PARTNER SPOTLIGHT NEW MSW: AN INTEGRATIVE AND TRANSDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

Welcoming its first fall cohort this September, Rowan University’s newly launched Master of Social Work has been a labor of love two years in the making. Spearheaded first by program director Dr. Mary Kay Tuohy, who holds a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania, and director of social work field education Staci Fattore, who earned a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Rowan University anticipates welcoming up to 30 MSW candidates its first year.

After long careers in direct care, both Tuohy and Fattore pursued their new positions at Rowan University specifically to pivot professionally to program development, building a MSW program from the ground up.

“We first introduced ourselves to the social work world, if you will, at the National Association of Social Workers New Jersey conference this past April,” says Fattore. “So many people came up to me and said such positive things about Rowan,” she continues. “They welcomed our arrival.”

With its 100-year history of serving the educational needs of students primarily from the New Jersey area, Rowan University is uniquely positioned to add the MSW program to its educational offerings. “I have found that because Rowan is so immersed in the local community here,” Fattore says, “that the University itself already has relationships with human services organizations who we would like to collaborate with as community partners for field placements.”

These pre-existing relationships have blossomed into a robust catalog of social service organizations ready, and eager, to embrace Rowan MSW field placements. Additionally, Rowan houses two medical schools and a nursing college, which further broaden professional opportunities for MSW candidates. The University’s location, about 20 minutes from Philadelphia, makes this in-person/online-hybrid program a more accessible and easily drivable option for those working and living in the southwestern part of the state.

Field experiences and an individually tailored approach to academics and advising are central to the Rowan MSW program. Having meaningful relationships and one-on-one conversations with each member of the cohort are important to both Tuohy and Fattore. “About half of our students already have an understanding of what it is that they’d like to do,” says Fattore, “and half do not.” Through ongoing professional mentorship and support, Fattore and Tuohy are a united front in encouraging their students to explore a wide range of professional opportunities while earning their MSW.

“Between Dr. Tuohy and myself, we have worked in direct care in almost every conceivable setting and with almost every type of population. I tell the students: field experiences aren’t just about finding what you want to do; it’s also about whittling down - trying something that isn’t for you is just as valuable an experience and will help your professional growth. You never know where life will take you, even if you think you do,” says Fattore.

With mental health, equity and well-being embedded into the foundation of all coursework, students also have the opportunity to customize their education to deepen focus through certificate coursework on wellness coaching, public policy, women’s studies, Holocaust and genocide education, and diversity and inclusion.

Tuohy adds, “Historically MSW programs have forced students to choose between direct service or macro policy/administration. Rowan’s approach to specialization is reflective of more recent trends towards integrative and transdisciplinary social work models that allows for a more collaborative approach and the co-creation of knowledge.”

She continues, “Our focus on mental health, equity and well-being is responsive to the demand for greater integration of macro practice with direct care, and aligns with current workforce trends to prepare graduates for work outside of traditional social service settings, such as healthcare, criminal justice, education, policy etc.”

The program will offer in person, one-credit courses that will be held over two weekend days, as one weekend elective classes so that students can explore topics new to them. The experiences do one of three things: expose students to new knowledge, help them possibly ignite a new passion, and partner with professionals that are doing that work or rule out a potential professional focus that is not for them.

An additional advantage of the small program is organic networking, says Fattore. “Each person will graduate having a built-in network of peers who they know deeply - people they can reach out to, ask advice from, and grow with,” she says. “I expect that I will stay involved with each member of the cohort as their careers unfold.”

The Master of Social Work is currently in PreCandidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Students who enter programs in Pre-Candidacy that attain Candidacy in the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWEaccredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation.

Graduates from accredited BSW programs can earn Advanced Standing waiving many of the first-year generalist courses.

With the inaugural class arriving soon, neither Tuohy nor Fattore plan to rest to enjoy their success. They hope at some time in the future to launch a Bachelor of Social Work at Rowan University.

For more information, visit: go.rowan.edu/MSW

Members Only Perks

With nearly 7,000 members in our New Jersey family, you are part of a larger family of social workers, a network of friends and colleagues who share your commitment to the profession and strengthening our community. While the chapter has many opportunities to connect on a broader level—from educational programs to advocacy events, there are also many great ways for you to connect with your colleagues locally or on a specific area of interest. Read on to learn some ways in which you as a member can build your connections, network and grow in smaller, more intimate spaces—and virtually!