Online Master of Science in Social Administration

Online Master of Science in Social Administration

Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) Dear Prospective Student, Congratulations on your decision to pursue your Master of Science in Social Administration. We at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University applaud your commitment to social justice and advanced social work practice for individuals, families and non-profit organizations. Please accept my invitation to apply to our Master of Science in Social Administration online program. Because the social work profession offers a broad range of opportunities, the MSSA online program is carefully designed to provide flexibility and numerous options which align closely to your own professional career path. Our brochure will give you more information on the Community and Social Development and Direct Practice concentrations, as well as the two additional specializations. Our goal is to prepare you to be an advanced practitioner who understands the dynamics of social issues, whether they impact individuals, families or communities, and to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and practical experience to help you become a leader of social change. Expect a high degree of theory and practice integration. When you graduate from the MSSA online program at Case Western Reserve, you not only are equipped with advanced knowledge, you also have the experience of applying that knowledge in real social work situations. I encourage you to contact an Enrollment Advisor for answers to any questions you have about the program and for assistance with the application process. If you are new to online learning, your Enrollment Advisor will be happy to describe in greater detail what you can expect from this flexible and convenient opportunity. Please call 1-877-807-4740. We look forward to reviewing your application to the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Sincerely, Dr. Grover C. Gilmore Dean, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Case Western Reserve University

Change Lives, Change Communities Social workers have the power to change our world, and it s the analysis, counseling and support that social work practice provides for individuals, families and communities, that is the catalyst for this change. The positive outcomes and transformative influence produced by social work practice is felt far beyond the immediate reach of an individual social worker, touching a multitude of lives and affecting our complex global community in countless ways. Case Western Reserve University s online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) prepares students with the practical knowledge they ll need to become influential leaders in the field, promoting social justice and empowerment in communities through social work practice locally, nationally, and internationally. As a part of the internationally recognized and highly ranked Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the Master s in Social Administration emphasizes real-world experience and a competency-based curriculum. The program addresses numerous key areas of social work practice, including ethics and values, self-awareness, cross-cultural knowledge, cross-cultural skills, service delivery, empowerment and advocacy, workforce diversity, professional education, language diversity, and cross-cultural leadership. Choose from two distinct concentrations Community and Social Development For those passionate about social change, the concentration in Community and Social Development emphasizes the importance of community and organizations in local neighborhoods and villages around the globe. Students develop the real-world skills and social work values needed to lead comprehensive social change on a broad scale, addressing a range of issues including globalization, poverty, inequality and oppression, cultural diversity, women s issues, human rights and more. Direct Practice Students enrolled in the Direct Practice concentration learn to engage individuals, families, and groups, assess client needs and strengths, provide or help arrange needed services and support, weigh intervention alternatives, implement change strategies, and evaluate results. Select one of two specializations: Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Focus on theory and practice directly relating to the identification and assessment of problems that affect young people and families, including adoption, drugs, child and adolescent mental health, physical abuse and violence. Course work may be applied toward educational requirements for membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Mental Health/Adult (MHA) Focus on creating sustainable living by transforming communities and developing and disseminating effective theory and practice for community-based mental health practice with adults. Examine public health, drug treatment, and mental health policies, practices and services. Setting the Standard in Social Work Education Prestige Earn an advanced degree you can be proud of from the highly ranked and internationally influential Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Focus Choose a concentration to specialize your professional field of practice and develop your foundation in the area of social work that interests you Convenience Students with a BSW can complete the master s program in as few as 2 years while continuing to work; non-bsw students in almost 2.5 Experience Our expert faculty actively engages students throughout their education, bringing firsthand experience and field practice expertise into every course Immersion Get a hands-on field education experience integrated with coursework Learn more about Case Western Reserve University s online MSSA program by contacting an Enrollment Advisor at 1-877-807-4740.

