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Overview

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work online program prepares you to make a positive impact on social and economic justice, human rights and quality of life for diverse populations. In this program, you will develop valuable skills to promote physical, psychological and social well-being for clients in various settings and regions of practice.

The online MSW curriculum combines didactic and practical learning through coursework delivered in an online format. It provides a competency-based education, preparing you to work as an advanced social work practitioner capable of leading developmental efforts in both public and private social service arenas. This program is designed for a variety of students to include: traditional students, working professionals and adult learners.

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Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

FDU’s Master of Social Work online program includes in-person practicum experience. You will have the opportunity to apply the theory, skills, and approaches learned in the coursework to real-world situations. Placement opportunities include those in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools, criminal justice settings, grassroots organizations, mental health services, and more. You will work closely with a dedicated practicum coordinator to identify placements for your practicum hours.

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FDU MSW Virtual Information Sessions

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In Accordance With CSWE, Our Online MSW Program Prepares You To:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  • Engage in policy practice.
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Program Outcomes

Open the PDF to view program outcomes for FDU’s Master of Social Work online program.

Program’s Mission Statement

The mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work (FDU’s MSW) program is focused on producing competent professionals to serve diverse clients and systems while promoting social and economic justice and enhancing human rights for oppressed and vulnerable populations in various geographical locations. FDU’s MSW program strives to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for all individuals and communities through the application of evidence-based practices and scientific inquiry. The education and training provided will reflect the purpose and values of the social work profession.

Courses and Requirements

The Master of Social Work online program provides a comprehensive learning experience that combines social work theory with practical application. The online MSW degree features two program options, advanced standing and traditional. These tracks allow you to choose the course of study that best aligns with your previous educational experience. If you have previously earned a BSW, you may qualify for Advanced Standing and complete 30 hours of concentration courses and 500 hours of practicum experience. The traditional program is ideal for students who have not previously studied social work, and includes 900 hours of practicum experience and a total of 60 credit hours.

Traditional Program

900 hours of practicum

Advanced Standing Track

500 hours of practicum

Degree Completion Requirements

Consistent with CSWE’s requirements for degree completion students should complete their MSW degree within four years of study. Students and their assigned adviser may request an extension due to extenuating circumstances, which must be approved by the program director.

Student Testimonial

Megan Warshauer: I wasn’t sure what going back to school would look like for me, after being out of academia for almost 10 years. I was always a dedicated student and made studying and schoolwork my top priority, but I was a mom now. Could I manage to excel in a master’s program and find a way to make time for homework, housework, and a bedtime story?

I found Fairleigh Dickinson University while searching for a program that would allow for me to take asynchronous classes in an online format. This way, I didn’t have to worry about finding child care or missing class on a sick day, but I could still place a major importance on my education. After the first week of classes, I knew I made the perfect decision.

This program has really reignited my excitement for learning. The curriculum is balanced so purposefully with coursework that is focused on promoting social justice and bringing about social change, with and on behalf of clients. And the faculty: I’m continuously impressed by their passion for teaching, their devotion to the field of social work, and the dedication they show to their students.

I’m Megan Warshauer and I welcome you to come take a look around Fairleigh Dickinson University. I love it here, and I think you might, too.

MSW Faculty

Admissions Requirements

Traditional Track

To be eligible for admission into the traditional program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree inclusive of coursework from the liberal arts; and
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.75.

Advanced Standing Track

To be eligible for admission into the advanced standing program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

State Licensure Requirements

The Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For all fifty states, this accredited status satisfies the educational requirements for licensure, but state licensure requirements can change at any time. The requirements and names of social work licenses can vary from state to state. States also determine social workers’ scope of practice as well as the titles they can use. While most states have processes for reciprocity and for transferring licenses from another state, some states will require you to go through the application process as a new applicant.

These links provide detailed information about licensing guidelines and requirements in each state.

State Licensure Requirements

For more information about licensure and social work practice, you can visit the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) website.

Practicum Overview

The experiential component of Social Work education is an essential facet to advancing students into practitioners. At the graduate level, this practice experience is critical in the preparation of competent professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of clients and constituencies. Experiential education allows students to apply theory, research, and practice approaches learned in the classroom to real-world situations, while functioning within agencies, providing Social Work services to clients and constituencies. This opportunity allows students to observe and participate in professional Social Work practices with various populations, organizational settings, problems/needs, and approaches.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MSW (FDU MSW) program relies upon agencies and associated Social Work entities to deliver high-quality experiential education to its students. Maintaining strong relationships between the university and our agency partners is critically important and continued communication a necessity. Each student will work with: a practicum instructor, an identified agency supervisor; a faculty liaison, an FDU faculty member and point person to keep the agency and university connected; and the FDU MSW experiential education staff who coordinate agency site placement logistics. Providing the student with such supports allows them to thrive and balance their education and practicum experiences. It also ensures students’ education and professional development remains the focus of all experiences.

