Master of Social Work Advanced Standing (MSW)

THE ADVANCED STANDING MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PLAN

SALEMSTATE.EDU/MSW

• Designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work or social welfare from a CSWE accredited program in the past five years

• Social work practicum sites complement your interest and your practicum site education option may include your current employer

• Integrated practice with an essential mix of clinical and selected macro skills for leadership and management

ABOUT THE SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

The master of social work (MSW) program at Salem State University was the first public social work program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With a faculty committed to maintaining a curriculum that is grounded in professional social work today, the mission of educating social workers for practice as clinical practitioners, leaders and change agents in our ever-changing world is our primary goal.

Salem State University School of Social Work was recently named one of the Top 100 social work programs in the country by US News & World Report and we are the highest ranked public program in Massachusetts.

Our building, located at 287 Lafayette Street, has state-of-the-art classrooms, student study areas, attractive common spaces, and a location that is convenient to the university’s Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons and the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center.

We hope you will choose to join our community of diverse social workers committed to social change based on equity and inclusion at Salem State University!

MISSION STATEMENT

Salem State University’s School of Social Work prepares professionals to excel as practitioners, educators and leaders who are catalysts for social change in our diverse and global community.

CURRICULUM

The MSW advanced standing program’s practice specialization focuses on integrating health and behavioral health practice. The curriculum is designed to meet the contemporary workforce needs in a wide range of settings. Course content underscores the major contributions MSW graduates are qualified to make in the future of healthcare systems that address both physical and behavioral health.

The Salem State University MSW program defines integrated health and behavioral health practice as:

• Integrated practice perspective for micro, mezzo and macro systems across settings

• The integration of human behavior knowledge, practice, policy, research, and field education

• An integrated understanding of physical, mental and behavioral health across the lifespan

During your MSW course work, you can further expand knowledge by populations when choosing your practice and theory sequence classes. Then continue building competency with electives on topics such as: trauma informed practice, substance use disorders, social work ethics, disability policy and practice, international travel seminars, anti-racist social work and many more!

Courses are delivered in a variety of formats including in-person and online. Please note, it is not possible to complete program requirements fully online or in-person.

FACULTY

The MSW faculty engage students in a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for current practice. The faculty are scholar-practitioners with expertise in one or more of the following areas of social work practice: geriatric social work; social work in medical settings; child and family welfare; children’s behavioral and mental health; adult behavioral health; HIV/AIDS; disabilities; immigration; trauma; substance use disorders; domestic violence; social policy analysis; and administration.

MSW faculty regularly contribute to social work publications and presentations at regional, national and international forums. Our core value of “leadership for the public good” is exemplified by our faculty service to local, national and international organizations and communities in the roles of researchers, practitioners, leaders, consultants, and board members.

PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE

Our required social work practicum department works closely with each student to find the best fit for the field education experience. Salem State’s MSW program has developed strong relationships with agencies and programs throughout Greater Boston, the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and potential sites throughout Massachusetts.

The Advanced Standing study plan requires a social work practicum experience of a minimum 600 hours over the 8-month academic year.

• In the full time advanced standing study plan, students begin their practicum experience after their first semester, during the academic year (September–May) at 20 hours per week.

• In the extended time advanced standing study plan, students begin their practicum experience during year two through their final academic year (September–May) at 20 hours per week.

Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours because practicum experiences must take place during the business week.

A student’s current place of employment may fulfill the requirement for your practicum experience. Practicum supervision must be provided by an MSW who is 2 year’s post-graduation. Under the supervision of experienced practitioners, committed to best practices, students apply what they learn in the classroom and in community.

COST

For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $499.20*, which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $591.60*. The program is 38 credits.

For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.

*Tuition and fees subject to change.

“I cannot say enough good things about the MSW program at Salem State. I chose Salem State based on its reputation in the field and because it made financial sense to me. As I worked my way through the program, I realized that I had gained even more benefits, which were less obvious, like an intimate supportive community. My internship at a day treatment program for adults with mental illness led me to a job offer doing outreach therapy a week before graduation. Three months after graduation, I passed my LCSW exam. Salem State played a big part in my success and I am extremely grateful.”

—Vicky Sherwood, BSW ’15, MSW ‘16

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Early Action: November 27, 2023 • Final Deadline: January 8, 2024

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCED STANDING

For complete information on admissions policies and standards, see salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions.

• Online graduate admissions application—available at salemstate.edu/apply

• Non-refundable $50 application fee payable online

• Official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited college or university, with a suggested minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

» You must have completed the degree within 5 years of applying for acceptance into the advanced standing MSW program

» If you completed more than 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree at another institution, please submit that transcript as well

• Professional statements

• Resume. Work or volunteer experience in the social service field is desirable.

• Three letters of reference

» One of your letters of recommendation should be completed by either a social work faculty member or your employed work supervisor

• BSW Evaluation from your senior year practicum. This evaluation:

» Should be completed by the individual at the agency who supervised you during your practicum

» If applicants are currently in practicum, evaluations can be submitted at the end of the fall semester

» If you are not able to obtain a copy of your senior practicum, please use the BSW Evaluation Form (found at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

• Work experience in social work or human services is preferred.

• You may be called for an interview with the admissions committee

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

• Proficiency in English is required of all international applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English can fulfill proficiency requirements in a variety of ways. Please visit: salemstate.edu/international for more information.

• Degrees earned at an institution outside of the United States must be evaluated by one of five transcript evaluation companies (more information at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

• To confirm the earned degree meets the academic credentials in social work that are comparable to accredited baccalaureate degrees, applicants apply to the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES).