ASU School of Social Work College of Public Service and Community Solutions MSW Online Program Fact Sheet Website: ASU School of Social Work MSW Online Program website https://socialwork.asu.edu/online ASU MSW Online Program website and application http://asuonline.asu.edu/online- degree- programs/graduate/master- social- work- social- work Educational Background All applicants must have graduated with either an undergraduate liberal arts degree or a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees must have completed 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses at the undergraduate level. The 30 credit hours must include course work from the social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences and humanities. GPA Applicants who do not have a 3.20 GPA (on a 4- point scale) in the last two years of work leading to the bachelor s degree (Jr/Sr GPA) are required to take the GRE or MAT or complete two graduate- level courses with a grade of B or better. Program Overview ASU s online Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Advanced Generalist studies is designed for working professionals to engage in learning effective and culturally competent service strategies and practices, informed by research evidence. The Advanced Generalist training covers a broad spectrum of social concerns and provides the knowledge and training to assess problems and their solutions comprehensively, preparing students to take action that reflects advanced social work practice. This program is fully online with quality instruction from faculty in a vibrant learning environment that includes two professional seminars designed to enhance the development of professional identity in the field of social work. Students complement their academic learning with hands- on experience through field education placements in their geographic region. The Arizona State University School of Social Work is committed to addressing pressing issues and finding practical solutions. The School is one of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world. Among our areas of strength are child welfare training, health and behavioral health, community practice, administration, policy practice and innovative services for children, youth, and families. We also have expertise in gerontology, forensic social work, integrative health, the animal- human bond, Borderland issues, and several other areas. Our expertise and attention to cultural diversity and the distinct populations of the Southwest are unique. The School is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A career in social work provides great opportunities to make a real difference in helping those in need through direct service provision to individuals, families, groups, and communities; developing innovative public and nonprofit programs; and creating more just social and economic policies. You will find our community of researchers, teachers, students, and practitioners to be a stimulating and welcoming environment in which to create a unique and meaningful career. Career Paths Few professions offer more diverse employment opportunities. Master's prepared professional social work practitioners are employed in public and private health and human service agencies, schools, hospitals and research and policy organizations. They work with clients who face challenges such as adoption, aging, substance abuse, domestic violence, Page 1
disabilities, child neglect and abuse, mental health problems, chronic or catastrophic illnesses, loss of a loved one, divorce, as well as in the areas of research, policy, planning, administration and community organizing. Trends suggest that the demand for social work professionals will grow dramatically over the next decade. Salaries for beginning level, master's prepared social workers typically range from $36,039 - $56,226 depending on qualifications and geographic area. Now is an excellent time to pursue a degree in social work! Cost TOTAL PROGRAM COST Including tuition and program fees; course fees are separate Tuition Program Fees Course Fees Books $589 per credit hour $492 per credit hour $97 per credit hour for all courses $100 per field education course (SWG 541; SWG 542; SWG 645; & SWG 646) Varies Degree Overview Number of credit hours Time to complete Starts Cohort based? 60 2 years full- time; 3 years part- time Fall Session A and Spring Session A Yes Part - Time Program A limited number of students are admitted each year to a planned three- year part- time program. Students interested in this option must apply to the part- time program and complete it in accordance with the plan developed to complete the degree in three years. Admission Requirements US Bachelor s degree (regionally accredited or international equivalent) All applicants must have graduated with either an undergraduate liberal arts degree or a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees must have completed 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses at the undergraduate level. The 30 credit hours must include course work from the social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences and humanities. The distribution should approximate the current policy undergirding the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus School of Social Work BSW program: 1. Eighteen (18) hours in social and behavioral sciences; 2. Six (6) hours in natural sciences with at least one course in human biology; and 3. Six (6) hours in humanities Official transcripts from every institution where BA or higher earned (no faxed or electronic transcripts). Page 2
Cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher in Bachelor s Degree Applicants who do not have a 3.20 GPA (on a 4- point scale) in the last two years of work leading to the bachelor s degree (Jr/Sr GPA) are required to take the GRE or MAT or complete two graduate- level courses with a grade of B or better. English Proficiency (Min TOEFL: 550 (paper- based) or 213 (computer- based) or 80 (internet- based [ibt]) Professional Resume Students are required to submit a professional resume that includes education and volunteer and relevant paid work experience. In your resume, with regards to your required 120 hours of human service experience (paid or volunteer), be sure to provide a very specific description of your duties/activities and include the hours and dates of your experience. Three References You will be prompted on the Graduate Application for admission to provide the name and e- mail addresses of at least three individuals that you would like use as a reference. A combination of both academic and professional references are desirable. References from friends, family members or personal therapists will not be accepted. It is highly recommended that one reference reflect your human service organization volunteer/work experience. Statement of Educational and Career Goals A three to five page typewritten, double- spaced Statement of your Educational and Career Goals is required. Your statement will be used to evaluate your knowledge of your career choice, your commitment to the social work profession, and your understanding of and commitment to the mission of the ASU School of Social Work. In addition, your statement will be used to assess your written communication abilities. When formulating your essay, please use the guideline statements listed below as paragraph headings. Format your statement using a twelve point font and one inch margins. In order for the Admission Committee to appropriately review your statement, it is necessary for you to address all three of the following guideline statements: 1. Experience, background and/or relationships that have influenced your selection of social work as your professional career (family, education, employment, diversity experience, volunteer involvements, and personal characteristics, etc.). 2. Your understanding of the responsibilities of the social work profession and specifically the role and responsibilities that you wish to be able to assume as a professional social worker. 3. Reasons for selecting the program at ASU School of Social Work and thoughts on how the Mission Statement addresses your career goals. Volunteer/Work Experience All applicants must have a minimum of 120 hours of volunteer/work experience in social services during a six- month period within the past five years. The 120 hours of volunteer/work experience must include face- to- face contact with people in need. Be sure to provide a very specific description of your duties/activities and include the hours and dates of your experience on your professional resume that you submit with your application. Examples of activities which fulfill the 120 hours of volunteer/work experience are: Delivering food to needy families Page 3
Helping children in school to obtain resources due to family problems or behavioral health needs Helping disadvantaged individuals to obtain needed assistance and resources: o Serving food to individuals who are homeless o Volunteering in hospitals, human service agencies, Big Brother/Big Sisters organizations, shelters, church groups, summer campus, etc. o Advocating for human rights, developing and delivering or participating in service delivery o Being involved with community development activities which have immediate impact on improving living/social conditions of individuals or groups of people Examples of activities which do not fulfill the 120 hours of volunteer/work experience are: Preparing food boxes Tutoring or teaching children in any capacity, including school settings Seating on an organization s Board of Directors Developing programs, but not participating in service delivery Performing medical tasks, helping exclusively with medical conditions nursing, nursing aids Performing administrative duties in any formal/informal setting International Students Admission to the MSW online program will depend on the prospective student s qualifications and the appropriate access to field education placement opportunities that fulfill national accreditation standards. The School of Social must ensure that every international student has appropriate access to field education placement opportunities that meet the standards of the Council on Social Work Education prior to the student being admitted to the program. Graduate School Entrance Exams Test scores from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or 6 credit hours of graduate coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 are required only if the applicant's Jr/Sr GPA is below a 3.20. Exemptions The number of hours required to complete the MSW degree ranges from 45 to 60 credit hours. In addition to transferring in credit (see section on Transfer Policy), admitted students from BSW Programs accredited by CSWE may acquire up to 15 hours of credit towards the degree by exempting up to fifteen hours of foundation course work without examination. Only students from BSW Programs accredited by CSWE can be considered for exemptions. To be eligible for an exemption from any course, students must have received their BSW degree no more than six years prior to the date of admission. Students awarded a BSW degree by ASU are exempted from the courses listed below, if the GPA requirement is met. BSW students from other accredited programs may also be exempted from the same courses but must submit their course content material (course description, syllabus and outline) for an equivalency review. BSW students may be exempted from the following courses: 1. SWG 502, if the student completed SWU 340 after Fall 2007 with at least an "A- "; or completed an equivalent social work course(s); 2. SWG 519, if the student has at least an "A- " in SWU 320 or 420; or an equivalent social work course; 3. SWG 531, if the student has at least an "A- " in SWU 332 or 432; or equivalent social work course; 4. SWG 533, if the student has at least an "A- " in SWU 374 or 474; or an equivalent social work course. Page 4
