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 | Asynchronous* | Asynchronous* | Asynchronous* |
| Start Term | Summer | Fall | Fall | Fall | Fall, Spring** | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Number of Field Placements | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Field Hours per Week*** | 14-21 | 14-21 | 14-21 | 14-22 | 14-22 | 14-22 |
| Clinical or SWAPPP**** Specialization | Both | Both | Both | Clinical | Both***** | Clinical |
* Asynchronous classes are all online and completed on your own time. Each course has three live synchronous classes per course a semester.
** 24-month option only available for Fall program starts.
*** All field placements are in-person internships at an agency in the student’s community.
**** Social work administration, planning and policy practice.
***** The SWAPPP concentration will be available online only in the regular standing, full-time, two-year format for fall semesters, starting in 2023. Core SWAPPP courses will be available starting Fall 2024.
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
The M.S.W. with certificate option is offered in combination with the Department of Gerontology and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
- Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Aging Studies (Department of Gerontology)
- Combined M.S.W. and Certificate in Nonprofit Management (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).