MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM salemstate.edu/graduate Online Transformative Learning for Social Work Practice
ONLINE MASTER OF SOCIAL
SALEMSTATE.EDU/MSWONLINE
The online master of social work (MSW) is a unique cohort-model designed for people who would benefit from an autonomous, flexible and accessible program. The cohort of professionals will enter and proceed through the program together.
• Take courses during the spring, summer, and fall semesters
• Participate in weekly courses that are offered virtually at 5 pm and 7 pm (note some courses may be offered asynchronously)
• Participate in two required social work practicums in Massachusetts with the option of completing them with their existing employer (provided they meet specific criteria)
• Begin practicum during their third semester, which includes a monthly evening seminar
• Participate in up to two in-person meetings during the academic year to support connection and community
ABOUT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
The master of social work (MSW) program at Salem State 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.
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.
INTEGRATED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION
The MSW curriculum emphasizes preparation for direct social work practice. Our focus on integrating health and behavioral health practice is designed to meet the contemporary workforce needs in a wide range of settings. Course content underscore the major contributions MSW graduates are qualified to make in the future of healthcare systems that address both physical and behavioral health from the point of assessment through intervention. Integrated practice incorporates an ability to address multiple systems levels from micro through macro. 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
• Integration of human behavior knowledge, practice, policy, research and field education
• Integrated understanding of physical, mental and behavioral health across the lifespan.
WHY CONSIDER THE ONLINE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) PROGRAM?
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Engage with highly trained faculty who support best practices for online learning and are committed to social justice.
ACCESSIBILITY
Allows equitable access to education for diverse learners located throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CONVENIENCE
Reduces the need for commuting to campus and allows for flexibility in managing multiple life responsibilities.
AUTONOMY
Allows students to exercise autonomy while supporting self-directed learning.
YEAR ONE
Spring (6 credits)
SWK 700
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3 credits)
SWK 703
Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Work and Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)
YEAR TWO
Spring (9 credits)
SWK 705
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups II (3 credits)
SWK 869
Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)
SWK 722
Field Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)
YEAR THREE
Spring (10 credits)
SWK Elective (3 credits)
SWK 818B
Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II (3 credits)
SWK 842
Field Education (20-24 hr/wk) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)
Total Credits: 62 credits
Summer (6 credits)
SWK 715
Dynamics of Privilege and Oppression
SWK 706
Community Practice (3 credits)
Summer (6 credits)
SWK 735
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)
SWK Elective (3 credits)
Summer (6 credits)
SWK 820
Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)
SWK 899
Integrative Case Analysis and Decision-Making (3 credits)
Fall (9 credits)
SWK 704
Oppression (3 credits)
SWK 707
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups I (3 credits) credits)
Evidence-Based Social Work (3 credits)
SWK 721
Field Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)
Fall (10 credits)
SWK 846
Diagnosis credits)
Health and Behavioral Health Policy and Services (3 credits)
SWK 818A
Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families I (3 credits)
SWK 841
Field Education (20-24 hr/wk) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)
Leadership and
Breaks between semesters are consistent with the university academic calendar. Sample curriculum requirements and exact course titles are subject to change.
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM
Our field department works closely with each student to find the best fit for the social work practicum 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 central and western Massachusetts.
The study plan requires two separate social work practicum experiences of 16 hours starting year one, and 20-24 hours per week in year two. Practicums typically run September through early May. While in practicum, students will be expected to engage in a once a month field education seminar in the evening. Student practicum sites are expected to be in-person in the local Massachusetts area.
Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours because field education practice internships must take place during the business week.
A student’s current place of employment may fulfill at least one of the requirements for your practicums experiences. Field instruction must be provided by an MSW at least 2 year’s post-graduation. Under the supervision of experienced practioners committed to best practices, students apply what they learn in the classroom and in the community.
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 health; adult behavioral health; HIV/AIDS; disabilities; immigration; trauma; substance use disorders; domestic violence; social policy analysis; schools 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 in our faculty service to local, national and international organizations and communities in the roles of researchers, practitioners, leaders, consultants, and board members.
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 62 credits.
For assistance funding your gradate 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.
ADMISSION
2024 Application Deadline: October 23, 2023
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 from an accredited college or university, with a suggested minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
» If you completed more than 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree at another institution, please submit that transcript as well
• Professional statements
• Three letters of reference
• Updated resume
• Work experience in social work or human services is preferred
Additional Requirements for International Students
• 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.
• If you earned your degree at an institution outside of the United States, then your transcript(s) must be evaluated by one of our approved transcript evaluation companies.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access. “Salem State was my first choice when thinking about Graduate School. I’m a career changer and wanted a school where
would feel comfortable and supported while easing back into college life. I always felt like I belonged and made amazing connections during my program. I could not have asked for a better experience.”
I
— Tina Hunt, MSW ’22G