5. SWG 585, if the student has at least an "A- " in SWU 411 or an equivalent social work course. Liberal Arts Requirement All applicants must have graduated with either an undergraduate liberal arts degree or a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees must have completed 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses at the undergraduate level. The 30 credit hours must include course work from the social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences and humanities. The distribution should approximate the current policy undergirding the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus School of Social Work BSW program: 1. Eighteen (18) hours in social and behavioral sciences; 2. Six (6) hours in natural sciences with at least one course in human biology; and 3. Six (6) hours in humanities Additional Requirements All students are required to have completed a course in human biology and a course in statistics. Students who: 1. Do not meet the human biology requirement must successfully complete an approved equivalent course prior to commencing their first semester in the program; and/or 2. Do not meet the statistics requirement must successfully complete an equivalent course by end of the first semester enrolled in the program or prior to registering for SWG 519. Provisional Admission Applicants with grades below the minimum level may be considered for provisional admission if there is counterbalancing evidence suggesting the potential of outstanding performance in the MSW program. Application Fee Details regarding the Graduate Admission Application Fee may be viewed at the following website: https://students.asu.edu/graduate/apply Non- Degree Seeking An applicant with an undergraduate degree and not pursuing a graduate degree may apply for non- degree status in the Graduate College. Before enrolling, an application for admission to the Graduate College must be submitted. Individuals who wish to acquaint themselves with the MSW program or those professionals who are currently practicing social work may enroll in selected courses. No more than 12 hours taken as a non- degree seeking student may be applied to the MSW degree requirements. Transfer work must have been completed within three years of the semester and year of admission to the MSW Program at ASU. The grades for all transfer credit must be a "B" or better. Financial aid is not available to nondegree students. The courses that may be taken are: SWG501, SWG502, SWG519 (with the pre- requisite requirement of completing undergraduate statistics), SWG531, SWG533 and SWG585. Transfer Policy Upon recommendation of the Admissions Committee, the first year of graduate study (up to 30 graduate semester hours) earned at another School of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be transferred toward the MSW degree at ASU. A full report from the School at which the credit was earned is required. Under these circumstances, the student must complete the second full year of graduate study (at least 30 semester hours of graduate work) at ASU, Page 5
resulting in a 60- hour program composed of the work from both schools. Transfer work must have been completed within three years of the semester and year of admission to the MSW Program at ASU and with a grade of B or better. Consideration for acceptance of prior graduate credits must be applied for at the time of admission. No academic credit is given for life or work experience. MSW transfer students from an accredited MSW Program must also submit to the ASU School of Social Work in addition to submitting the application materials required of all applicants: A letter of good standing from the previous MSW Program where the transfer work was completed Course syllabi for all courses completed or anticipated to be completed If applicable, a copy of the field evaluations and a statement from the school indicating how many clock hours were completed for the internship Concurrent Programs The ASU School of Social Work does not offer any concurrent degree programs with the MSW online program. Coursework Required Courses Elective Courses Capstone 15 Required Online Courses: SWG501, SWG502, SWG510, SWG511, SWG519, SWG531, SWG533, SWG585, SWG598 I, SWG598 II, SWG606, SWG610, SWG614, SWG623, SWG632 4 Field Education Courses: SWG541, SWG542, SWG645, SWG646 None 1 Capstone Course: SWG593 Online Course Curriculum Please see MSW online program of study. Useful Links Online Application: https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/index.jsp?program=grpp&plan=ppswdmsw&campus=onlne Tuition Calculator: Financing: Course Catalog: https://students.asu.edu/tuition https://students.asu.edu/financialaid https://catalog.asu.edu/ Page 6
Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the difference between the campus- based MSW program and the MSW online program? Accreditation The MSW online program and the campus- based MSW program are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The curriculum for each program is developed and monitored by the faculty at the ASU School of Social Work to train students to become social work professionals. The foundation year content is the same for both programs. In the concentration year, the MSW online program offers the Advanced Generalist concentration, and the campus- based MSW program offers the choice of Advanced Direct Practice or Policy, Administration and Community Practice. The campus- based program is delivered through in- person 15- week classes, with the option of taking select courses in the summer. The online program is delivered in 7.5/8 week sessions throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer. 2. Is the ASU MSW online program fully accredited? Admissions The ASU School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which includes the MSW online degree program. 