Case Western Reserve University s online Master of Science in Social Administration features two tracks. The Traditional Track for Non-BSW students is a total of 60 credits over 8 semesters and takes as few as two-and-a-half years to complete. The Advanced Standing Track for students with a BSW is a total of 45 semester credits over 6 semesters and takes as few as 2 years to complete. Each semester has two terms with a short break between terms. Regardless of track, all students will take two courses per academic term and are required to participate in 11 total credit hours of Field Education courses throughout the program. Curriculum Course Name Credit Hours Course Name Credit Hours Foundation Courses Non-BSW: 24 credit hours SASS 426 Research Methods in Social Work 3 SASS 440 Human Development I: Child and Adolescent 3 SASS 441 Human Development II: Adults 3 SASS 470 Social Policy 3 SASS 477 Direct Practice Foundation Methods Skills 3 SASS 478 Macro & Policy Practice Skills 3 SASS 484 Theories of Oppression and Social Justice 3 SASS 495 Field Education Seminar 1 SASS 601 Field Education I 2 Direct Practice Concentration; Children, Youth and Families Specialization SASS 517 Family Systems Interventions 3 SASS 547 Problem Identification, Screening and Assessment 3 SASS 549 Theory Practice Approaches in Direct Practice 3 SASS 564 Social Work Practice in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse 3 SASS 565 Community-Based Practice with Children & Families 3 SASS 580 Social Work Practice in Mental Health: Children and Adolescents 3 SPPP 529 Child and Family Policy and Service Delivery 3 SRCH 530 Practice Evaluation 3 SSWM 582 Social Work with Child Abuse and Family Violence 3 SSWM 585 Social Work with Groups 3 SASS 505 Adoption 3 Total Credit HOURS Direct Practice Concentration; Mental Health Adult Specialization SASS 547 Problem Identification, Screening and Assessment 3 SASS 549 Theory Practice Approaches in Direct Practice 3 SASS 564 Social Work Practice in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse 3 SASS 583 Social Work Practice in Mental Health: Adults 3 SASS 587 Integrative Seminar in Mental Health: Adults 3 SPPP 510 Mental Health Policy and Service Delivery 3 SRCH 530 Practice Evaluation 3 SSWM 563 Social Work Intervention in Co-occurring Mental & Substance Abuse 3 SSWM 579 Cognitive Behavior 3 SSWM 518 Social Work with Death, Grief and Loss 3 SASS 500C Motivational Interviewing 3 Community and Social Development Concentration SASS 532 Analytical Tools for Community Social Development 3 SASS 534 Community and Social Development Perspectives 3 SASS 563 Resources for Community and Social Development 3 SASS 567 CSD I: Strategies for Assessing, Building, and Organizing Communities 3 SASS 569 CSD II: Strategies for Designing and Implementing Community and Social Change 3 SPPP 512 Legislative & Political Processes 3 SSWM 531 Strategic Alliances 3 SSWM 544 Budgeting and Finance 3 SSWM 545 Social Program Design 3 SASS 500B Introduction to Management & Leadership 3 SASS 500C Motivational Interviewing 3 60 (Non-BSW)/45 (BSW) Field Education Field Education is an integral component of the MSASS program. Each student will perform Field Education throughout the course of the degree program in a university-approved practice setting. Through intensive field practice opportunities, students will integrate the core knowledge, skills and values inherent to the social work profession. For more information about the admission requirements or the admissions process for Case Western Reserve University s online MSSA program, contact an Enrollment Advisor at 1-877-807-4740.

Admission Requirements To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications: Bachelor s degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher from an accredited college or university Evidence of the capacity to succeed in graduate level social work education based on undergraduate coursework and any previous graduate work. Previous work must include courses in social and behavioral sciences strong enough to ensure the applicant s ability to do creditable work at the graduate level. Official transcripts from colleges/universities attended MAT or GRE required if GPA is less than 2.7 Evidence of a combination of personal qualities and values that are considered essential for the professional practice of social work: strong moral character; strong analytical and communication skills; a caring and compassionate nature; and a personal commitment to social justice, empowering individuals, and serving vulnerable and under-represented groups. Submission of a field education plan The School may request a personal interview or additional information about an applicant if necessary International applicants may need to submit additional materials About Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University is one of the country s leading research institutions. Located in Cleveland, Case Western Reserve offers a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. The leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 4,200 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students comprise the student body. About the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Consistently ranked as one of the top schools of social work in the country, the Mandel School offers an innovative combination of extensive field education with the enduring traditions and prestige of a major university. In 2012, it was ranked No. 9 among the best graduate schools of social work in the country by U.S. News & World Report. MSASS counts among its alumni many prominent educators, government officials, accomplished practitioners, researchers, and chief executives of national and regional agencies. Faculty achievements in professional organizations, research, and agency consultation further extend the school s reputation as an active participant in the advancement of social work practice. Each state s social work board determines the requirements applicable to candidates seeking licensure. If you intend to seek a clinical social worker license in New Hampshire, please note that no online degree program without an on-ground residency requirement, including the online degree program offered by Case Western Reserve University, is sufficient for licensure as a clinical social worker in New Hampshire. Due to state regulations, Case Western Reserve University is presently unable to accept applications for admission to an online degree program from Alabama residents. For more information about the admission requirements or the admissions process for Case Western Reserve University s online MSSA program, contact an Enrollment Advisor at 1-877-807-4740.