SWAG��Ƶ

Vision

The SWAG��Ƶ (SWAG��Ƶ) School of Social Work envisions a world where social workers are at the forefront of advocating with individuals and communities for human dignity and social inclusion by mobilizing efforts to end inequities, exploitation, and violence.

School of Social Work Mission

The mission of the School of Social Work is to provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities.

Master of Social Work Mission

The SWAG��Ƶ’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program is dedicated to educating ethical social workers within a Person-in-Environment framework, emphasizing a global perspective and a deep respect for human diversity. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and a strong focus on clinical skills we envision a future where our alumni not only excel as adept clinicians but also serve as catalysts for meaningful, positive impact in their communities and beyond. We promote an anti-oppressive social work practice that includes an emphasis on social justice, human rights, economic, and environmental equity for all.

SWAG��Ƶ’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Graduates learn to:

• Understand how systems impact human development through a Person-in-Environment lens.
• Develop a strength’s-based perspective when working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. 
• Understand the multiple social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors influencing the design, development, and evaluation of social policies and service delivery.
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out a variety of social work interventions consistent with the program's mission and the profession's ethics.
• Develop practice and intervention strategies that support individuals, families, groups, or communities.

The M.S.W. program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in an array of settings and with diverse populations. It offers its students the opportunity to practice generalist and advanced social work skills through mixed learning methods with a focus on person-in-environment, anti-oppressive, and antiracist frameworks.

Program Goals

Prepare competent master-level professional social workers who:

• Promote social inclusion and self determination.
• Create person-centered collaborative and sustainable relationships across diverse communities and practice settings.
• Develop and apply ethical reflection, critical consciousness, and shared decision-making based on social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

These goals are integrated into the social work curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal school governance we bring our mission statement to life.

The Master of Social Work program at the SWAG��Ƶ is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

M.S.W. traditional students are required to complete sixty (60) credit hours of graduate course study. Additionally, students are required to complete two (2) separate practicum placements (internships) that consists of four (4) semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings. Generalist placements will be at least four hundred (400) hours and specialization will be at least five hundred (500) hours.

M.S.W. Advanced Standing students complete thirty (30) credit hours and one (1) practicum placement consisting of two (2) semesters. Students coming from programs outside of SWAG��Ƶ are required to take SSWO 526 as a requirement of the M.S.W. program. Students coming directly from SWAG��Ƶ’s B.S.W. program are exempt from taking SSWO 526 and must take an additional elective in its place.

Focus Areas

The program offers focus areas in Trauma-Informed Practice, School Social Work, Medical Social Work, LGTBQIA+ Social Work, Substance Use, and Advanced Clinical Practice. Focus areas are integrated into the M.S.W. degree curriculum and completed within the required credit course structure (see individual focus area pages for more detail).

Generalist Curriculum

Generalist social work courses emphasize an integrated social work perspective involving the social context and its impact on social policy, programs, and the social work profession. Courses include: Anti-Oppression Social Work Practice; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Work Research; Community Engaged Research; Social Work Practice with Substance Use Disorders; Social Work Policy and Advocacy; Social Work Practice I and II; and Integrating Seminar and Practicum I and II. In addition, students spend four-hundred (400) hours in a practicum setting, in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.

Specialization Curriculum

Specialization social work courses prepare students for a wide range of advanced practice roles. Students learn clinical skills necessary for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities within their advanced courses, Advanced Social Work Practice I and II; Leadership and Supervision; The DSM: A Social Work Perspective; Seminar and Practicum III and IV, and advanced electives.

Students also have the opportunity to develop skills for self-reflection, self-awareness, and reflexivity, and to broaden and deepen their understanding of social work’s inherent values such as honoring the dignity and worth of each person, clients’ right to self-determination, social justice, equity and inclusion, honor and respect for diversity, and cultural humility in social work practice.

Traditional Requirements

*Advanced Standing curriculum is the Specialization year required curriculum with the addition of SSWO 526 Integrating Clinical/Community Practice Frameworks (for non-SWAG��Ƶ BSW students), and three (3) electives.

