Program Overview

Social Work Program

The Social Work program at Southern Connecticut State University offers a comprehensive education in social work, with programs spanning the social work career: BSW, MSW, DSW.

Program Overview

Social workers serve people of all ages, identities, cultures, and backgrounds in areas such as child welfare, criminal justice, education, health and mental health, legislative advocacy, migrant services, military social work, and many other areas. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the region and in the U.S.

Why Southern?

The Southern School of Social Work is among the first social work programs in Connecticut. Guided by a tradition of access and excellence, we provide programs that span the social work career. Our social work graduates hold leadership positions in public and private agencies throughout the state. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

MSW Program Details

• The MSW program (60 credits) may be completed in two or three years of full-time study, including 950 hours of supervised practicums.
• Employed students are strongly encouraged to choose the three-year program plan.
• MSW admissions criteria include a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (2.5 or higher will be considered) and a commitment to values and goals of the social work profession.
• We welcome bachelor's degrees in any undergraduate major.

Advanced Standing Program

• The MSW Advanced Standing program (33 credits) is for applicants who graduated from a BSW program within the past six years.
• If you are a BSW graduate, then please apply to the Advanced Standing program.
• The 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.

Class Scheduling

• Classes are scheduled evenings, weekends, one weekday per week, and weekends, and students typically come to campus no more than twice per week.
• Students may take up to 50% of credits per semester online.

Online Program

• We currently do not have an online program.
• We are developing a pilot online program that will be available to a small number of students who are admitted in Fall 2024.

Practicum Opportunities

• Southern has hundreds of practicum opportunities throughout Connecticut and the Practicum Education office will arrange your practicum with consideration for your geographical preferences and professional goals.

Licensure

• Graduates of the MSW program qualify for the State of Connecticut Master of Social Work License (LMSW).
• LMSW social workers then practice for 3,000 hours under the supervision of an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) to qualify for the LCSW licensure examination.