HELP 2011-2012 University Catalog Social Work, MSW Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  HH-MSW-SOCW

Unit: Social Work 

The MSW Program opened its doors in fall 2002 and was fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in spring 2006. The MSW Program prepares students for advanced practice in social work. Following completion of a foundation year of study, students complete specialized concentrations in social change or clinical practice. All social work students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. No academic credit toward field experience or course work is given based on previous work or life experience.

To accommodate students, MSW courses are offered during the day and evening hours. Field placements, however, generally require availability during regular daytime hours. Students are required to successfully complete 1,200 hours of supervised field practicum in agencies approved by the Department of Social Work. Students may complete the MSW Program under a two-year or three-year plan, but all courses are sequenced and must be taken in the order designated. Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure timely completion of all degree requirements.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the admissions standards and application requirements specified in the Admission  chapter of the catalog and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall semester only. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, applicants must have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in the liberal arts to include at least 3 credits in each of the following: English composition, history or government, social sciences, and statistics. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, please refer to Graduate Application Database.

Transfer of Credits

Students who began MSW programs at another CSWE-accredited MSW program may transfer a maximum of 29 graduate credits into the MSW in Social Work program, with the exception of SOCW 670, and for the concentration year courses: SOCW 630, 640, 645, 674, 684, 685, 687, 692, 693, 695, 695, or 697. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the program director and the dean.

Students who enroll initially at Mason through Nondegree Studies may transfer a maximum of 9 credits into the MSW program. Nondegree students should seek advising through the department and plan to submit their application to the MSW program in their first semester of study.

Program Requirements

To remain in good standing, students must earn a B- or better in each required course and maintain a 3.00 GPA. A prerequisite must be satisfied with a B- or better before registering for the next course in a sequence. A course in which the student earns a C may be repeated once. No more than 8 total credits of C may be repeated overall.

Social Work faculty members evaluate each student’s performance periodically and may require the student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance, as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.

Insurance Coverage

Students engaged in internships are covered for liability under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Self-Insured Liability Insurance Plan and covered for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan, as established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. Only practicum activities that have been determined by the field instructor to be part of the course are covered. Students are encouraged to obtain professional liability coverage through the National Association of Social Workers, although this additional coverage is optional.

Immunizations

All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 672, 673, 692, 693, 694, 695) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. Any cost related to these requirements is the responsibility of the student. Students can register for classes prior to the completion of the immunizations but documentation of completion must be submitted to the social work office no later than October 1 for fall entrance. Immunizations are program requirements and must be completed by the student even if they are not required by the agency. Documentation must be submitted to the MSW Program administrative assistant.