Master of Science in Social Work 100% Online Quick Links uabout Us uonline Program Info uonline Curriculum uadmission utuition and Financial Aid uget Ready For Your Online Classroom ucontact Us Connect with one of our enrollment counselors online@louisville.edu 800.871.8635 Kent School of Social Work Proudly educating social workers since 1936 Embrace your passion for helping others and join the league of Social Workers who touch hearts, challenge minds and make a difference in others lives every day.
About Us About University of Louisville The University of Louisville is a state supported research university located in Kentucky s largest metropolitan area that offers 170 majors, degrees, certificates and professional development programs. The University of Louisville s mission is to be a premier, nationally recognized metropolitan research university with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens through the pursuit of excellence. With a student body exceeding 22,500 and with more than 6,500 faculty members, the University of Louisville paves the way for students of all ages to achieve their academic, professionals and personal goals through quality education. About UofL Online Learning The University of Louisville understands the challenges of adult professionals who want to earn a college degree and extends its education offerings through UofL Online Learning to connect nontraditional students with flexible online education options. Online learning can help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in a convenient and affordable manner. Online Learning delivers a wide variety of online courses and in-demand undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs completely online to students in the U.S. and around the world About Kent School of Social Work The Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville has been proudly educating social workers since 1936. Kent School seeks to prepare highly qualified social workers who practice from a strong professional value-base to serve the metropolitan mission of the University. Our graduates promote social justice through their practices with diverse client systems. In the context of a research institution, Kent School is committed to knowledge development that informs social work practice, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex social problems. Accreditation The Master of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 2
From the Dean s Desk Dear Future Student, Welcome to Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, the place where your passion and desire to help others lead a better, healthier and safer life can transform into a fulfilling career. The Kent School of Social Work offers students like you the opportunity to engage in a learning process that prepares them to become leaders in solving the problems of urban life. Committed to the belief that cities have rich potential to foster healthy community living, the School provides an educational experience to develop knowledge and skills of problem solving, blending theories of economics, politics, social policy, family systems, and psychology to name a few. The profession of social work is grounded in a belief in the dignity and worth of individuals, the importance of social and environmental context, the need to advocate for the oppressed and disempowered, the celebration of diversity, and a commitment to working with the focus on the strength of the client. Students in the program find a strong generalist orientation in the foundation curriculum that prepares them to work with a range of systems from individuals, groups, and families to organizations and communities. In the advanced curriculum, students deepen their understanding of social problems through skills and knowledge associated with complex critical thinking and best-practice evidence. In recognition of the value of greater interdisciplinary involvement, students will find the faculty involved in research interests with a number of other disciplines, including urban studies, medicine, nursing, dentistry, and others. This provides a rich learning environment in the classroom. At Kent, efforts have been made to meet a variety of students needs in preparation for advanced social work practice, whether it be programs on the main campus or distance sites, evening or weekend options. The Master of Science in Social Work program has established a high mark of excellence and is known to provide high quality preparation for research and leadership in addressing social needs that extend from the Commonwealth to the international community. We are proud to be your educator of choice and we look forward to welcoming you as a new student in the MSSW Online program! Terry L. Singer, Ph.D. Dean, Kent School of Social Work About Dean Singer Dean Singer is the most senior and longest standing dean in any school of social work in the U.S. He has led the social work faculty and staff at Kent School for more than 15 years. His dedication and passion for furthering the social work field inspires all of us, faculty, staff, peers and students alike, and has been recognized through many awards and honors such as: 1995; 2011 Distinguished Alumnus of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh 2003; 2004 Who s Who Among America s Teachers 2009 Lyman T. Johnson Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and service 2010 Leadership Louisville Connectors (5,500 nominees) 2011 Fullbright grant to work in Cyprus (explore the impact of changing technology and its influence on the future direction of social work, incorporating international dimensions) 3
