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 completed one undergraduate course in descriptive statistics.
How do I apply for admissions?
The application process is completed online.
When can I be admitted to the MSW program at UPB?
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.
Are applicants required to have an undergraduate degree in social work?
No. Students lacking a BSW or a BASW will acquire equivalent preparation through completion of generalist course work 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 UPB?
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford offers a specialization in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a focus in Children, Youth, and Families. Prospective students interested in other Direct Practice areas of special focus such as mental health 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 Foundations of Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations.
How many credits are required for the MSW?
The MSW degree requires 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.
Does someone at Pitt-Bradford oversee the MSW program?
The Pitt-Bradford MSW program has a full-time regional program director who works at the campus. This person provides academic advising, field liaison coverage, and community outreach, and reports directly to the MSW program director. The regional program director is available to assist all prospective and current students with their professional development goals.
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 with advanced standing complete one field placement. The regional program director works individually with each student to arrange placements based on their professional goals and geographic location. Numerous field placement sites are available in the Twin Tiers region.
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.