Review Frequently Asked Questions about the Practicum requirement.

Practicum Instructor Requirements

  1. Hold an MSW degree with 2+ years’ experience and capable of engaging the student(s) in supervision on a regular basis
  2. Maintain or able to complete any state/regional supervisory certification(s) as necessary, as well as available to complete any programmatic FDU MSW practicum instructor training(s)
  3. Demonstrate sound judgement, leadership, and practice skills that are aligned with the professional ethics and values of social work
  4. Able to collaborate with student(s) on the development of learning tasks, complete evaluations, and take part in site visits (once a semester/in-person or virtual)

If you have any questions or would like to become a practicum instructor, please contact Dr. Andrea Cole (a.cole@fdu.edu) for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Online MSW Program

Are all classes offered online?

Yes. Our program is completely asynchronous. All courses are offered online to allow students the flexibility to complete coursework at a time that is most convenient for them.

Are there paid internships available?

Field placements are not paid. Select agencies may offer a stipend depending on fiscal availability.

Can I complete my placement at my place of employment?

Students may use their place of employment to complete field hours. However, any student interested in completing fieldwork at their place of employment must submit an employment-based placement request form and meet with the field director to explore if the agency meets the established criteria.

How many field hours am I required to complete for program?

A total of 900 hours across both the foundation (first year) and concentration (second year) fieldwork must be completed for those not admitted into the advanced standing program track. For those admitted into advanced standing, they are only required to complete concentration field work. During the foundation year, students must complete a total of 400 hours and 500 during concentration.

I work full-time, are there placements available on evenings and weekends?

Securing a placement that is available exclusively on evenings and weekends is not a guarantee. Although we work with a variety of agencies and programs, the majority operate during normal business hours (Monday-Friday/9am-5pm). It will be important for students to be flexible and open when securing a field placement agency.

Is the FDU MSW Program accredited?

Yes, FDU’s MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

I’ve been a volunteer in the past, can some of those hours count towards my MSW fieldwork?

No, the Council on Social Work Education does not prohibit crediting students field hours for previous volunteer work and/or life experience.

What makes FDU’s MSW Program unique?

Our program’s curriculum and focus are based on an advanced generalist educational model. As an advanced generalist program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to approach any problem experienced by all client systems. Therefore, students do not have to pick a specialized track since they will be exposed to a diverse range of practice knowledge and skills needed to respond to the evolving challenges that surround contemporary problems.

FDU’s MSW program also offers students more flexibility since all courses are offered exclusively online.

When does field placement begin?

There are certain requirements that must be fulfilled in order for students to be admitted into the field coursework. Prerequisite courses must be completed for both the foundation and concentration field courses prior to being eligible for field placement. Students must also maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for fieldwork admittance and submit all required paperwork by specified due dates. Students must also attend all fieldwork trainings and orientations and meet with the field director (as needed).

Prerequisite Courses

To be accepted for the foundation field courses MSW 6600 & MSW 6620, students must complete the following foundation courses:

MSW 6100: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
MSW 6200: Practice I
MSW 6300: Research I
MSW 6400: Social Policy I

To be accepted for the concentration field courses MSW 7600 & MSW 7620, students must complete all foundation level courses and the following concentration courses:

MSW 7000: Advanced Micro Practice
MSW 7100: Advanced Mezzo Practice
MSW 7200: Advanced Macro Practice
MSW 7400: Social Policy II

Will I have input on where I’m placed?

Yes. Students will be asked to complete a self-assessment form where they will indicate their area(s) of interest. Students will then have the opportunity to meet with the MSW Field Director to explore possible field options further and develop a placement plan.

To Apply

Those applying for admission into the online MSW program will be required to submit the following items:

  • FDU Graduate Admissions Application
  • Official transcripts
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
  • Personal statement
    • When formulating your personal statement, please use the prompts listed below as paragraph headings:
      1. Your reasons for selecting the FDU Masters of Social Work program and your thoughts on how the program’s mission statement addresses your short and long-term career goals.
      2. Successes and/or challenges you’ve experienced in your pursuit of higher education and motivating factors that led you to where you are today.
      3. Your plan for managing the demands of graduate study with the required field practicum and personal obligations.

How to Get Started on Your MSW Degree

Ready to take the next step towards your degree? Apply now or click here to request more information. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

 

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