Master of Science in Social Work Online Program Info The online MSSW degree is split into two separate programs. The Standard 60-hour program is specifically designed for social workers who have earned a bachelor s degree in any area of study other than Social Work. The Advanced Standing 30-hour program is designed for social workers who have earned a bachelor s degree in Social Work within the last seven years. This online degree provides proper credentials for career advancements and prepares social workers for the ever changing and evolving needs and demands of today s and tomorrow s society. MSSW program is delivered 100% online and it is comprised of 60 credit hours for the Standard program and 30 credit hours for the Advanced Standing. You can opt for one of a variety of curriculum plans that accommodate your learning style, professional and personal commitments and schedule, and helps you achieve your goals at your own pace. For more information regarding curriculum plans, please visit our website: louisville.edu/online/programs/masters/master-of-science-in-socialwork/degree-map As a graduate of the MSSW degree online, you will achieve a deeper, more complex understanding of social work, critically evaluating and contemplating the material while experimenting with the flexible application of the knowledge in a variety of contexts. Your skills and knowledge will focus around 1) children and families, 2) health and mental health, and 3) community and international practice. Specialized Elective Coursework: Students enrolled in the MSSW online program may choose to add a specialization in one of the following areas: Psychosocial Oncology, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology or Military Social Work. The specializations are also delivered entirely online. Individual courses in these subjects may be taken as electives within the MSSW degree program. Kent School Curriculum The MSSW curriculum prepares graduate social workers to think critically about what they do, why they do it, and what outcomes will result from their social work practice. The focus is on forming decisions that promote social justice. To achieve this, our curriculum is guided by the following: Cognitive Flexibility Theory, as developed by Spiro (1990), provides avenues and tools for students to integrate their learning experiences in such a way as to maximize their potential to meet the demands of the profession upon graduation. Critical Thinking Focus helps students develop skills such as problem-solving and the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines and theories of human behavior. Our curriculum emphasizes critical reflection or appraisal of various points of view and integrates with problem-solving phases such as assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Bruner s Spiral curriculum format (1991) is used to implement the cognitive flexibility philosophy in the development of higher-order critical thinking skills. With this format, topics are revisited at increased levels of difficulty, complexity and depth of the area. It also links new knowledge to previous levels of learning on the same topic to expand the competency of the students. Foundation Curriculum promotes a generalist perspective in which the simultaneous impact of many systemic levels (individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities) on clients lives is critically analyzed and recognized. Advanced Curriculum/Advanced Social Work Practice enables the utilization and application of critical thinking on all levels reading, professional writing and research, students practicum, the classroom, and in the students own thinking. Consistently reflecting on ethical practice, evaluating theoretical principles and epistemologies, and utilizing technological advances become basic practice patterns. The MSSW online program curriculum focuses on developing skills that will be used to actively pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed client systems. Students will learn how to become leaders in social-change efforts focused primarily on issues of poverty, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. 4
Careers and Salary Information Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22% during the 2006-2016 decade. The number of mental health and substance abuse case specialists (social workers and counselors) will grow by 30%. Growth of medical and public health social worker occupations is expected to reach 24%. Employment of social workers specialized in child, family, and school counseling is expected to grow by 19%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov) A master s degree in social work is one requirement that prepares you for clinical practice. Professionals who attain a master s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program are eligible to become a Certified Social Worker (CSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Other requirements vary by state. To view state-specific licensing requirements for the state(s) in which you want to practice, please visit: http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/social-work-license.html. Social Work Careers Family Advocate Program Director Substance Abuse Counselor Case Manager Social Worker APS Investigator Residential Direct Care Specialist Youth Counselor Community Action Coordinator Treatment Team Coordinator Senior Level Service Coordinator Family Advocate Outreach Worker Grant Writer Shelter Director Veteran Affairs Disability Rating Specialist Medical Social Worker Oncology Social Worker Research Program Manager Victim Advocate Psychiatric Intake Clinician Adoption Specialist Grief Counselor Volunteer Coordinator Therapist/LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) Veteran Affairs Social Worker Geriatric Social Worker Child Welfare Specialist Mental Health Counselor Apply Today! Hear it from our graduates Dr. Alfonso Batres, 74 Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer, Veterans Health Administration The Kent School of Social Work at UofL was instrumental in providing me the skills and knowledge that influenced my career. It was a great experience and I found the faculty outstanding in their knowledge of social work and their ability to connect and teach in an effective and personal manner. Awards Received: 2011 Service to America Medal 2011 Kent School Alumni Fellow 2002 Presidential Distinguished Service Rank Award for Senior Executives 5
