The Master of Social Work Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What can I do with an MSW degree after I graduate?

A. There many different settings a social worker may work in after completing the MSW degree. Some of the options are private and public agencies, hospitals, schools, private practice and courts to name a few. Social workers are committed to the process of planned change and may work with individuals or groups; help communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participate in relevant legislative processes that affect the quality of life for all citizens. While doing field experiences you can explore different opportunities in the field of social work.

Q. What do I need to do to practice in the social work profession?

A. Each has different licensing requirements. You will need to check with the state you plan to practice in for their specific requirements. Most states require a license; the license can be obtained by taking a standard licensing test after completion of your MSW. Keep in mind your MSW must be from an accredited institution. Bridgewater State College's MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Organizations to contact:

• Massachusetts State Board for Social Work 100 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02202 (617) 727-3073 Web Pages
• Council on Social Work Education 1600 Duke Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 Telephone: (703) 683-8080, www.cswe.org.
• The American Association for State Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B Culpepper, VA 22701 (540) 829-6880

Q. What are the employment prospects for social workers?

A. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2008. Because of the demand for social workers in so many different areas, it would be difficult to assign a range for social work salaries or positions available. From our 2005 Alumni Survey, 100% of our graduates reported full-time work in the field. The average amount of time to secure a full-time position was 1 month.

Q. How do I find employment upon graduation?

A. While doing your field experience there are many opportunities to network with other social workers and agencies. Networking is a valuable tool in finding agencies that share your philosophy and serve populations with whom you would like to work. Another great resource can be the internet. We also post job opportunities at the MSW Program. The National Association of Social Workers is the largest professional membership organization for social workers. NASW has membership chapters in each state and most state chapters have Job Banks.

Q. As a working person, would the course work and field placements be too much for me to handle?

A. Many of our students must balance work and family responsibilities, as well as further their education. For this reason we have a part-time program and all courses are evenings and weekends to help with busy schedules. For field placements, we consider student input in the field agency placement assignment process.

Q. I'm thinking of enrolling in the full-time program. How will it fit into my already busy life?

A. In the full-time program, classes are mostly held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for six weeks with two full days on Saturdays leaving the remaining days open for field work and your studies.

Q. I'm thinking of enrolling in the part-time program. How will it fit into my already busy life?

A. In the part-time program, classes are mostly held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for six weeks with two full days on Saturdays leaving the remaining days open for field work and your studies. Part-time students start their field work in their second year.

Q. I'm thinking of enrolling in the advanced standing program. How will it fit into my already busy life?

A. To be admitted into the advanced standing program you must have graduated from a CSWE accredited BSW program within the past five years. In the advanced standing program, classes are mostly held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for six weeks, with two full days on Saturdays (leaving the remaining days open for field work and your studies). Advanced standing students start their program in the summer.

Q. As a returning adult student, would I be at a disadvantage compared to students fresh from the undergraduate level?

A. Not at all!! Many of our students are returning to further their education after being away from the academic setting for years. The life experiences these students bring to their education is invaluable. Adult students are represented in all of our programs.

Q. How long does the program take to complete?

A. Students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work may choose to complete the MSW degree in either a full-time program which takes two years or a part-time program, which takes three years. Students who hold a BSW from an accredited BSW Program received within the last five years and who can demonstrate a mastery of course content and field experience are eligible to apply for advanced standing. A limited number of students are accepted into this program. The full-time advanced standing program is completed in one summer and one year of full-time study.

Q. Is there anything I can do to prepare before actually entering the program?

A. Before entering the program, consider volunteering your time or work in an entry level position in a social work agency. This is a great opportunity to explore your interests. Volunteering also shows a dedication to the field and to serving others, which is a great addition to your resume. It is also useful to build a credentials file. People who are in a position to evaluate your work, such as professors, employers, or supervisors where you volunteered, are the kinds of people you may ask to write letters of recommendation. It is also important to have had some introductory experience with word processing computer programs.

Q. I understand not all social work programs are accredited. Is Bridgewater State College Master of Social Work accredited?

A. Bridgewater State College's MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Q. How is my application evaluated? When should I expect to hear from you?

A. Each application is read by two faculty members and assigned a score. The score is based upon the overall record of accomplishment, references, and the personal statement. When the faculty members review applications the following are considered: (1) academic potential, (2) the effectiveness of the professional statement, (3) the applicant's congruence with social work professional values, (4) letters of recommendation, (5) work and volunteer experiences, (6) graduate courses and training courses, and (7) strength of the applicant's entire application materials.

Q. Who reviews applications and do they look for anything specific?

A. The faculty all share in the review process. The review does not emphasize just one part of your application. Faculty are usually looking for someone who is a good fit in the field of social work and who has the academic background to do well in graduate school.

Q. As a transfer student, do I still go by the regular deadline dates? How do I go about transferring classes from my current institution?

A. Yes, you abide by the application deadlines. Normally, all work for the MSW degree is at Bridgewater State College MSW Program. Transfer credit may be awarded on a course by course basis if the student earned a B or better in the course. No course credits are granted for life experience or previous work experience. The will not grant credit for graduate courses already used for another awarded degree. Decisions concerning the transfer of credit are made the summer immediately following your acceptance.

Q. Can I receive my financial aid and grants?

A. Financial aid availability for students varies from year to year. All students seeking financial aid assistance should apply for aid through the Bridgewater State College Office of Financial Aid. This office will also provide information about federal loans. Students may apply for a limited number of graduate assistance ships (which pays tuition and fees and a monthly stipend) available through Bridgewater State College. Application materials for these positions are available from the College Graduate Admissions Office each spring or as positions become available. The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program in another resource. Contact: NHSC LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182, (800) 221-9393.

Q. What happens after I am accepted?

A. Following your acceptance, you will receive details concerning most aspects of the College, the Master of Social Work, your program of study and the field practicum.

Back to Department of Social Work Page

Last Modified: June 13, 2008