Academic Programs - MSW
Bradford Campus
The MSW Program at the University's Bradford campus is a part-time program offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford).
The MSW Program’s goal is to prepare graduates who have the specialized knowledge and skills needed to engage in empirically supported and culturally competent advanced social work practice—direct practice with individuals, families and groups that reflects the social work profession’s values, traditions, and philosophy. The program at Pitt-Bradford shares this goal with the program at the Pittsburgh campus, and maintains the same high standards and academic requirements. The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the MSW Program at Pitt-Bradford.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
A bachelor's degree (minimum overall QPA of 3.0) from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants must be able to show that they have acquired a liberal arts base during their undergraduate (or undergraduate and graduate) studies and must have one undergraduate course in human biology and one undergraduate course in descriptive statistics.
How do I apply for admission?
You can get information about the application process by contacting the program’s coordinator, Stephanie Eckstrom at 814-362-7527; e-mail sae102@pitt.edu.
Can I be admitted to the MSW Program at Pitt-Bradford at any time?
Admission to the program is set up on a cohort basis. Instead of admitting students every term, we admit students as a group. Cohorts are admitted approximately every 24 months. The School of Social Work anticipates beginning the next cohort in the fall of 2008.
Are applicants required to have an undergraduate degree in social work?
No. Students who do not have a BSW or a BASW will acquire equivalent preparation through completion of foundation course work and field practicum. Individuals who have a degree from an accredited undergraduate social work program are eligible for advanced standing. The number of advanced standing credits to be granted will be determined as part of the admission process.
Which degree concentrations can I pursue at Pitt-Bradford?
The MSW Program at Pitt-Bradford offers a concentration in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families. Individuals interested in other Direct Practice specializations or certificates or in the Community Organization and Social Administration (COSA) concentration should apply to the Pittsburgh program.
What are "Foundation Courses”?
The five foundation courses are: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Generalist Foundations of Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, Social Welfare, and Foundations of Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations.
How many credits are required for the MSW?
The MSW degree requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credits. The program consists of 42 credits of course work and 18 credits of field placement.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Once admitted, students can complete the degree in 10 terms (provided that all admission prerequisites are met). Students who hold BSW or BASW degrees may be able to complete the degree in eight terms (depending on the number of advanced standing credits granted).
Who teaches the courses?
MSW courses are taught by University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work full-time and part-time faculty members, some of whom are members of the local social work community.
Is there someone at Pitt-Bradford who oversees the MSW Program?
There is an MSW program coordinator based at the Pitt-Bradford campus. The coordinator provides academic advising, field liaison coverage, and community outreach. The coordinator is available to assist students with problem solving, registration, and career planning. The coordinator reports directly to the MSW program director.
What are the field placement requirements and what options are available?
The MSW Program requires two distinct placements for students who enter without a BSW or BASW degree. Students who have advanced standing complete one field placement. The coordinator works with students to arrange placements based on their educational goals. Field placements are being developed in the surrounding areas.
How long has the program been offered?
The MSW Program at Pitt-Bradford admitted its first class of MSW students in the fall semester, 2002. About 33 students are enrolled in the program.
Are all courses taught on the Pitt-Bradford campus?
Student will attend classes in Bradford. At this point, the majority of courses are taught by an instructor in person on the Pitt-Bradford campus. Some courses may be taught from the Pittsburgh or Johnstown campuses via interactive television.
Will I be eligible to take the licensure exam?
The MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Therefore, students completing the MSW degree are eligible to take the examination to become a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania and other states.
If you have additional questions or would like more information on the Social Work program at Pitt-Bradford, contact:
Stephanie Eckstrom, MSW Program Coordinator
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
235D Swarts Hall
300 Campus Drive
Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701
(814) 362-7527
FAX (814) 362-7541
E-mail: sae102@pitt.edu