MSW Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is social work?
   Social workers serve people of all ages, identities, cultures, and backgrounds in such areas as child welfare, criminal justice, education, health and mental health, legislative advocacy, migrant services, military social work, and many other areas. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the region and in the U.S.  
2. Why Southern?
   The Southern Department of Social Work is among the first social work programs in Connecticut. Guided by a tradition of access and excellence, we provide programs that span the social work career:  BSW, MSW, DSW. Our social work graduates hold leadership positions in public and private agencies throughout the state. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
3. How long will it take to earn an MSW degree?
   The MSW program (60 credits) may be completed in two or three years of full-time study, including 950 hours of supervised practicums. Employed students are strongly encouraged to choose the three-year program plan.
4. I did not major in social work as an undergraduate. May I apply to the MSW program?
   We welcome bachelor’s degrees in any undergraduate major. MSW admissions criteria include a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (2.5 or higher will be considered) and a commitment to values and goals of the social work profession.
5. Do I qualify for the accelerated advanced standing program?
   The MSW Advanced Standing program (33 credits) is for applicants who graduated from a BSW program within the past six years. If you are a BSW graduate, then please apply to the Advanced Standing program. The Advanced Standing program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (summer, fall, and spring semesters) or in two academic years of full-time study (two fall semesters and two spring semesters). Employed students are encouraged to select the two-year plan.
6. When are classes scheduled?
   Classes are scheduled evenings, weekends, one weekday per week, and weekends, and students typically come to campus no more than twice per week. Students may take up to 50% of credits per semester online.  
7. Do you have an online program?
   We currently do not have an online program. We are developing a pilot online program that will be available to a small number of students who are admitted in Fall 2024. 
8. How do I find my practicums?
   Southern has hundreds of practicum opportunities throughout Connecticut and the Practicum Education office will arrange your practicum with consideration for your geographical preferences and professional goals. 
9. What are the tuition and fees?
   Tuition and fees are posted here
10. How do I attain my social work license?
    Graduates of the MSW program qualify for the State of Connecticut Master of Social Work License (LMSW).  LMSW social workers then practice for 3,000 hours under the supervision of an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) to qualify for the LCSW licensure examination