3. When am I able to start the program? There are two start times each academic year: Fall Session A and Spring Session A. 4. When is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply for Spring 2016 is December 1st. All supplemental application materials (transcripts, letter of reference, test scores, etc.) must be received by the ASU School of Social by December 15th. The application deadline for Fall 2016 is July 15th. All supplemental application materials (transcripts, letter of reference, test scores, etc.) must be received by the ASU School of Social by July 29th. 5. How do I submit letters of reference? You will be prompted on the Graduate College application to provide the name and e- mail addresses of at least three individuals that you would like use as a reference. A combination of both academic and professional references are desirable. References from friends, family members or personal therapists will not be accepted. It is recommended that at least one of the academic or professional references be from your BSW field instructor (if applicable), or from your supervisor if employed in a social work related job. Advanced Standing 6. Is there an Advanced Standing option for the MSW online program? While there may be the option of completing the Advanced Standing program online in the future, the ASU School of Social Work currently offers only the Advanced Generalist concentration in the full 60- credit- hour degree MSW online program. Application Process 7. How do I apply to the MSW online program? To start the application process, visit the website http://asuonline.asu.edu/online- degree- programs/graduate/master- social- work- social- work to complete the Request for Information form. You will then be contacted by an ASU Online enrollment coach. Page 7
There is a different structure for applying to a campus- based program versus an online program, so if you apply for the campus- based MSW Program, you will need to re- apply for the MSW online program and you will face additional application fees. 8. I do not have a BSW. Am I eligible to apply for the MSW online program? All applicants must have graduated with either an undergraduate liberal arts degree or a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees must have completed 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses at the undergraduate level. The 30 credit hours must include course work from the social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences and humanities. 9. As an international student, am I eligible to apply for the MSW online program? Admission to the MSW online program for international students depends on the prospective student s qualifications and the appropriate access to field education placement opportunities that fulfill national accreditation standards. The School of Social Work must ensure that every international student has appropriate access to field education placement opportunities that meet the standards of the Council on Social Work Education prior to the student being admitted to the program. 10. I live in a different state. Am I eligible to apply for the MSW online program? This program is open to students anywhere in the United States, with the exception of North Carolina. 11. Do I have to take the GRE? Concentration Test scores from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or 6 credit hours of graduate coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 are required only if the applicant's Jr/Sr GPA is below a 3.20. 12. What is the focus of the MSW online program curriculum? The MSW online program at Arizona State University will focus on Advanced Generalist studies through a two- year program of study. The Advanced Generalist training covers a broad spectrum of social concerns and provides the knowledge and training to assess problems and their solutions comprehensively, preparing students to take action that reflects advanced social work practice. 13. Will the Advanced Generalist concentration give students the degree and education needed to pursue clinical social work, perhaps in private practice? Private practice typically involves state licensure, which is unique to each state. Please refer to your state s social work licensure regulations. The Advanced Generalist training covers a broad spectrum of social concerns and provides the knowledge and training to assess problems and their solutions comprehensively, preparing students to take action that reflects advanced social work practice. Degree and Graduation 14. How does online education work? The coursework for the MSW online program will be completed asynchronously, so you will be able to work on the course material when it is convenient for you. The courses will be designed so that students access course material in Blackboard, the learning platform, each week and complete assignments each week, so you can anticipate needing to visit the course online at least every other day. 15. How much time should I plan to spend on my coursework in an online course? ASU Online recommends that students should be prepared to spend 18 hours a week on coursework for every Page 8
three- credit course for a 7.5 week session. 16. Will my degree indicate that I earned my MSW online? Your diploma and transcript will say Arizona State University. There is no indication that your studies were completed online. http://asuonline.asu.edu/student- resources/faq 17. Since this will be an online degree, will I still be able to participate in a walk across the stage graduation ceremony? There is information regarding the graduation ceremonies on the Student FAQs website for ASU Online: http://asuonline.asu.edu/student- resources/faq that indicates that online students are welcome to participate in graduation ceremonies. 18. If I graduate from your program, can I become a licensed social worker? Social work licensure varies by state. It is recommended that you research the process and criteria for becoming a licensed social worker in the state where you plan to practice social work. The information for the Arizona BBH is located online at http://www.azbbhe.us/ and includes licensure requirements and testing information for Arizona residents. Field Education 19. Will you please explain the Field Education component of the MSW online program? All students entering the MSW graduate online program are required to complete two Field internship placements; one in your Foundation year and a different internship placement for your Concentration year. Internship placements are initiated by the students. Online students are required to research social service agencies in their geographical area to initiate contact to inquire about potential internship opportunities. Students will identify potential Field placements in their geographic area and submit professional resumes directly to agency Field Instructors for review and to schedule interview appointments. 