Program Options: Full Time and Part Time
Tuition: $7,870
Acceptance Rate: 97.8 percent
GRE Required: Yes
1-Year/Accelerated Option: Yes
Campus Visits Required: Yes
Field Hours: 1,000
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Application Deadline: January 15 for Fall Admission
See our ranking of the Top 10 Affordable Social Work Online (MSW) Degrees.
Overview
Utah State University began in 1888 as the Agricultural College of Utah, established under the Morrill-Land Grant Colleges Act. The Morrill Act was designed to provide higher education in areas of agriculture and mechanical studies, especially in rural areas of the country. From the beginning, the school has had a diverse population. The first student to register in 1890 was Miss Vendla Bernston.
In 1907, legislators feared that the agriculture college would hinder the growth of the University of Utah and attempted to consolidate the schools. The attempt failed but legislators passed a bill limiting the Utah Agricultural College curriculum to agriculture, domestic science and mechanic arts, despite the college’s initial mandate that it offer programs in the arts, humanities, and education. All restrictions were removed except law and medicine in 1927. An extension service was added in 1914.
World War II significantly reduced enrollment at the school, dropping it from 3,641 in 1940-41 to 861 in 1944. The Field House was modified to serve as barracks for the Army Specialized Training Program. In 1957, the school was renamed Utah State University.
Today, there are 27,679 students enrolled at Utah State University. The school is ranked fifth among public universities according to Washington Monthly and second among America’s Best Value Colleges by Forbes. Utah State University was ranked the number one Best School of 2017 by schools.com.
Strengths
The Master of Social Work degree program at Utah State University is built on advanced generalist philosophy and framework. Graduates are prepared to practice as social workers in a wide range of environments. Students are provided knowledge and skills that promote social welfare with a focus on populations that are the most vulnerable. The program was designed in keeping with Utah State University’s land-grant heritage and a desire to assist rural communities with a strong need for social workers but who have limited access to individuals with those skills.
Concentrations
The Master of Social Work program at Utah State University does not offer any concentrations. The program is general in nature, providing students with a broad understanding of social work.
Program Requirements
Students must complete 60 credit hours as well as two practicum experiences of 500 hours each. There is a Plan C option that requires coursework and practicum experience but does not require a thesis. In order to enter the full-time one-year advanced program, students must hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Students who hold an undergraduate degree in another area of study must enter the two-year full-time program. Full-time students must attend at the Logan campus. Students in the part-time program may attend at regional campuses. Advanced standing students may complete their degree in as little as 18 months if they hold a BSW. The program is two years for students with undergraduate degrees in other areas of study.
Admissions Requirements
Students must complete an online application and pay the application fee. They must score above the 40th percentile on the GRE or MAT and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students must provide three contacts that can provide letters of recommendation as well as a personal statement and resume. Students must also provide forms completed by two academic sources as well as one current or recent supervisor. An MSW Supplemental Application form must also be completed. Work experience is desired but is not required. Students must apply by January 15 in order to enter the fall semester. Full-time intake is every two years and part-time intake is every three years.
Faculty
Faculty in the Social Work department at Utah State University is highly qualified. Faculty has experience in practiced clinical social work in a variety of settings. Faculty areas of expertise include:
- Adolescent Sex Offenders
- Adolescent Substance Abuse
- Aging
- Child and Adolescent Crisis Management
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Child Welfare
- Cultural Issues
- Domestic Violence
- Early Parent-Child Relationships
- End of Life Issues
- Efficacy of Drug Treatment Programs
- Family Violence
- Feminist Criminology
- Foster Care and Adoption
- Gay and Lesbian Parenting
- Gender and Gender Issues
- Improving the Welfare of Children
- Secondary Traumatic Stress
- Social Policy
- Social Work in Educational Setting
- Social Work Theory
- Strengthening Families
- Systems Change
- Trauma
- Vulnerable Families
Online Courses
Although courses are available online for the Master of Social Work program, the entire degree may not be completed online. Students are required to attend some classes on campus, although classes are offered on the Logan, Blanding, Brigham City, Kaysville, Moab, Price, Roosevelt, Tooele, Tremonton and Vernal campuses. Courses required for the program include:
- Advanced Child Welfare Practice in Rural Settings
- Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families
- Advanced Research Methods
- Clinical Practice with Women
- Forensic Social Work Practice
- Groups
- Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Individuals and Families
- Individuals and Families in their Environment
- Law and Ethics for Social Workers
- Policy and Administration
- Principles and Philosophy of Social Work
- Social Policy Analysis
- Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
- Social Work Practice with Substance Abusing Clients
- Social Work Research Methods
Internships
Students must complete two 500-hour practicums as part of the degree program. Utah State University assists students in finding the proper placement for their practicum. Students have completed internships at residential treatment facilities for substance-abusing adults and adolescents as well as child guidance clinics, crisis programs, mental health facilities, hospitals, foster care and adoption centers.
Contact
Susan Egbert, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor, MSW Part-Time Program Coordinator
Phone: 801-518-1115