MSW Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required for your MSW program?

No

 

How long is the program?

The full-time program is two years (4 semesters) and the part-time program is eight consecutive semesters. 

 

How long will I be in the classroom?

The full-time program meets two full days (8-5) each week and the part-time program meets three evenings each week.

 

Do you offer an online program?

Yes. We will have a Full Time (3 semesters) and Part Time (5 semesters) Advanced Standing MSW Online Program in authorized states starting Summer 2017.  Please click here for a list of authorized states. Practice classes will be synchronistic with student and professors on-line from 6:30-8:45 EST Tuesday evenings for the first semester and Tuesday and Thursdays for the remaining semesters.    

 

Do you have an Advanced Standing program? 

Yes. You must have received a BSW degree from an accredited program in the last five years to qualify. In addition, you
must have received a "B" or better in your undergraduate Social Work courses. Advanced Standing status allows you to waive
eight courses if you meet these qualifications.

 

Is there a fee to apply to your program? 

There is a $30 fee to apply to the USF Graduate School. There is not a departmental fee to apply to the School of Social
Work.

 

What campus is the program offered on? 

We currently offer the full-time program on the Tampa campus only.

 

 

When do I start my internship? 

The part-time students begin their internship in the third semester. The full-time students begin theirs in the second
semester. Your internship runs congruently with your classes.

 

How many hours do I spend in an internship? 

Our accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education, requires you to complete a total of 900 hours in a field
placement.

 

Can I choose my own placement? 

No. However, you will be interviewed by a field placement coordinator about your areas of interests and geographical
choices. We have affiliation agreements with over 300 agencies/organizations in seven counties. We encourage our students to
visit the websites of our partners to help guide our search for the best placement. The field placement coordinator at the
School of Social Work will arrange for you to interview in an agency of your expressed interest whenever possible

 

What can I do with an MSW degree?

The MSW degree teaches students the skills to do clinical work with individuals, groups, couples, families, organizations, and
communities. Our graduates work with people in need in many settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, government
agencies, social service agencies, residential facilities, corrections, and many more.

 

How is an MSW different from a degree in Psychology or Counseling? 

The field of social work views and intervenes with people across many systems including biological, psychological, spiritual,
familial, neighborhood, and community. The social work perspective of human behavior is broader than other fields and far
more comprehensive. The MSW degree is considered one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S.

 

Do I need social work experience to be eligible for the MSW Program? 

It is preferred, but not required that all applicants to the Master's Degree program in Social Work have completed one year of post undergraduate work in a social service agency (in a service capacity) or its equivalent as determined by the MSW Graduate Admissions Committee. Experiences that might be considered as equivalent to one year's work include supervised field practicum hours, extensive volunteer experience, or other professional work experiences.