Program structure

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Springfield College is structured to provide students with a thorough grounding in social work theory, practice, and ethics, along with hands-on experience in the field. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced generalist practice and includes a mix of core courses, elective options, and fieldwork.

1. Core Curriculum:

   • Foundation Courses: These introductory courses cover essential areas such as human behavior, social policy, research methods, and social work ethics. Key foundation courses may include:
     • Human Behavior in the Social Environment
     • Social Welfare Policy
     • Ethics in Social Work
     • Introduction to Social Work Practice
   • Advanced Practice Courses: Focused on specialized skills and knowledge for advanced practice, these courses may include topics such as clinical practice, advanced social work research, and community organization.

2. Field Practicum:

   • Fieldwork Requirement: Students complete supervised field placements in social service agencies or community organizations, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world settings.
   • Total Hours: Fieldwork typically requires a set number of hours across the program, with both foundational and advanced placements.
   • Support and Supervision: Field placements are supervised by experienced professionals, allowing students to gain insights into the practical aspects of social work and receive mentorship.

3. Electives and Special Topics:

   • Students can choose elective courses in specialized areas, allowing them to tailor their studies to their career interests. Electives may include topics such as:
     • Trauma and Resilience
     • Mental Health and Addiction Services
     • Community and Family Interventions
     • Diversity and Cultural Competence in Social Work

4. Capstone or Integrative Seminar:

   • Toward the end of the program, students participate in a capstone seminar or integrative project, where they synthesize their learning and reflect on their development as social workers. This often includes case studies, group discussions, and a comprehensive project or paper.

5. Flexible Study Options:

   • Full-Time and Part-Time Options: Students can choose from full-time or part-time enrollment, allowing them to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
   • Online and Hybrid Formats: Some courses are available online or in a hybrid format, especially for students in the fully online or part-time programs, adding further flexibility.

This structure provides a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in social work fields such as clinical practice, community organization, policy advocacy, and more.

For more details, visit the Springfield College MSW program page.

Fees and Funding

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Springfield College offers various study options, each with its own tuition structure. Here's an overview of the costs and available financial aid:

Tuition and Fees:

• Full-Time MSW Program:

  • Tuition: $1,212 per credit.
  • Fees: $406 per semester.
  • Technology Fee: $592 per semester.
  • Estimated Annual Tuition: Approximately $22,814, assuming enrollment in 18 credits per year.

    Springfield College cost and fees

• Part-Time MSW Program:

  • Tuition: $818 per credit.
  • Fees: Vary based on credit load.
  • Estimated Annual Tuition: Depends on the number of credits taken per semester.

Scholarship Guidance

Springfield College offers several scholarships to support students enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible and recognize academic excellence.

THRIVE Scholars Program Grant:

• Eligibility: Graduate social work students entering their final year who are ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse, or from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, or working parents/guardians.

• Benefits: Direct financial assistance of $10,550, targeted electives, field practicum settings, alumni mentorship, workshops, and licensure preparation.

School of Social Work Annual Student Scholarship Fund:

• Purpose: Provides immediate financial aid support for social work students.

• Administration: Managed by the School of Social Work Scholarship Committee, which reviews student applications.

Goodkind Scholarship Award:

• Established: In 1997 by Mr. Richard Goodkind, a 1995 Springfield College MSW alumnus.

• Award: Two scholarships of $1,000 each.

Application Process for Scholarships:

1. Review Eligibility Criteria: Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying.

2. Prepare Application Materials: This may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial need or academic achievement.

3. Submit Applications: Follow the specific instructions and deadlines provided for each scholarship.

Contact Information:

For personalized assistance, contact the School of Social Work:

• Phone: (413) 748-3057

• Email: socialwork@springfield.edu

By exploring these scholarship opportunities, students can effectively plan for their education in the MSW program at Springfield College.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Springfield College, prospective students must meet the following admission requirements:

Educational Background:

• Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, reflecting a broad liberal arts foundation.
• Complete at least 20 semester hours in social, behavioral, and biological sciences, including human biology. Relevant disciplines include anthropology, economics, education, history, political science, psychology, sociology, botany, biology, physiology, and zoology.

  Springfield Catalog

Academic Performance:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5.
• Achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study.
• Applicants not meeting the GPA criteria may be considered for probationary admission based on other evidence demonstrating the ability to succeed in graduate social work studies.

Professional Experience:

• Demonstrate the personal capacity to work effectively with people to achieve professional standing.
• Possess social work experience as an employee, volunteer, or through an undergraduate field practicum.

Application Materials:

• Professional Statement: A detailed statement outlining professional goals, reasons for pursuing the MSW degree at Springfield College, and relevant education, work experience, and personal characteristics.
• References: Three professional or academic references addressing the applicant's ability, potential, and readiness for graduate education and professional social work practice.
• Resume: A current resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.

  Springfield Catalog

Additional Considerations:

• Advanced Standing Program: Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program, completed within five years of enrollment, may be eligible for the Advanced Standing Program. This option allows for completion of the MSW in a shorter timeframe.

Springfield College employs a holistic review process, considering academic achievements, professional experience, personal characteristics, and the potential to contribute to the social work profession.

For detailed information and to apply, please visit the Springfield College MSW program page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Springfield College, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Admission Requirements

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a liberal arts foundation (including coursework in social, behavioral, and biological sciences).
• GPA Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and at least a 3.0 GPA in the last two years of undergraduate study.
• Professional Experience: Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with people and relevant social work or volunteer experience.

2. Complete the Application Form

• Apply through Springfield College’s application portal or other designated application platforms if specified.

3. Submit Required Documents

• Professional Statement: A statement describing your goals, reasons for pursuing the MSW degree, and relevant education or work experience.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three recommendations from academic or professional references who can attest to your readiness for graduate study in social work.
• Resume: A current resume highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

4. Additional Options

• Advanced Standing Program: Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, completed within five years of enrollment, may qualify for the Advanced Standing Program to complete the MSW in a shorter time frame.

5. Apply for Financial Aid

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Springfield College’s FAFSA code is 002211.

6. Track Your Application Status

• Use the Springfield College admissions portal to monitor your application status and ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Application Deadlines

• Application deadlines may vary depending on the intake, so it is recommended to check with Springfield College’s admissions office for specific deadlines, particularly for the Advanced Standing option and scholarship opportunities.

Contact Information

• Admissions Office Email: socialwork@springfield.edu
• Phone: (413) 748-3057

For more information and to apply, visit the Springfield College MSW program page.