GCSW Objectives: Graduate College of Social Work

MSW Program Objectives

Our goal is to prepare students for responsible, professional practice. The program: 

• Provides a sound base of knowledge and skills for professional practice. 
• Socializes students to the social work profession, including its Code of Ethics and values. 
• Conveys an understanding of the impact of racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, ethnocentrism, and classism on individuals, groups, social policies, and institutions. 
• Contributes to the social work profession through knowledge building and research activities aimed toward improving social work practice, policies, and programs. 

We offer two program options:  

• Full Program (51 sch) 
• Advanced Standing (34 sch for students with a BSW) 

There are three enrollment model options for the MSW program: 

• Face to Face 
• Hybrid 
• Online 

A minimum of 51 semester credit hours is required for the MSW degree. All students are required to complete the 15 credit hour foundation semester plus 36 credit hours in the student’s concentration and electives. Maximum enrollment for spring and fall is 15 semester credit hours and summer is 6 semester credit hours. 

Students are admitted into face to face, hybrid, or online enrollment models. Changing from one enrollment plan to another requires prior approval from the advisor. Shown below are models for the 3 enrollment options.  

Advanced Standing students receive a waiver for 17 credit hours. They are required to complete 34 credit hours in the student’s chosen concentration and electives. Maximum enrollment for spring and fall is 15 semester credit hours and summer is 9 semester credit hours. 

The full-time MSW program (face-to-face enrollment option) can be completed in two calendar years for full program students and one calendar year for Advanced Standing students.  

The part-time MSW program (hybrid and online options) can be completed in three calendar years for full program students and two calendar years for Advanced Standing students.