America is in the midst of a mental health care crisis. According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, more than half of all Americans lived in a Mental Health Care Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) at the end of 2023. The agency projects “substantial shortages of addiction counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists” through at least 2036.
These factors drive demand for community and social service workers. Social workers—who provide crucial mental health services, elder care, substance use treatment and preventative care—should see employment growth of 7 percent through 2032.
You can enroll in an online program to prepare to meet the growing need for qualified social workers. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) online format pairs accessible online instruction with collaborative in-person placements and learning components. This article explores VCU’s M.S.W. online format and the significance of in-person learning components for graduate-level social work students.
Overview of the VCU M.S.W. Program Online Format
VCU’s M.S.W. program delivers a rigorous curriculum that equips students to positively impact their communities through industry-relevant coursework, expert faculty, small class sizes and enriching field experiences. The accredited program offers two concentrations—clinical and macro social work practice—so students can align their studies with their career goals.
Students can tailor their education with customizable course sequences and paths, choosing from full-time, part-time, regular or advanced standing tracks and selecting from three annual start times. Online content delivery accommodates those who require geographic flexibility to advance their social work careers, offering mostly asynchronous classes and nearby field placements.
Gain Practical Experience To Elevate Your Social Work Career
Enjoy Small Class Sizes and an Accessible Schedule
Why In-Person M.S.W. Learning Components Matter
In-person learning components (e.g., field placements) provide students with real-world experience and guidance from experienced practitioners. These placements create opportunities for practical skill development, allowing students to apply their social work knowledge, values and skills in relevant settings where they translate curriculum into professional competence and integrate theory with practice. Field placements also facilitate networking with professionals, which can lead to career opportunities.
What To Expect from the VCU M.S.W. Program
The Office of Field Education (OFE) in VCU’s School of Social Work ensures that online students receive a rigorous education by arranging on-site field placements tailored to students’ career goals and local opportunities. Class assignments and discussions draw from and pertain to field experiences. Integrating class and field education constitutes a key component of VCU’s M.S.W. online format.
Field education consists of generalist and specialist field placements. In the generalist placement, students commit 14–16 hours per week, typically spread over two days. The commitment in specialist placement rises to 21–22 hours per week across three days; most field placements occur during regular business hours. The field instructor at the appointed agency assigns students tasks that provide learning opportunities and meets with them weekly to discuss their work, professional development, and applying social work concepts in the field.
Field placement parameters vary depending on student standing. Students in 60-hour regular standing tracks complete two field placements at separate agencies totaling 900 hours (which exceeds the Council of Social Work Education requirement): 600 at the specialist placement and 300 at the generalist placement. Students in the 42-hour advanced standing track complete one placement totaling 750 hours (600 specialist and 150 generalist).
Students complete a field application to express their interests and career goals, including transportation needs, accommodations, geographical preferences and background checks. Students employed in a social work setting may request a field placement at their workplace or another preferred location.
The OFE uses this information to match students with suitable placements that support and guide aspiring social workers, typically within a 30-mile radius of their location. Despite partnering with over 550 agencies, the OFE cannot guarantee specific placements. The office does its best to accommodate students’ preferences. After receiving an agency assignment, students must contact the agency to schedule a field placement interview and gain formal acceptance.
How To Balance In-Person and Online Learning as a Social Work Student
Balancing personal and professional responsibilities with an online M.S.W. program requires self-discipline and effective time management. These tips offer guidance for successfully managing work, school and field placements:
- Time management: Effective time management is critical in balancing in-person and online learning. Use a calendar to organize and prioritize academic, online and in-person commitments. Allocate dedicated time for studying and completing assignments, logging on to online classes and fulfilling in-person field placement commitments. Productivity apps and time-tracking tools can help students stay on schedule with deadlines and appointments.
- Dedicated study area: Establish a dedicated study space where you can stay focused and productive. Inform household members to minimize interruptions during study time.
- Resources and support: VCU offers extensive student support and accessible program formats to help students balance their commitments. A Student Success Advisor guides students from orientation through graduation; a Student Support Coach offers personalized assistance. Students can connect virtually with faculty members and a writing advisor, and the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity can provide accommodations or disability-related resources.
Gain Accessible, Hands-On Social Work Training at VCU
VCU’s M.S.W. online format combines accessible, mostly asynchronous coursework with essential in-person field placements that deliver valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities. The in-person components complement the online coursework, helping you develop practical skills and the hands-on experience to create meaningful change in your community. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the degree program, the admission requirements, and how to apply.