Advanced Standing Requirements

**This course is only taken by non-SWAG��Ƶ B.S.W. students. SWAG��Ƶ B.S.W. students take an additional elective in its place.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

Graduates of the SWAG��Ƶ SSW will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
2. Advance human rights and social, racial , economic, and environmental justice.
3. Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Engage in policy practice.
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Principles

Social work education requires simultaneous acquisition of theory and social work practice skills and is a competency-based education that rests upon a shared and accepted view of the nature of competence in professional practice. Social work competence is the ability to integrate and apply social work knowledge, values, and skills to practice situations in a purposeful, intentional, and professional manner to promote human and community well-being. (Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 2015).

The essential technical standards presented are required for subsequent promotion from year-to-year, and ultimately graduating from the SWAG��Ƶ (SWAG��Ƶ) with either a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) or a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree. These standards pertain to all students enrolled in either the online or on-campus M.S.W. program at SWAG��Ƶ.

SWAG��Ƶ’s social work faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage personal and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication. At the same time, it is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful Social Work education, both in and out of the classroom, rests with the student.

All students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances present a problem which impairs the student’s ability to meet the standards set forth, even after reasonable accommodations have been considered and, if appropriate, made by the program, all students must still meet the requirements set forth by the program.

All applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards, and all enrolled students, regardless of disability, will be held to the same academic standards, understanding that all properly submitted requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Students are expected to maintain these academic and technical standards in all online, on-campus, and SWAG��Ƶ sponsored off-campus activities, including clinical and fieldwork experiences and relevant community service.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office. 

COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Add/Drop Period

A student may add or drop a course during the time frames published on the SWAG��Ƶ Academic Calendar. Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not appear on a student’s official transcript.

Course Withdrawal Period

A student may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period has ended through the designated withdrawal deadline, which is approximately at the 60% point of the course's length. The withdrawal period for each semester and session is published on the SWAG��Ƶ Academic Calendar.

Grade for the Course Withdrawal

A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of W, which will appear on a student’s official transcript. The grade of W is awarded only if a student has submitted a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline. A W grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.

Consultation Before a Course Withdrawal

Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students must consult their Program/Academic Director and are encouraged to discuss the situation with the instructor. 

International students must obtain the approval of the Office of Global Education, as withdrawals may affect visa status.

Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits. 

Course Withdrawal Process

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must submit a Course Withdrawal Form, signed by their Program/Academic Director and Office of Global Education (if applicable), to the Registrar’s Office before the Course Withdrawal deadline.

Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Late Withdrawal

Requests to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal period will only be considered in extreme circumstances. To request a late withdrawal, a student must consult with their Program/Academic Director and submit a completed Academic Petition stating the extenuating circumstances and a letter of support from an advisor, faculty member, or Program/Academic Director to the College’s Dean’s Office offering the course for consideration. 

If approved, a W grade will appear on the transcript, not impacting the GPA calculations.

Late withdrawal petitions must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the class.

Note: All deadlines, procedures, and policies related to course withdrawal are subject to the guidelines specified on the SWAG��Ƶ Academic Calendar.

Academic Program Standards

All students must complete all Social Work program requirements and receive a passing grade in all courses and practicums to be eligible for graduation. The graduating M.S.W. student must have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or better. In order to progress in the program, B.S.W. students must have a C or better in PSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology, SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology, and SSW 200 – Introduction to Social Work. B.S.W. students must also receive a C or better in PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology, PSY 250 – Lifespan Development, PUB 300 – Global Health, and all social work courses. B.S.W. students are given two (2) chances to earn a C or better in their required coursework.

Technical Standards

Throughout the program, students are expected to maintain the technical standards set forth and demonstrate them online and in face-to-face interactions; this includes in their classroom comportment, written and oral products, and interactions with peers and faculty; in service-learning settings, and in their practicum and other professional experiences. Student behaviors that fail to demonstrate these standards while in the program will be reviewed and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal, etc.) will be taken. Because this expectation is separate from academic achievement, simply maintaining a GPA is not sufficient.

Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2021) outlines explicit standards for professional conduct. All students are required to acquire their own copy of the Code of Ethics, and are subsequently responsible for reading, understanding, and following all Ethical Principals and Ethical Standards as outlined.

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.