Master of Science in Social Work Online Curriculum When registering for classes each semester, students should refer to their curriculum plan. The curriculum plans are used to ensure that students proceed through the MSSW program as quickly and successfully as possible. Students are required to follow their chosen curriculum plan every semester when registering for courses. Students who chose a specialization must refer to the Advanced Standing 30-hour curriculum plans for more information regarding electives for each specialization. Select one of the curriculum plan options below for course sequence and respective application deadlines. MSSW Standard (60-hr) Curriculum Plan MSSW Advanced Standing (30-hr) Curriculum Plan Category Online Courses Credit Hours Foundation Level Courses 1 Advanced Level Courses 2 Advanced Level Electives 2 [choose 3 courses] SW 601 Human Behavior & the Social Environment I (3) SW 602 Social Welfare Institutions, Policies & Services (3) SW 603 Social Justice Practice (3) SW 604 Social Work Practice I (3) SW 605 SW Practice II (3) SW 619 Human Behavior & the Social Environment II (3) SW 622 Issues in Policy and Service Delivery (3) SW 626 Research Methodology & Design (3) SW 670 Foundation SW Practicum I (3) SW 671 Foundation SW Practicum II (3) SW 640 Advanced Social Work Practice II (3) SW 641 Advanced Social Work Practice I (3) SW 668 Advanced Research Practice I (3) SW 669 Advanced Research Practice II (3) SW 672 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3) SW 673 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3) SW 677 Advanced Social Work Practice III (3) PHST 600 Introduction to Biostatistics (department approval required) (3) PHEP 601 Introduction to Epidemiology (department approval required) (3) SW 615 Mental Health (3) SW 627 Military Social Work (3) SW 628 Military Social Work Specialization Seminar (fall)* (3) SW 629 Military Social Work Specialization Seminar (spring)** (3) SW 633 Social Work and Human Sexuality (3) SW 636 Death & Grief (3) SW 642 Psychopathology (3) SW 649 - Psychosocial Oncology Specialization Integrative Seminar I (fall)* (3) SW 650 - Psychosocial Oncology Specialization Integrative Seminar II (spring)** (3) SW 657 Group Methods (3) SW 659 Introduction to Family Therapy Practice (3) SW 660 Motivation & Change (3) SW 661 Advanced Issues in Substance Abuse Treatment (3) SW 662 Substance Abuse (3) SW 678 Advanced ADCS Practicum Seminar (fall)* (3) SW 679 Advanced ADCS Practicum Seminar (spring)** (3) SW 681 Social Gerontology (3) SW 682 Social Work with Older Persons (3) SW 684 Spirituality and Social Work (3) SW 686 PPP Supervision I* (3) SW 687 PPP Supervision II** (3) SW 691 Mental Health Integrative Seminar I* (3) SW 692 Mental Health Integrative Seminar II** (3) SW 697 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology: Interpersonal Practice (3) SW 697 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology: Organizations and Communities (3) Minimum Total for MS in Social Work (Standard 60-hour program) 60 Minimum Total for MS in Social Work (Advanced Standing 30-hour program ONLY) 30 30 21 9 1 All Standard 60-hour program MSSW students must begin with the Foundation Level Courses 2 All Advanced Standing 30-hour program MSSW students begin with the Advanced Level Courses and/or Advanced Level Electives * Must be taken with SW 640 Adv SW Practice II and SW 672 Adv Practicum I ** Must be taken with SW 677 Adv SW Practice III and SW 673 Adv Practicum II 6
Admission The Kent School seeks mature students who demonstrate great interpersonal skills, emotional stability, and the ability to work with people and perform well academically. Application deadlines are dependent on which curriculum plan is chosen. Refer to the top of the previous page for curriculum plan options. Due to the limited number of spaces in the MSSW Online program and the highly competitive admission, applicants may be requested to conduct an interview with the Admissions Committee during the application review process. Admission Requirements To ensure that entering students meet the Kent School s admissions standards, we set the following requirements: Standard 60-hour program: Bachelor s degree in a field other than Social Work (or will complete their bachelor s degree before the Fall of admission) A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 will be considered for admission on a case by case basis Applicants with a GPA less than 2.75 must submit acceptable GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores GRE score: Verbal 149 and Quantitative 144 MAT score: 397 Please view the Application Checklist for a complete comprehensive list of the admission and application requirements Advanced Standing 30-hour program: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) earned from a CSWE-accredited Social Work degree program BSW was earned within the last seven years or will be completed before admission Minimum of 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA with a minimum 3.25 GPA in Social Work coursework Applicants with less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a social work GPA of less than 3.25 will rarely be considered for the 30-hour program and will rarely be allowed to transfer social work coursework from their undergraduate degree toward their MSSW degree If the applicant received a grade of C or lower in any social work foundation courses as a BSW, they may be asked to re-take these courses by the Admissions Committee as a condition of admission Please view the Application Checklist for a complete comprehensive list of the admission and application requirements Send all admission materials to our Graduate Admission office at the following address: Graduate Admissions University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40292 OR gradadm@louisville.edu For more UofL Graduate Studies Admission application instructions, go to http://louisville.edu/graduate/futurestudents/apply-materials/application Apply Today! 7
