Program Overview

Program Overview

The dual degree program in the Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women's Studies (MSW/MA) allows students to prepare for clinical social work practice while exploring and applying research and theory in women's and gender studies. Academic coursework, field practice experiences, and mentoring relationships afford interdisciplinary opportunities for integrating methods of scholarly inquiry, critical problem solving, and leadership development.

Program Highlights

• 60-credit program
• 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

• Two-year or three-year MSW option
  • 2-year program (60 credits): Includes 5 classes a semester, a 500 hour first year internship (roughly 18 hours/week), and a 600 hour second year (roughly 21 hours/week)
  • 3-year program (60 credits): The first year is just taking classes, the second year is classes and a 500 hour internship, and the third year consists of classes and a 600 hour internship

Advanced Standing Program

Qualified BSW graduates earn the MSW in one calendar year. MSW applicants who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program within the past six years are eligible to apply for admission with Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing students have demonstrated competencies in generalist social work (21 credits) through exemplary performance in their BSW courses and field practice. In addition, they have shown professional maturity through voluntary or employed experience in human services. Advanced Standing students complete 39 credits, including a clinical field placement of 700 hours (about 24 hours per week) in their specialized field of practice.

Admissions 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

Additional Program Details

The MSW Advanced Standing program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (summer, fall, and spring semesters) or in two academic years of full-time study (two fall semesters and two spring semesters). Employed students are encouraged to select the two-year plan. Applicants to the MSW Advanced Standing program complete the regular MSW application process, and in addition, they 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).