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.(If an applicant does not have a course in statistics, this requirement must be completed before enrollment. Many applicants take this course at a community college if it was not a part of their previous studies)
How do I apply for admission?
You can get information about the application process by contacting the program’s regional director, Misha Zorich, maz49@pitt.edu
Can I be admitted to the MSW program at Pitt-Johnstown 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 (2022, 2024,2026 etc)
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 the completion of foundation coursework and field practicum. Individuals with degrees from accredited undergraduate social work programs 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 specializations can I pursue at the Johnstown campus?
The MSW program on our Johnstown campus offers a Specialization in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a certificate in Mental Health. Prospective students interested in other Direct Practice areas of special focus such as child welfare and gerontology, or in the Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA) specialization should apply to the Pittsburgh program.
What are "generalist courses”?
The five generalist courses are: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Generalist Foundations of Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, Social Welfare, and 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 coursework 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, all are members of the local social work community.
Does someone oversee the MSW program at the Johnstown Campus?
There is an MSW regional program director based on campus in Biddle Hall. The regional director provides academic advising, field liaison coverage, and community outreach. The regional director is available to assist students with problem-solving, registration, and career planning. The Pitt-Johnstown MSW program shares the same academic goals, standards, and requirements as the program at the Pittsburgh campus.
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--generalist and specialist placements. Students with a BASW/ BSW have advanced standing and only complete one field placement. The campus program director 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 our Pitt-Johnstown campus began in January 1998. To date, over 300 students have earned their MSW degrees.
Are all courses taught on the Pitt-Johnstown campus?
All courses are taught in the evenings (5:30 pm-8:20 pm) by an instructor in-person on the Pitt- Johnstown campus. Class size range from 12-15 students per course
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 licensed social workers in Pennsylvania and other states.
How can I learn more about the Johnstown campus?
Visit the Pitt-Johnstown website.