Compare Our M.S.W. Formats
Request Information| Advanced Standing Full-Time On-Campus | Full-Time On-Campus | Part-Time On-Campus | Advanced Standing Online | Full-Time Online | Part-Time Online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credits | 42 | 60 | 60 | 42 | 60 | 60 |
| Format Length | 1 year | 2 years | 3-4 years | 1 year | 16-24 months | 3-4 years |
| Credits per Semester | 12-15 | 15 | 6-9 | 12-15 | 15 | 6-9 |
| Class type | In-person | In-person | In-person | Asynchronous1 | Asynchronous1 | Asynchronous1 |
| Start Term | Summer | Fall | Fall | Fall, Summer2 | Fall, Spring2 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Number of Field Placements | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Field Hours per Week3 | 14-21 | 14-21 | 14-21 | 14-22 | 14-22 | 14-22 |
| Clinical or SWAPPP4 Specialization1 | Both | Both | Both | Both2 | Both2 | Clinical |
1 Asynchronous classes are all online and completed on your own time. Each course has three live synchronous classes per course a semester.
2 The macro specialization is available online in the regular standing, full-time, two-year (fall start) and 16-month (spring start) formats and the advanced standing, full-time, one-year format (summer start). The clinical specialization is available in the fall (16-month and two-year options) and spring (16 months).
3 All field placements are in-person internships at an agency in the student’s community.
4 Social work administration, planning and policy practice, i.e., macro social work.1
Certificates and Certifications
Students in the online format can combine their M.S.W. degree program of study with other programs to earn special certificates or certifications.
Certificate Offerings for Online Students
Three M.S.W. with certificate options are available for online students.
- Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Child Welfare (VCU School of Social Work)
- Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Aging Studies (VCU Department of Gerontology)
- Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Nonprofit Management (VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs)
Certifications for Online Students
Students with a clinical area of specialization have the option to pursue coursework that meets the educational requirements for a School Social Work Certification, offered through the Virginia Department of Education. The School Social Work Certification is available only as a fall/spring field placement.
An additional certificate is available to students in the on-campus format: Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention (L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs).