted to the MSW program?

A: Qualified students who have been convicted of misdemeanor or felony offenses may be admitted to the program.  However, field internship opportunities may be restricted due to agency prohibitions pertaining to the engagement of students in agency work in possession of criminal records.  Additionally, students should be aware that state licensure in social work may not be possible for individuals with past convictions.  Students with convictions are advised to become informed of requirements pertaining to social work licensure and possible avenues of appeal as they consider their enrollment in the Master of Social Work program and the limitations prior convictions may impose on their ability to practice the profession of social work.