Utah State University
Department of SSW&A
0730 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-0730
Tel. 435-797-1230
Fax 435-797-1240
ann.johns@usu.edu

department of
Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology

May 2008 Update

We are on track to begin this Fall (2008). We have admitted our first class and are no longer accepting applications. We will once again accept applications for the full-time and part-time programs starting Feb, 1, 2010 and Feb. 1, 2011, respectively.

If you would like to receive program updates via the USU MSW Email List, send an email to Dr. Derrik Tollefson at drderriktollefson@yahoo.com and ask to be added to the list.

Program Overview

The MSW program was approved by the Utah State Board of Regents in March 2007. We then received approval from the Council on Social Work Education, our accrediting organization, to begin the accreditation process.

We plan to offer a full-time 2-year MSW program on the Logan campus and a 3-year part-time program at the Brigham City, Ogden, Tooele, and Uintah Basin regional campuses. We plan to offer courses to full-time students on Monday and Wednesday afternoons; part-time classes will be held on Tuesday evenings starting at 5:15 with some occasional Saturday sessions. The tables below provide an overview of the two MSW programs. Tuition and fees for these programs will be approximately $325 per credit hour.

If you are interested in one or both of these programs we invite you to complete an online questionnaire. Completing the questionnaire will let us know your level of interest in the program, provide us with your contact information, and assist us in our program planning efforts. A similar survey was conducted in the fall of 2004. Those who completed that survey are also invited to participate in the current survey. To access the survey click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=755701999341 . If the link does not work, copy and paste the link in your web browser’s address bar and press enter. Feel free to contact Dr. Derrik Tollefson at derrik.tollefson@usu.edu or 435-722-1752 if you have questions.

Disclaimer : The following information is subject to change.

USU MSW Part-Time Program (60 credit hours)

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MSW Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Should I Pursue A Master of Social Work Degree?

A : There are many career opportunities for social workers, particularly for those with a Master of Social Work degree. MSWs practice in a wide variety of public and private agency settings such as child welfare, youth services, mental health/counseling, schools, criminal justice, and medical settings such as hospitals and long term care facilities, to name a few. Social workers interact with diverse client populations and seek to improve quality of life particularly for those who exist on the margins of society. Career opportunities are abundant as the job market for professional social workers is expanding, both locally and nationally.

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can also unlock the door to upward career mobility within the profession. More and more frequently the MSW degree is a requirement of supervisory or management-level positions and the MSW degree often brings higher salaries as well.

Q: When will the program begin?

A: The program (full and part-time) will begin Fall 2008.

Q: Will the program be offered on a full-time or part-time basis?

A: We expect to offer the program on a full-time basis on the Logan campus, and on a part-time basis at the other sites (Tooele, Ogden, Brigham City, and Uintah Basin). Part-time program classes will be offered in the evenings and/or weekends (Friday & Saturday). Full-time program classes will be offered two days per week during the day (some classes may be offered in the late afternoons or evenings).

Q: Where will classes be held?

A: Full-time program courses will be taught on the Logan campus on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Part-time courses will be offered at the other satellite campuses (Tooele, Ogden, Brigham City, and Uintah Basin) on Tuesday evenings starting at 5:15. Some courses will be offered via Internet Video Conferencing and the World Wide Web (distance education). Students in the part-time program will also participate in some Saturday class sessions.

Q: Is the program accredited?

A: Like all new MSW programs, we must complete a candidacy period of 2-3 years before we receive full accreditation. We intend to achieve full accreditation through the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Full accreditation cannot be gained until the first class of students graduate which will happen in May of 2010. We expect to be granted accreditation soon after the February 2011 CSWE meeting. At that point the first class of graduates will be recognized of having fully accredited MSW degrees. Graduation from a MSW program in candidacy qualifies graduates for all jobs requiring a MSW, for sitting for the licensing examination and for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

Our undergraduate program has been continuously accredited by CSWE since 1974.

Q: Do I have to have a certain undergraduate major to be admitted to the program? Are there any prerequisite courses?

A: No particular undergraduate major is required of those applying to the full or part-time program, but it is expected that applicants would have a strong background in the social and/or behavioral sciences (see proposed admissions requirements table above). We will require all applicants to have a 4-year degree from an accredited university or college, to have successfully completed a research methods OR statistics course AND at least one introductory social work or social or behavioral science course as an undergraduate (e.g. Psych 1010, Anthro 1010, Soc 1010, SW 1010). See the proposed admissions requirements table above for more details.

Q: Do applicants have to have human services experience?

A: No, but human services experience (paid and volunteer) is highly desirable in applicants.

Q: Do you have an advanced standing program?

A: No. Students with a recent BSW degree may be allowed to substitute electives for certain foundation courses to avoid unnecessary repetition of content covered in their undergraduate program.

Q: How many students will be admitted?

A: We anticipate that about 40 students will be admitted to the full-time program and that approximately 45 students admitted to the part-time program.

Q: Will financial assistance be available?

A: Because the MSW program is new, the financial aid options are limited. The Social Work program will seek funding for a limited number of scholarships which will be awarded through a competitive process. Some agencies are willing to assist their employees with tuition; you are encouraged to investigate this option. Federal student loans are also an option.

Q: Would I be able to do my practicum work at the agency I currently work for?

A: It may be possible for you to complete some of your practicum hours with your current employer. However, you would have to take on additional responsibilities commensurate with master’s level education. Many agencies are willing to work with students to help them meet these requirements. You are encouraged to explore this issue with your employer. One of the two practicum placements will occur at an organization other than that which employs you.

Q: Will students be paid for their practicum hours?

A: Some agencies may be able to financially compensate practicum students. These arrangements will be worked out between the student and the agency.

Q: Will you require the GRE or some other entrance exam?

A: All applicants will be required to take the GRE or MAT.

Q: Whom can I contact if I have questions or to add my name to the list of interested individuals?

A: Contact the MSW Program Coordinator, Derrik Tollefson, Ph.D. at 435-722-1752 or derrik.tollefson@usu.edu

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