20. How many hours will I complete for Field Education? There will be two Field Education placements of 480 hours each for a total of 960 hours. 21. May I get an early start on Field Education? It is important to wait to begin your Field Education hours until then because there will be an affiliation agreement developed with your Field Education agency and Field Instructor to clarify expectations and responsibilities. The university liability insurance coverage will begin in that time period. 22. Am I supposed to seek a placement or will the school have a list of places available? Students have the responsibility to identify and develop their Field Internships in their geographic area. The Field Education staff are very experienced and supportive. Students will have two sessions to prepare for entering Field Education before starting their internships. 23. Am I able to complete my field placement in the community in which I live? Students in the MSW online program will work proactively with the Field Education Office to identify and arrange field placements that meet the standards of the ASU School of Social Work and CSWE in their geographic region. Any pre- placement requirements will be arranged and monitored directly by the Field agency. 24. May I request a work variance for Field Education? There is a process for requesting to use your agency of employment as the site for one of your Field Education placements. Provisions for students to utilize their paid employment as a Work Variance Request are available for Page 9
students who meet the required criteria. Students requesting to use their present employment for Field placement are required to submit the Work Variance Request Form at least eight (8) weeks prior to the semester for which the request is being made. Our School of Social Work faculty and staff are committed to establishing the capabilities necessary for high quality social work practice. Program of Study 25. Is the MSW online program available on a part- time basis? Yes. The program may be completed in two years full- time and three years part- time. 26. How many electives may I take as part of the MSW online program? All MSW online program students will be required to complete two professional seminars specifically designed for the MSW online students. You may still take electives, but they would be additional credits in addition to the required 60 credit hours. Our campus- based MSW program does include elective courses. 27. Is it possible to start the MSW online program with full- time student status and then to change to part- time student status? Yes. Please anticipate paying a small fee to request this change in status. 28. How many classes do I need to take each session? Full- time students will take one to three courses each 7.5- week session. Part- time students will take one to two courses each 7.5- week session. 29. How many sessions are there? Each 12- month year includes 5 sessions - Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, Spring B, and Summer C. 30. How many sessions are in the full degree program? For the two- year full- time program there are ten consecutive sessions, and for the three- year part- time program there are 15 consecutive sessions. 31. How long do I have to complete the MSW program? Transfers All work toward a master s degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program. 32. What do I need to do to transfer to ASU for the MSW online program? You may wish to speak directly with our Manager of Student and Academic Services, Laura Orr, regarding the transfer process from your current MSW program as she will best be able to advise you. Laura Orr may be reached at Laura.Orr@asu.edu and/or 602-496- 0800. The transfer policy listed on the School of Social Work website is as follows: Transfer Credit Upon recommendation of the admission committee, the first year of graduate study (up to 30 graduate credit hours) earned at another Council on Social Work Education- accredited school of social work may be transferred and applied toward the MSW at ASU. Under these circumstances, the student must complete the second full year of graduate study (at least 30 credit hours of graduate work) at ASU. Transfer work must have been completed within three years of the semester and year of admission to the MSW program at ASU with a grade of "B" (3.00) or better. To fully evaluate your coursework we will need a copy of the syllabi for each course that you may potentially Page 10
transfer. Tuition and Fees 33. How much is the tuition fee per credit hour? The tuition fee per credit hour is $492. There is a program fee of $97 per credit hour. The tuition and program fee together are $589 per credit hour. In addition, there is a course fee of $100 for each of the four field education courses. The total cost of the program will depend on how many credit hours you complete within the program. Assuming that you will not be exempted from any courses, below is the total cost at this time for the MSW online program, barring any changes in university fees or tuition structure or the requirement to complete the human biology and statistics courses as conditions of admission to the program. There is a disclaimer regarding tuition on the ASU website: *Amounts shown in the Tuition and Fees Schedule, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, Arizona State University reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice, upon approval by the Arizona Board of Regents or as otherwise consistent with board policy, and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at ASU at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Finally, please note that fee amounts billed for any period may be adjusted at a future date. Tuition per Credit $492 x 60 credits $29,520 Program Fees $97 per credit hour for all courses x 60 credits $5820 Course Fees $100 per field education course (SWG 541; SWG 542; SWG 645; & SWG 646) x 4 courses $400 $35,740 34. Will the MSW online program be considered out- of- state tuition or in- state tuition? There is only one tuition rate for ASU Online programs; there is no differentiation between out- of- state and in- state tuition. Page 11