Respect for Diversity and Social Justice

SWAG��Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Exhibit a willingness to relate and work non-judgmentally across differences with others.
• Demonstrate a stance of cultural humility.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and sensitivity to diversity, oppression, and privilege, including a willingness to examine personal beliefs, values, and assumptions that perpetuate oppression.
• Understanding that members of the social work profession must serve all persons in need of assistance, regardless of the person’s age, class, race, gender, religious affiliation, physical or cognitive ability level, sexual orientation, background, or value system.
• Demonstrate an interest in different cultural perspectives and circumstances and acknowledge diversity.
• Demonstrate the ability to solicit and identify quality sources of feedback, reflect on, and integrate the feedback, learn from mistakes and failures. And provide meaningful feedback to others (e.g. appropriately discuss and support diversity, be responsive to feedback and constructive criticism regarding professional behavior and attitude, and understand the seriousness of academic and disciplinary warnings).

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.
• Use of discriminatory language or stereotypes.
• Inability to recognize the impact of their own personal values and behaviors on their relationship with others.
• Discriminatory behavior or harassment towards others on the basis of race, gender, age sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.

Communication

Communication includes speech, language, reading, writing, computer literacy, body language, and other non-verbal cues.

SWAG��Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Ensure that all their communication is timely, respectful*, with speech free from bias, discriminatory language or stereotyping and responsive to the requests of faculty, field instructors, peers, clients, collaterals, potential and current practicum sites, and associated personnel, and to the School, College, and University as a whole.
• To read all communications posted by the School of Social Work (SSW) and are responsible for staying abreast of current and ongoing information pertinent to their roles as graduate and professional students.
• Advocate for themself in an ethical, direct, respectful, and responsible manner using SSW and agency-specific channels for conflict management.
• Demonstrate respect for the privacy of their clients; refrain from gathering information about clients from online sources without the client’s consent (i.e. googling client history, accessing client social media); photographing clients; or publishing client information on social media.
• Follow relevant laws, practicum education agency policy, SWAG��Ƶ Code of Conduct, and the NASW Code of Ethics (1.07) pertaining to social media and in use of technology in all aspects of service delivery.
• Maintain awareness of how personal communications using social media could affect professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and agencies.
• That their written assignments demonstrate: good spelling, appropriate use of punctuation, clear structure, paragraphing, good organization, follows logical sequence. Consistent use of APA style.

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.
• Use of discriminatory language or stereotypes.
• Written work is frequently vague, shows difficulty in expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
• Student has many errors in the areas of spelling, punctuation, structure, etc. and does not make effort to show improvement.
• Appears to have plagiarized the work of others.
• Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Demonstrating disrespectful behavior to self or others.
• Communication is not reciprocated in a timely manner.
• Public use of social media which depicts self or others in ways that may be viewed as unprofessional or disrespectful.

*Respectful communication is partially explained in the NASW’s “Code of Ethics”: Social Workers treat each person, in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity.

• 2.01 Respect a) Social Workers should treat colleagues with respect and should represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and obligations of colleagues. b) Social Workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in verbal, written, and electronic communications with clients or with other professionals. Unwarranted negative criticism may include demeaning comments that refer to colleagues’ level of competence, or to individuals'’ attributes such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability. c) Social workers should cooperate with social work colleagues and with colleagues of other professions when such cooperation serves the well-being of clients.

Intellectual

SWAG��Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Effectively solve problems students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, comprehend, integrate, and synthesize information from the clinical, natural, and social sciences in a timely fashion.
• Have the ability to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information.
• Specialization year students must have the ability to use critical analysis to understand theory, research, literature, and principles that apply to social work practice and to apply inductive and deductive clinical reasoning to solve complex patient or client problems as necessary.
• M.S.W. students must be able to provide a reasoned explanation for likely intervention.
• Students must be able to recall and retain information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Students must have the ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and literature in formulating treatment plans is essential.

Indicators of Concern

• Limited or no access to computer and/or the internet.
• Inability to reasonably explain interventions used for treatment.
• Limited ability to incorporate feedback and information from peers, teachers and literature from the field.
• Inability to problem solve without intervention from a faculty or supervisor.

Openness and Willingness to Learn

SWAG��Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Demonstrate an openness to learning new ideas and perspectives.
• As required by the demands of professional practice, be flexible and adaptable in new situations and as circumstances change.
• Assume the stance of learning with humility (e.g. avoid relying solely on current or past professional or personal experiences to inform your decision-making in the field and in the classroom).
• Demonstrate a willingness to effectively communicate your learning needs.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset by accepting and learning from feedback.

Indicators of Concern

• Monopolizes class discussion(s).
• Constantly complains about class workload to the point that it impedes the class process.
• Uses classroom tools, such as the discussion board, to make personal complaints or to lobby for personal issues.
• Creates conflict which impedes learning and/or building effective relationships.
• Uncooperative or unwilling to participate in class or practicum activities.
• Consistently late on assignments.
• Consistently late to practicum site.
• Does not sign into Brightspace as frequently as expected or is late or leaves class early.
• Disruptive to the learning environment.
• Uses derogatory language or makes demeaning remarks.
• Unable or unwilling to accept feedback.
• Responds in a defensive manner.
• Consistently argumentative.
• Academic misconduct.
• Takes little initiative in exploring areas of learning growth.

Professional and Behavioral Conduct

Each SSW student enrolled at SWAG��Ƶ is expected to:

• Behave in a responsible, reliable, and dependable manner (e.g. manage time well; be on time for class; be on time for assignments, meetings, and appointments; plan ahead and follow through with commitments; cooperate with person(s) in charge of programs; and take responsibility for absences or missed assignment(s).
• Provide advance (when possible) notice to faculty and/or person(s) in charge of programs when not able to follow through with commitments including assignments, class attendance and participation, and other responsibilities required by the program.
• Demonstrate personal integrity, honesty, and self-discipline (e.g. be consistent and truthful, to show appropriate personal control; take on tasks that they can manage; be honest in reports and self-evaluations).
• Project a professional image, both online and in-person, in manner, dress, grooming, speech, and interpersonal relationships.
• Recognize their personal limitations and biases, whether they are intellectual, physical or emotional, and to strive to overcome them.
• Demonstrate the professional and emotional maturity to manage tensions and conflicts which occur among professional, personal, and family responsibilities, seeking professional help if necessary (e.g. acknowledge the conflict with all parties and work to resolve misunderstandings; get needed help from student support, tutors, counselors, learning assistance professionals and other qualified persons; show ability to prioritize appropriately one’s personal, professional, and academic expectations and activities).
• Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and to function under pressure (e.g. request help when needed and to avoid endangering others; respect the difference between a licensed social worker and a social worker in training; remain focused on the task at hand; remember that as an SSW student, they are representing SWAG��Ƶ SSW and the social work profession to the greater community at large.)
• Demonstrate compassion and respect towards others (e.g. work cooperatively with differences and diversity in personalities and in cultural backgrounds as well as with differences in social and in economic status, and respect the privacy and individual choice of others).
• Demonstrate consistent respect for administrators, faculty, staff, students of the University, as well as all personnel associated with current or potential practicum sites, clients, patients, families, and collaterals.
• Familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of practicum sites and to act in accordance with those policies and procedures. Students should refer to the relevant policies of the specific institution and/or consult with practicum instructors or supervisors.
• Be informed of, and follow all Federal and State laws and agency policies regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting.
• Demonstrate the ability to solicit and identify quality sources of feedback, reflect on and integrate the feedback, learn from mistakes and failures.

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.
• Creates conflict which impedes learning and/or building effective relationships.
• Uses classroom tools, such as the discussion board, to make personal complaints or to lobby for personal issues.
• Uncooperative or unwilling to participate in class or practicum activities.
• Consistently late on assignments.
• Consistently late to practicum site.
• Does not sign into Brightspace as frequently as expected or is late or leaves class early.
• Disruptive to the learning environment.
• Uses derogatory language or makes demeaning remarks.
• Difficulty in listening (e.g. overly sensitive, externalizes blame, distorts communication).
• Unable or unwilling to accept feedback.
• Responds in a defensive manner.
• Consistently argumentative.
• Monopolizes class discussion(s).
• Constantly complains about class workload to the point that it impedes the class process.
• Unwilling or unable to develop an understanding of people different from oneself.
• Inability to separate their personal values from professional values and responsibilities.
• Inability to recognize the impact of their own personal values and behaviors on their relationship with others.
• Discriminatory behavior or harassment towards others on the basis of race, gender, age sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.
• Physical action directed at clients, faculty, staff, colleagues, or fellow students.
• Academic misconduct.
• Takes little initiative in exploring areas of learning growth.

