Master of Social Work (Msw) Program
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The master of Social Work program at the University of Saint Joseph offers a values- centered approach, combined with community-based clinical practice, that provides Explore greatness. students real-world field experience. WHAT MAKES THE USJ MSW DIFFERENT? A COMPREHENSIVE CURRIcuLUM • OUR INNOVATIVE STUDENT UNIT MODEL OF FIELD Designed to prepare social workers for community-based clinical www.usj.edu/graduate EDUCATION partners with select agencies and provides practice in emerging practice areas as well as those facing clinician the clinical supervisor at each site for our MSW students. shortages due to high demand, the MSW program offers students a learning opportunity that is unique to the University of Saint Traditional MSW programs place students with volunteer Joseph. Students participate in field education where university- UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH social workers, but the USJ program model guarantees employed clinical preceptors supervise them on site within the The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) the quality of case assignments and clinical supervision. partner organizations. This model provides dynamic opportunities offers a wide range of graduate, • Graduates will be WELL PREPARED FOR CLINICAL for collaborative student learning, evidence-based practice, and undergraduate, and certificate programs community-engaged research. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE. The curriculum is focused on that combine a professional and liberal arts education with a focus on service. developing skills and knowledge, including direct practice CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Coeducational graduate master’s and experience applying evidence-based practice models. Social Work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United doctoral degree programs are taught on States. Through the master’s in Social Work at the University of Saint the University’s two campuses in West • The curriculum offers three specializations in areas of Joseph, you will be prepared for community-based clinical practice in Hartford and Hartford, Connecticut; high demand: HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH, CHILD settings such as: at off-campus locations throughout AND FAMILY SERVICES, AND VETERAN’S SERVICES. • Health Care and Human Services the state; and online. Undergraduate • Mental Health Services programs for women and for • FOCUS ON COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES — Students coeducational adult students take place on our beautiful suburban campus will apply knowledge of evidence-based practices • Elder Care and include more than 22 majors and six pre-professional programs, each of and develop skills in community-based research. • Veterans’ Services which provides personal attention in a caring environment. Founded in 1932 Students will engage clients within the context of their • Children and Family by the Sisters of Mercy, the University of Saint Joseph welcomes students MASTER OF communities and utilize community and family strengths Services from diverse backgrounds and religious traditions. and resources to support them. • Criminal Justice DIRECTIONS SOCIAL WORK • Education • WE OFFER A SMALL, PERSONAL PROGRAM that The University of Saint Joseph is located in West Hartford, Connecticut is committed to the values of academic excellence, off I-84, exit 43/Park Road. Turn right at the end of the ramp, then take an (MSW) PROGRAM integrity, diversity, and hospitality. We have high Whether you are seeking immediate left at the first light onto Trout Brook Drive. At the fifth light, turn a career change or right onto Asylum Avenue then take the first left into the University of Saint expectations, and we provide strong support. interested in advancing Joseph campus. • OUR OUTSTANDING FACULTY ARE EXPERTS in their your career in social work, areas, conducting community-engaged research and numerous opportunities contribute to the advancement of the field. are available to you upon completion of this degree. • WE OFFER FLEXIBLE CLASS SCHEDULES, varied ScHOOL OF GRAduATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES course formats, and several completion pathways for 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 www.usj.edu students, including those who are employed full time, to complete their MSW degree. University of Saint Joseph Master of Social Work (MSW) Program PROGRAM FORMAT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CAN I CONTINUE TO WORK AND COMPLETE MY MSW AdmISSION REQUIREMENTS MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO EARN MY DEGREE? DEGREE? • USJ graduate school application, which is available at www.usj.edu/grad-application The master of Social Work follows a cohort model. With a BSW from an accredited program, a student may Yes. The program is designed to accommodate working • $50 non-refundable application fee Students may choose a traditional full-time or part- be able to complete a degree in as little as one year. For students. Classes feature flexible formats using online time course of study or, if they qualify, for the Advanced all other students, we offer a two-year and a three-year and campus-based classroom instruction. Some of our • Sealed transcript of your bachelor’s degree from a Standing program which allows them to complete their option. internship sites allow students to complete hours during regionally accredited institution and any additional degree requirements in one year when enrolled full time or evening and weekend times. The MSW program is rigorous, graduate coursework however, so students should discuss the program with • An Admissions Statement that outlines personal and in two years when enrolled part time. WHAT CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE TO GRADUATES OF family and employers to gain their support in managing a professional goals THE MSW PROGRAM? Classes are offered in a hybrid format: students use online demanding graduate program. • Three professional references that attest to your materials and attend on-campus seminars to apply learning Graduates will be prepared to practice clinical social work readiness to succeed in graduate education in various settings. Clinical social workers help people solve CAN I COMPLETE MY INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT AT and to develop practice skills with their cohort. Classes are • On-site interview with program faculty and cope with problems in their everyday lives. In some MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT? scheduled primarily on evenings and weekends. • Submit record of Immunization to USJ Health settings, they diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and All internships will be in specially designed student units Services In the advanced curriculum, students acquire the advanced emotional issues. Hospitals, community health settings, located in partner agencies. While a student unit may be knowledge and skills necessary to practice community– schools, veteran’s services, inpatient and outpatient mental housed at your work site, in most cases, you will complete based clinical social work. Each student selects a and behavioral health care programs, private practice internship requirements in a different location. Your NEXT STEPS specialization in one of three areas: groups, and child welfare programs are just a few of the clinical supervisor cannot be the work supervisor and the • Visit the program website: www.usj.edu/msw for settings where clinical social workers are found. internship activities must be substantively different from more information about the curriculum and field • Health/Mental Health your regular work assignments. education. • Veterans’ Services WHEN I GRADUATE FROM THE PROGRAM, AM I • Attend an open house or another event. To view • Children and Families ELIGIBLE FOR LICENSURE AS A SOCIAL WORKER? WHAT CONCENTRATIONS AND SPECIALIZATIONS upcoming events, visit www.usj.edu/graduate. Each state has separate requirements, but all states license DOES USJ OFFER? • Submit an application, available at www.usj.edu/ PROGRAM OPTIONS SEMESTERS CREDITS graduate. clinical social workers and most have licensure for other The program is committed to developing community- • 2-YEARS 4 61 categories of social workers such as BSW. All states require based clinical social workers. This is the only concentration • Email the Graduate Office at [email protected] with • 3-YEARS 8 61 applicants for a social work license to have graduated offered. Students may elect to take a specialization in general questions about the program or application from a CSWE-accredited program. The University’s MSW Health/Behavioral Health, Veteran’s Services, or Children process. curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the ADVANCED STANDING and Families. examination required to become a licensed clinical social CONTACT INFORMATION APPLICANTS muST HAVE A BSW FROM A CSWE-AccREDITED worker. Generally, states require a minimum number of PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES WITH DOcumENTED STRONG Office of Graduate and Professional Studies post-MSW direct practice hours and clinical supervision WHAT TYPE OF UNDERGRADUATE COURSES DO YOU ACADEMIC AND FIELD PERFORMANCE. STudENTS WILL BEGIN THEIR Tel: 860.231.5488 hours to be completed before a social worker can take the REQUIRE FOR ADMISSION TO THE MSW PROGRAM? PROGRAM WITH A TWO COURSE SEQUENCE IN AuGUST PRIOR TO Fax: 860.231.5479 THE START OF THE ADVANCED YEAR COURSES. clinical licensure examination. For updated information Applicants to the regular MSW program may have varied Toll-free: 1.855.857.GRAD on program accreditation and licensure, visit our website: educational backgrounds. We look at the applicant’s (1.855.857.4723) www.usj.edu/msw. • 1-YEAR 3 35 academic ability and potential for critical thinking as this [email protected] is an essential tool to effective clinical practice. Applicants • 2-YEARS 6 35 must complete a course in statistics, however, those who have not done so at the time of application may begin the program but must complete the course prior to starting the second year classes..