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Compare Our M.S.W. Formats

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Advanced Standing Full-Time On-CampusFull-Time On-CampusPart-Time On-CampusAdvanced Standing OnlineFull-Time OnlinePart-Time Online
Credits426060426060
Format Length1 year2 years3-4 years1 year16-24 months3-4 years
Credits per Semester12-15156-912-15156-9
Class typeIn-personIn-personIn-personAsynchronous1Asynchronous1Asynchronous1
Start TermSummerFallFallFall, Summer2Fall, Spring2Fall, Spring, Summer
Number of Field Placements122122
Field Hours per Week314-2114-2114-2114-2214-2214-22
Clinical or SWAPPP4 Specialization1BothBothBothBoth2Both2Clinical

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

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.

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 formatCombined M.S.W. and Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention (L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs).