Master of Social Work Program

“Transformative learning for Social Work Practice”

salemstate.edu/msw • 978.542.6200

“Transformative learning for Social Work Practice”

ABOUT THE SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Salem State University

was the first public social work program in the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts. With a faculty committed to maintaining a curriculum

that is relevant to professional social work today, the mission of

educating social workers for practice as clinical practitioners, leaders

and change agents in our ever-changing world is our primary goal.

Our MSW curriculum emphasizes preparation for direct social work

practice including, for every student, the essential mix of clinical

and selected macro skills for leadership and management.

The School of Social Work relocated to 287 Lafayette Street in Salem.

Our new building has state-of-the-art classrooms, student study areas,

attractive common spaces, and a location that is convenient to the

university’s newly renovated Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning

Commons and the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and

Recreation Center.

We hope you will chose Salem State University for your social work

graduate education.

MISSION STATEMENT

SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF SOCIAL

WORK PREPARES PROFESSIONALS TO EXCEL AS

PRACTITIONERS, EDUCATORS AND LEADERS

WHO ARE CATALYSTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

IN OUR DIVERSE AND GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

CONCENTRATION AREAS HEALTH/MENTAL HEALTH combines theoretical knowledge about

clients and service systems with health and mental health practice.

Typical career opportunities include working in: hospitals, psychiatric

facilities, day treatment programs, and community and mental health

agencies.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES emphasizes strategic interventions with

children and their families, as well as the study of social policies and

systems that impact their functioning. Typical career opportunities

include working in: public and non-profit social service organizations,

school based systems and outpatient and community-based agencies.

OLDER ADULT/END OF LIFE CARE provides the knowledge and

skills to work with elders in a wide range of service settings where

intergenerational dynamics and end-of-life care are central.

The study of end-of-life care addresses death and dying throughout

the life cycle. Typical career opportunities include working in:

adult day care, senior centers, home care, hospice, and hospitals.

I had not been in school for 14 years. As a single parent of two children,

working full time I was overwhelmed with the thought of putting

something else on my plate. In the extended time program, I became

a part of a community of social workers who all became great friends.

I was able to show my young children the value of education and how

hard work pays off. I would recommend Salem State for anyone interested

in a solid, well-rounded MSW education. —Elaine Hartman, MSW ’G15

CHOOSING A CURRICULUM PLAN: FULL-TIME OR EXTENDED PROGRAM OPTIONS

Students can select either a full-time or part-time plan to best meet

their needs based on competing work-life commitments. Enrollment in

the extended program options work well for students who are juggling

responsibilities such as work and/or family. Students who continue

employment while in the program should make certain their employers

allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours during field education

internship. For example, the three-year study plan cannot be completed

while the student is working full-time during the summer months.

MSW Advanced Standing Program

Applicants must hold a bachelor of social work degree from a Council of Social Work Education accredited program. Starts in Field Education

Time to Degree Credits

Average Courses per semester

Full Time May One year-long internship of 16-20 hours, from May to May.

1 year 44 4 - 5

Extended Time May Starts in year two, one year-long internship of 16-20 hours, from May to May.

2 years 44 2

MSW Program

Full Time September Two separate internships of 16 to 20 hours per week from September through early May.

2 years 62 4 - 5

3 Year Extended Time September Summer Block placements start in year two. The Summer Block internships run from mid-May through August and are 32 hours in year two and 40 hours per week in year three.

3 years 62 2 - 3

4 Year Extended Time September Starts in the fall of year two, a 16 hours per week from September through early May. No field placement in year three. Starting in the fall of year four, a 20 hour per week from September through early May.

4 years 62 2

Saturday January Two separate internships starting in the fall of year two. Each placement is 16 to 20 hours per week from September through early May.

3 years 62 2 - 3

Specific course titles and detailed plans of study can be found at salemstate.edu/msw.

FIELD EDUCATION

Our field department works closely with each student to find the best

fit for the field education experience. Salem State’s MSW program

has developed strong relationships with agencies and programs

throughout Greater Boston, the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and

potential sites throughout Massachusetts. Under the supervision of

experienced practioners committed to best practices, students apply

what they learn in the classroom and in field. Field education sites

complement the current three concentrations: child/family; health/

mental health; and older adult/end of life. Some service settings

include:

Health and Mental/Behavioral Health

Boston and Community-Based Hospitals

Mainstream and Therapeutic Schools

Child and Family Services

Community/MACRO/Policy

Older Adult Services

Hospice

I was certain that I wanted a placement where I could help families

and individuals deal with the many challenges of dementia. I had taken

care of my aging parents and knew first-hand the challenges. However,

the field placement office encouraged me to try something that was

not as familiar to me. I was skeptical, but I am so glad I did. I loved both

my placements and am currently working, as a result of my internship

experience at a council on aging. —Beth Wright, MSW ’G15

FACULTY

The MSW faculty engage students in a dynamic learning environment

that prepares them for practice challenges today. The faculty are

scholar practitioners with expertise in one or more of the following

dimensions of social work practice: geriatric social work; social work

in medical settings; child and family welfare; children’s behavioral and

mental health; adult mental health; HIV/AIDS; disabilities; immigration;

trauma; substance abuse; domestic violence; social policy analysis;

and administration. Social work faculty with international expertise

and commitment have led student travel experiences to countries

such as Israel, Rwanda and El Salvador.

MSW faculty regularly contribute to the social work discipline

through active publication and presentations at regional, national

and international forums. Our core value of “leadership for the

public good” is exemplified in our faculty service to local, national

and international organizations and communities in the roles of

researchers, practitioners, leaders, consultants, and board members.

For additional faculty information, visit salemstate.edu/msw.

2015-16

I was a full time student in Salem State’s MSW program and it was a

decision that has paid me back many times over. I entered the program

due to its curriculum which was both expansive and engaging. Not

only did I have caring and compassionate professionals acting as my

professors, but also professionals who have years of experience in the

field which gives them a wealth of practical knowledge to share and

bolster any classroom discussion. —Jake Schatzel, MSW ‘14

APPLY: salemstate.edu/graduate/application

FINANCIAL AID: salemstate.edu/finaid

CONTACT: Brenda Vitale, MSW Admissions Coordinator

EMAIL: bvitale@salemstate.edu PHONE: 978.542.2826

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Advanced Standing (BSW required): November 16, 2015 for summer 2016 enrollment

MSW Saturday Program Deadline: October 26, 2015 for a spring 2016 enrollment

MSW Program: January 19, 2016 for priority deadline for fall 2016 enrollment. February 16, 2016 for fall 2016 enrollment.

We strongly encourage you to finish your application as early as possible. Please be advised that applications will not be reviewed until all required materials are received. Once applications are complete, we provide admissions decisions within six weeks.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MSW AND ADVANCED STANDING* For complete information on admissions policies, see salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions.

• Online graduate admissions application—available at

salemstate.edu/graduate/application

• Non-refundable $50 application fee payable online

• Official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited

college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

o If you completed more than 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree at another

institution, please submit that transcript as well

o If you earned your degree at an institution outside of the United States, then your

transcript(s) must be evaluated by one of four transcript evaluation companies

(more information at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

o Official GRE or MAT test scores if your cumulative GPA is below 3.0

• Professional statement

• Three letters of reference

• Updated resume

• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not your first language. If you have earned

an academic degree at an institution within the United States or at an institution

where the language of instruction was English, then your application can be

reviewed without TOEFL/IELTS scores

* ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCED STANDING (BSW REQUIRED)

All of the materials listed above, plus:

• BSW Field Evaluation (copy of your final field evaluation from your senior year field

placement). If you are not able to obtain a copy, please use the BSW Field Evaluation Form

(found at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

• Interview with the admissions committee—you will be contacted once your application

is complete

• Work experience in social work or human services is preferred