Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSW - Community Practice program aims to promote the personal and social development of people in their communities based on the values of social justice, human rights, and full access to social participation.

Program Requirements

The program is a 60-credit program that includes:

• 1,100 hours of supervised field practice in two different internships that extend through the fall and spring semesters of two academic years
• Highly-regarded faculty who are experts in their fields, and agency-based field instructors who provide individualized guidance and supervision
• More than 200 field practice settings throughout the state, with internships arranged for students based on their professional interests and goals

Program Formats

The program offers two formats:

Two-Year Option

• 60 credits
• 5 classes a semester
• 500 hour first year internship (roughly 18 hours/week)
• 600 hour second year internship (roughly 21 hours/week)

Three-Year Option

• 60 credits
• The first year is dedicated to taking classes
• The second year combines classes and a 500 hour internship
• The third year consists of classes and a 600 hour internship

Advanced Standing Program

Qualified BSW graduates can earn the MSW in one calendar year. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program within the past six years
• Demonstrate competencies in generalist social work (21 credits) through exemplary performance in their BSW courses and field practice
• Show professional maturity through voluntary or employed experience in human services
• Complete 39 credits, including a clinical field placement of 700 hours (about 24 hours per week) in their specialized field of practice

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Regionally accredited bachelor's degree
• Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (Grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission)
• Human services experience is a plus
• Commitment to the values and goals of the social work profession
• Applicants to the MSW Advanced Standing program must also submit a third educational or professional reference letter and their final BSW field evaluation (for BSW graduates) or mid-term field evaluation (for current BSW students)