Self-Understanding

SWAG��Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Use self-disclosure appropriately (e.g. student seems to have an insight and self-awareness, and has resolved the issue they are sharing).
• Appropriately handle discussion of uncomfortable topics.
• Deal professionally with issues that arouse emotions.
• Demonstrate an awareness of one’s own personal limits and biases.
• Understands the effect of one’s own behavior on others.
• Seeks supervision and feedback from others.
• Willing to examine, assess, and reconcile (if need be) the relationship between their own personal values and their alignment with the profession's ethics as outlined in NASW’s Code of Ethics.

Indicators of Concern

• When engaged in self-disclosure, the student appears to be working through unresolved issues and/or avoiding client issues.
• The student appears to overreact to or resent feedback (e.g. takes it personally).
• Appears unwilling or unable to control emotional reactions.
• Verbal or physical threats directed towards clients, faculty, staff, coworkers, or students.
• Demonstrates impaired judgment, decision-making, or problem-solving skills.
• Consistent failure to demonstrate the ability to form effective client/social worker relationship.

Reasonable Accommodations

• Are intended to provide students with disabilities equal access to the University’s programs and services while upholding the academic, clinical, and technical standards of the M.S.W. program.
• Are provided only to the extent that such accommodation does not fundamentally alter the academic and/or technical standards of the B.S.W. or M.S.W. program or interfere with the rights of other students.
• Do not exempt B.S.W. or M.S.W. students from completing certain tasks deemed essential.
• Are considered on a case-by-case basis and determined by the SWAG��Ƶ Student Access Center in consultation with SSW faculty through the University’s accommodations application process.

Continued Enrollment Requirements

• HIPPA: Students must be in compliance with SWAG��Ƶ HIPAA requirements to attend practicum.
• Background checks: Practicum sites may request background checks. Information obtained in background checks may inhibit students from completing generalist or advanced field practicums and thus may delay or hinder graduation. The university does not pay for these checks.
• Drug Screening: Practicum sites may request drug screens. Information obtained in drug screens may inhibit students from completing generalist or advanced field practicums and thus may delay or hinder graduation. The university does not pay for these tests.
• Transportation: All students must provide their own transportation to practicum sites and interviews. Students must be willing to travel a reasonable distance for their practicum.
• Technology: Students enrolled in the online M.S.W. program are .
• Last update 4.8.22

Petitions for transfer credits for graduate social work courses to be submitted at the time of acceptance to the School of Social Work:

• Up to nine (9) credits may be transferred for courses completed with a minimum grade of B and equivalent to SWAG��Ƶ SSW foundation courses
• P/F courses will not be accepted for transfer credit
• No course electives nor courses from programs outside of social work will be considered for transfer credit
• All courses to have been completed within seven (7) years of anticipated enrollment in the school

Applicants petitioning for transfer credits must include the following:

• A syllabus, with detailed readings and assignment descriptions, for each course being submitted for transfer credit
• Transcript indicating the final grade earned
• For students who were in matriculated social work programs elsewhere:
  • A professional statement that  includes reasons for requesting transfer to the SWAG��Ƶ School of Social Work
  • A letter of good standing from either their previous M.S.W. program’s Director/Chair or the associated Dean

Transfer students are required to adhere to the degree-requirement progression plan in effect at the time of your admission (Note: Individualized provisions may, at times, increase the total credit hours required for graduation from the School of Social Work).

SSW may require transfer students to enroll in SSW/SSWO 526 Integrating Clinical\Community Frameworks as part of their progression plan.

Consideration of transfer credit beyond nine (9) credits, seven (7)-year matriculation as well as courses outside of social work may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the time of admission.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

• Per CSWE, academic credit is not given for life experiences or previous work experience.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with Internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the page. Applicants must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the Internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application:
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement 
• Two (2) professional/academic references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution

The Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing Track requires the following additional materials for admission:

• Conferral of a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. program, preferably within the last seven (7) years.
• Completion of coursework equivalent to SWAG��Ƶ’s Foundation courses at the undergraduate level with a B or better is strongly preferred.

Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.​

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through SWAG��Ƶ’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to SWAG��Ƶ must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. SWAG��Ƶ accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of SWAG��Ƶ and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the website.

Policy Exceptions

The Master of Social Work program and the Master of Social Work Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.