M.S.W. Program

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an undergraduate degree in Social Work to apply to your school?
Although we have an accelerated program for those applicants who have an undergraduate degree in social work, it is not necessary for admission into our 60 credit full- and part-time regular standing programs.

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I am considering changing careers. What undergraduate courses do I need to apply to your program?
We require that all applicants have completed at least 30 semester credits of liberal arts course work, which includes instruction in mathematics, computer sciences, the humanities, psychology, sociology and human biology content.
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I have already taken some graduate courses as a non-degree seeking student. Can I use these as part of the total credits needed for the M.S.W. program?
We can accept up to six credits in graduate-level courses taken prior to entering the VCU M.S.W. program as long as they have not been applied to any other degree program. However, all credits must be reviewed and approved by the M.S.W. program director prior to being accepted as part of the degree requirement.
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Can I waive any foundation courses?
Students can request to waive SLWK 609 Foundations of Research for Social Work Practice and/or SLWK 601 and 610 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II based on content equivalency from prior course work.
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I do not meet all the liberal arts criteria. Will my application not be considered?
Your application to the M.S.W. program will still be considered even if you do not meet all the liberal arts criteria. However, if accepted to the program, you will need to complete the courses you are missing prior to your actual enrollment in classes in the fall.

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If I have special learning needs, are there any supportive services available or exceptions to the structured curriculum?
There is an Office of Disability Support Services at VCU. They will work with you to determine appropriate academic adjustments that you may need. They can be reached by calling (804) 828-9782 or toll free (804) 828-4608. We also encourage students with disabilities to call Nicole Bromfield, director of student services in the School of Social Work (804) 828-0703, to discuss their particular learning needs. Students must complete all required course work for the M.S.W.; however, modifications to the structure of the curriculum can be made for students with special learning needs.

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Do you have off-campus programs?
We currently offer one off-campus program in the Northern Virginia area. For Fall 2010 we will admit only to the full-time program with an expected 2012 graduation date.
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Can I complete the part-time program in Northern Virginia?
Beginning in Fall 2010 we will no longer admit to the off-campus part-time program. We are admitting the final full-time cohort in Fall 2010 with a planned 2012 graduation date.

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Is it true that the NoVA M.S.W. program is closing?
We are planning to phase out our on-site NoVA M.S.W. program, as it currently exists, by 2012. We plan to offer M.S.W. distance education in a new structure in the near future.

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Do you offer an online M.S.W. program?
We do not. However, we are increasing the number of M.S.W. courses that offer either online options, combined classroom/online instruction (hybrid) or weekend scheduling. We are not planning a complete online and/or weekend M.S.W. option.

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What is the advanced standing program?
Our advanced standing program is an accelerated program for strong students who have earned a B.S.W. from an accredited social work program within the past five years. It is a full-time program that begins in June and ends the following May. Factors that enhance success in the program include a solid preparation of the curriculum, strong writing skills, good stress-management skills, learning style conducive to intense course work and financial and personal support.

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Can I complete the advanced standing program in Northern Virginia?
You cannot complete the summer component of the program in Northern Virginia. Summer classes for ASP are only offered on the Richmond campus. However, you may be able to spend the concentration year in Northern Virginia beginning with the fall semester following completion of the summer component. This off-campus concentration year option will be available only for 2010 and 2011 admission.

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Can I work full time while attending classes?
Our two-year, full-time and our advanced standing programs are very demanding. In addition to 12 hours a week of classes, all students are required to perform 14 hours of field work during their foundation year and 21 hours of field work during their concentration year. We therefore do not recommend that students work full time in either of these two programs.

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What are the career opportunities in social work?
The M.S.W. is a widely recognized degree and offers a wide range of career options. Our graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health settings, family service agencies, schools, criminal justice and others. Starting salaries for entry-level M.S.W. positions are approximately $36,000 – $42,000.
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Can my social work experience count towards the M.S.W. degree?                     
No, it cannot. This is not allowed by our accreditation body (CSWE).

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