Salisbury University Online Master of Social Work
Program Options: Full and Part-time
Tuition: $12,654
Acceptance Rate: 66 percent
GRE Required: No
1-year/Accelerated Option: Yes
Campus Visits Required: No
Field Hours: 28 weeks
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Application Deadline: April 20
See our ranking of the Top 10 Affordable Master of Social Work Online (MSW) Degrees.
Overview
Salisbury State began in 1922 when the Maryland Legislature established a committee to investigate whether a two-year teacher’s college would succeed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In 1925, Salisbury was selected as the location for the Maryland State Normal School whose mission was to educate elementary teachers as there was a shortage in the state. The original curriculum was based on those used by Columbia Teacher’s College. The school expanded to a three-year course of study in 1931 and to four years in 1934. The name of the school changed to Maryland State Teacher’s College to reflect the expanded course offerings. In 1963, the school was renamed Salisbury State College and gained university status in 1988.
The School of Social Work at Salisbury University began in 1974 and has grown significantly. The Master of Social Work program is designed to create social workers with advanced direct practice experience working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Students gain an understanding of diversity, difference and the impact of experiences on the formation of identity. Students learn important critical thinking skills and are able to use self-reflection to gain an advanced understanding of the social work field.
The Master of Social Work program is offered at six of the Salisbury University campuses as well as online.
Strengths
The Master of Social Work program at Salisbury University is grounded in ethics and values in order to create culturally responsible social work professionals. Students may also enter the Advanced Direct Practice program which focuses on theory, systems, strengths, and perspectives. This prepares students for social functioning and interactions among groups, families, and individuals. The field practicum required as part of the degree not only provides students with hands-on learning but also allows them to develop a network that can aid them throughout their career.
Students, even those attending online, have the opportunity to join student organizations such as the Social Work Student Association and the Phi Alpha Honor Society. These organizations provide students with leadership opportunities through fundraising and service activities. Phi Alpha Honor Society membership is open to outstanding students who are committed to service activities that benefit the community.
Concentrations
Salisbury University does not offer concentrations in their online Master of Social Work program.
Program Requirements
Students in the Master of Social Work program offered at Salisbury University gain an understanding of diversity, difference and the impact of life on identity formation. Students develop an interest in scientific inquiry, evidenced-based practice and the need to evaluate programs. There is a strong focus on human rights as well as social and economic justice. The first year of study is based on generalist study, followed by a liberal arts base that builds on what was learned in the generalist study. The second year of study is in specialized practice which focuses on the mastery of foundation skills.
Students must have a laptop or desktop which may be Windows or Mac based. They must have access to high-speed internet, must have a USB microphone with a connected headset as well as a webcam. Students must have a Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Silverlight. They must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash and the latest version of Java. Students may use a tablet but should have access to a laptop or desktop as some components of courses required may not display or function properly on tablets. It is also recommended that students complete a self-assessment in order to confirm that they will be successful in an online higher education format.
Admissions Requirements
In order to apply for the Master of Social Work Program at Salisbury University, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The program is open to residents of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia or Pennsylvania only. Students who have an undergraduate degree in social work are able to apply for the Advanced Standing program. Students must have at least 24 credit hours in liberal arts and at least one course in sociology, psychology and introductory statistics.
Students must complete an online application and pay an application fee. Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Letters of recommendation are required as well.
All students entering the online Master of Social Work must attend an orientation which is offered online. The orientation must be completed by mid-August and includes information on navigating the Online Learning Management System, APA Formatting and Citation as well as Organizing and Writing Academic Papers.
Faculty
The Master of Social Work program is led by faculty who are dedicated to teaching and student learning. All classes are student-centered, and students learn in a supportive atmosphere. Many faculty at Salisbury State hold terminal degrees in their field of interest.
Online Courses
Courses required to complete the online Master of Social Work program include:
- Advanced Practice with Families
- Advanced Practice with Groups
- Advanced Practice with Individuals
- Child Welfare
- Ethical Foundation of Social Work
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice
- Psychopathology
- Social Welfare Policy Practice: Analyst and Advocate
- Social Practice I, II & III
- Social Work I & II
- Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention
- Supervision and Administration
- Theoretical Analysis of Behavior I & II
Internships
Students must complete 28 weeks of field placement. Online students must work with the Department of Social Work in order to identify a location for their field practice. Students are placed in various organizations including schools, public social service agencies, medical settings, substance and mental health agencies as well as daycare centers, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. Once a student accepts a field education setting, they must actively participate in learning and to complete all tasks assigned in a professional manner.
Contact
Name and/or Title: Deborah Mathews, Department Chair
Phone: 410-543-6305
Program Website