Tuition and Financial Aid Tuition for the Master of Science in Social Work is one of the most affordable in the state and in the nation. Tuition for online courses is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Online Degree Tuition Tuition Rates Graduate online course $714 per credit hour Active-duty* service members** Reserve Component and Kentucky National Guard** $250 per credit hour (see our Military Tuition Discounts page for more info). May be eligible for $250 per credit hour tuition assistance rate *Active-Duty is defined as on orders for 180 days or more. **The Department of Defense tuition assistance rate of $250 per credit hour also applies to certain members of the Reserve Component and Kentucky National Guard. The tuition rates above apply only to online courses and may be different than, or in addition to, tuition costs for non-online courses. Tuition does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks. Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice. The summary on this page is intended to provide a quick reference for students. For more information and updates, visit the UofL Bursar s page. Additional Costs A total cost ranging between $200 and $750 may be incurred throughout the entirety of the program. Costs include: eportfolio LiveText (one time charge). Practicum insurance NASW annual membership Prerequisites (up to three courses) The actual cost depends on student s insurance status, whether prerequisites are needed, how many years it will take to complete the program, etc. Note: This cost does not include textbooks. The cost of textbooks varies greatly between courses (as required by the respective instructors) so it is difficult to predict a total. Financial Aid The University of Louisville is committed to ensuring you re knowledgeable about all of your financial aid options. That s why we created Start to Finish, a collection of all the information you ll need to simplify the financial aid process and make earning a degree affordable for your family. The cornerstone of the financial aid process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). File the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based federal student aid. The UofL school code you ll need when filing the FAFSA is 001999. UofL s Office of Student Financial Aid is available to answer any questions you have about the financial aid process. Visit UofL s financial aid web page or contact a financial aid counselor at 502.852.5511. Please note that international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, with some exceptions. To learn more about eligibility for international students, visit the U.S. Department of Education website. Scholarships Kent School of Social Work offers various scholarships to students who qualify, including those who plan to practice in rural Kentucky and students with an interest in working in gerontology, policy or legislative areas. Scholarship application and information can be found at uofl.me/kent-scholarship. The scholarship application deadline is May 15. 8
Get Ready For Your Online Classroom Technical Requirements You will need the following hardware and software to access your courses online, work on and submit assignments, communicate with professors and peers, and successfully complete your courses and your degree program: Personal computer Broadband Internet connection Windows operating system Microsoft Office Internet Explorer browser Firefox browser Java RAM memory Webcam /microphone With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings) Speed of 512 kb/s or higher for DSL or 1 Mbps or higher for (upload) cable connection XP or later version 2010 or higher Version 9 or higher Version 12 or higher Version 1.6 or higher 4 GB or higher Internal or external FAQs 1. Do I need a BSW degree to enter this program? No, you do not need a BSW degree to enroll in the Standard 60-hour program. The Standard 60-hour MSSW online degree is designed for students who have earned a bachelor s degree in any area of study other than social work. However, if you wish to enroll in the Advanced Standing 30-hour program, you will need a BSW degree. 2. Is there a difference between MSW and MSSW degrees? Not really, a Masters of Social Work and a Master of Science in Social Work have similar required coursework as mandated by the accrediting body, CSWE (Council on Social Work Education). 3. Do I have to come to the physical campus? No, there are no campus requirements in this program. However, MSSW online students may be required to participate in synchronous real time learning over the Internet at designated times in some or all of the online courses, as outlined in the respective course syllabus. 4. Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) required for admission? If your cumulative undergraduate GPA is 2.75 or above, no test score is required for admission to Kent School. Otherwise, applicants need to submit an acceptable score on either the GRE or the MAT. GRE score: Verbal 149 and Quantitative 144; MAT score: 397. 5. How long does it take for a decision to be made on my application? From the time the application is complete, the process usually takes 8 to 9 weeks. When all admission materials have been received by Graduate Admissions, the applicant s file goes before the Kent Admissions Committee for a decision, starting in January. The applicant is notified of the decision by email. 9
Contact Us UofL Online Learning Office hours: Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Online Learning Enrollment Counselors Email: online@louisville.edu Phone: 800.871.8635 Kent School of Social Work Office hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Sarah Caragianis MSSW Admissions Coordinator Email: sarah.caragianis@louisville.edu Phone: 502.852.8777 Misty McNichols, MSW MSSW Student Services Program Manager Email: msswkent@louisville.edu Phone: 502.852.0414 Pamela Yankeelov, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Student Services Distinguished UofL Professor Email: pam.yankeelov@louisville.edu Phone: 502.852.0426 UofL Office of Graduate Admissions Office hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Email: gradadm@louisville.edu Phone: 502.852.3101 Fax: 502.852.3111 UofL Office of Financial Aid Office hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Email: finaid@louisville.edu Phone: 502.852.5511 Apply Today! 10