2016-2017 University Catalog
Social Work, MSW
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Banner Code: HH-MSW-SOCW
College: College of Health and Human Services
Department: Social Work
The Master of Social Work (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.
MSW courses are offered during the day and evening hours. Students must be available morning, afternoon, and evening two days a week to attend classes. Additionally, students are required to successfully complete 1,050 hours of supervised field practicum in agencies approved by the Department of Social Work: 450 hours during the foundation year and 600 hours during the concentration year. Field placements generally require availability during regular daytime hours. The Department of Social Work will make reasonable efforts to work with a student to secure an appropriate field placement, but it does not guarantee a placement. The MSW program may be completed in a two-, three-, or four-year plan of study. 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.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in the Admissions section 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 the CHHS Admissions website.
Transfer of Credit
Students who began MSW programs at another CSWE-accredited MSW program may transfer a maximum of 29 graduate credits into the MSW program, with the exception of SOCW 670 and the concentration year courses: SOCW 630 , 640 , 645 , 674 , 684 , 685 , 687 , 692 , 693 , 694 , 695 , and 697 . Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students must note on the MSW Departmental Form and MSW Application Checklist that they are applying as transfer students.
Non-Degree Restrictions
The MSW program has a once-a-year, fall admissions cycle and each year receives many more applications than spaces available in the class. Graduate MSW Social Work courses are restricted to students who have been admitted to the program and are not open to non-degree students.
Program Requirements
Students must earn a grade of B- or above in each course and must achieve a GPA of 3.0 over all courses applied to the degree. 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 6 total credits of C may be repeated overall.
Social Work faculty members evaluate each student’s performance periodically and may terminate the student 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.
A student with a criminal history may find it difficult to obtain a field placement or employment in a human service agency depending on the specific charge. It is possible that a student with a criminal background may not be able to be placed in a field practicum or complete their degree program. The Criminal Background Policy is available on the Social Work Department website at: http://chhs.gmu.edu/socialwork/.
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 fall classes prior to the completion of the immunizations, but documentation of completion must be submitted to the MSW administrative assistant in the Social Work Department office no later than October 1. Immunizations are program requirements and must be completed by the student even if they are not required by the agency.
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