Academic Programs - MSW
Johnstown Campus
The MSW Program at the University's Johnstown campus (UPJ) is a part-time program offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work through the Office of Outreach and Professional Services (via the John P. and Joyce Murtha Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development) at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
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 UPJ 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 UPJ.
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, Laura Perry-Thompson at 814-269-7070; e-mail mswupj@pitt.edu.
Can I be admitted to the MSW Program at UPJ 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 UPJ?
The MSW Program at UPJ offers a concentration in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a specialization in Mental Health. 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 education.
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 UPJ who oversees the MSW Program?
There is an MSW program coordinator based at the UPJ 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 and works closely with the staff of the Murtha Center in the Office of Outreach and Professional Service.
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. A current list of field placements from all of the surrounding areas is available.
How long has the program been offered?
The MSW Program at UPJ began in January 1998. To date, 90 students have earned their MSW degrees, and approximately 60 students are currently enrolled in the program.
Are all courses taught on the UPJ campus?
Student will attend classes in Johnstown. At this point, the majority of courses are taught by an instructor in person on the UPJ campus. Some courses may be taught from the Pittsburgh or Bradford 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.
What is the role of The Outreach Office (Murtha Center) in the MSW program at UPJ?
The Outreach Office (Murtha Center) serves as the primary point of contact at the Johnstown campus. Outreach Office staff work with the MSW coordinator to coordinate marketing, recruitment, and other important elements of the program. They also assist students in the application and registration processes, and are available to answer questions relating to the program.
If you have additional questions or would like more information on the Social Work program at UPJ, contact:
Laura Perry-Thompson, MSW Program Coordinator
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
The Outreach Office
114 Blackington Hall
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
814-269-7070