Master of Social Work
Social workers recognize the critical role that they play in advocating for human rights, equity, systemic change, and the elimination of poverty. MSW graduates are committed to impacting change at all levels of society from individuals and families to organizations and global communities. Capital’s Master of Social Work degree is unique in offering an MSW in Advanced Social Work Practice. This distinction allows our graduates to practice in any field of social work. Through classroom instruction and exceptional field experiences, our students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with diverse populations and cultures in a variety of practice settings. The Capital MSW is either a one-year or two-year program, depending on your area of undergraduate study.
What can you do with a degree in this academic area?
- Micro- and Macro- areas of practice, such as ...
- Behavioral health
- Addiction services
- Program development
- Policy/advocacy practice
- Justice system
- Clinical medical social work
Job Growth Rate from 2022-2023
Of Students Complete Field Experience before Graduation
Student to Faculty Ratio
Two-Year MSW Program
The traditional two-year MSW program features a comprehensive curriculum with a hybrid learning format. The first year is dedicated to building a solid foundation in generalist social work practice, followed by a second year focused on advanced social work practice. Tailored for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-social work field, Capital’s program encourages applications from diverse academic backgrounds. Students in the traditional MSW program are required to complete 59 credit hours in addition to field hour requirements.
Advanced Standing (ASAP) Program
The Advanced Standing (ASAP) one-year MSW program is a dynamic three-semester initiative commencing in the summer and concluding the following spring. Specifically designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, this program offers an accelerated pathway for those wishing to pursue advanced practice social work careers. Students in the one-year MSW program are required to complete 36 credit hours in addition to field hour requirements.
Explore Program
The mission of Capital’s Social Work Department is to deliver an advanced social work education of exceptional quality. Capital’s social work program has earned a reputation for excellence with 50+ years of teaching, practice, and scholarship. The MSW program is designed to prepare students for multi-level practice, integrating critical perspectives from both theory and research. Students are mentored by faculty who teach and promote practices that build respect for diversity and equity for all populations.
Capital works with each student to secure a field placement that aligns with their interests and passions. Often, the field placement is near our student’s community of residence. Field placements are important for future professionals to gain hands-on experiences. Our faculty works closely with students to ensure they find the best fit. Past field placements have included Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio Health, Ohio Guidestone, addiction treatment services, community mental health centers, school districts, and youth advocate programs.
All students in the MSW program are required to complete 900 field hours for their field education experience. Those students in the 2 yr. MSW program will complete 224 hours in their MSW I year, and 680 hours in their MSW II year. Students in the ASAP program will complete 680 hours.
All students in the MSW program are required to complete 900 field hours for their field education experience. Those students in the 2 yr. MSW program will complete 224 hours in their MSW I year and 680 hours in their MSW II year. Those students in the ASAP program will complete 680 hours.
|
MSW I |
MSW II/ ASAP |
|
|
Semesters in Field Placement |
Spring |
Fall and Spring |
|
Total Hours in Agency |
224 |
680 |
|
Per semester |
224 |
340 |
|
Per week |
16 |
24 |
2-Year MSW
- MSW Program Faculty set general admissions criteria for the MSW 2-Year program in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education and Capital University’s Department of Graduate Admissions.
- Most applicants have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
ASAP
- MSW Program Faculty set general admissions criteria for the MSW ASAP program in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education and Capital University’s Department of Graduate Admissions.
- Applicants must have earned a BSW or International Social Work Degree from a CSWE accredited institution.
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) AND earned a grade of “B” or better in all undergraduate social work and research methods courses.
- Advanced Standing eligible students who do not meet the minimum requirements for the ASAP Program will be eligible for admission into the 2-Year MSW Program
- Field Education evaluation
Required Materials
- Official Transcript from every institution where you received credit
- 2 professional references
- 2 written statements to be completed within application
- Personal Statement that addresses your desire to pursue higher education in SWK.
- Application essay prompt
The application review process for all 2025 MSW programs begins on December 1, 2024.
As a student, you will be encouraged to join the Student Social Work Association to participate with faculty, administration and local community representatives in policy formation, program and curriculum development and assessment. The student organization is focused on helping Social Work students apply what they're learning in classes and advocate for issues both on and off campus.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) have approved Capital's MSW application, needed prior to pursuing CSWE accreditation. The MSW Program is currently in the process of attaining pre-candidacy status by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditors (BOA) which has not yet been reviewed by the BOA or verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
Sample Classes
- Theories & Models for Advanced Practice with Individuals and Families
- Theories & Models for Advanced Practice with Groups
- Theories & Models for Advanced Practice with Communities and Organizations
- Advanced Field Placement
- Evidence Based Practice
- Substance Use/Behavioral Health Care
- Social Justice & Advocacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who have graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW/BSSW) from a CSWE accredited program are eligible to complete the ASAP MSW 1-year program. All other students regardless of undergraduate degree, are eligible for the 2-year MSW program. Refer to the Admission Requirements above for more details.
No, this is not a requirement nor will scores be reviewed as part of the application.
“Advanced [generalist] social work embraces the idea that micro and macro social work are two necessary halves of the same whole by preparing students to perform advanced responsibilities in both types of social work. Advanced [generalist} social workers have similar job titles to their those of their peers in micro and macro social work, with the main difference being the degree to which they work in both micro and macro social work, relative to social workers who work primarily in one discipline or the other. As a result, graduates of advanced [generalist] social work MSW programs may work as counselors who also engage in advocacy and program development. Examples of this could include a school social worker who also spearheads student programs that benefit multiple schools or school districts. Alternatively, they may be social justice advocates, social work researchers, or program administrators who work part-time in direct practice social work or who interact closely with the populations they seek to help to research the best ways to serve them”
(http://www.masterofsocialwork.com/faqs/what-is-an-advanced-generalist-msw-program).
An Advanced Social Work Practice degree enables you to practice social work in any area of the field that requires an MSW. For example, Advanced Social Work Practioners work in behavioral health, addiction services, administration, program development, clinical practice, policy/advocacy practice, legal system, and community agencies.
You do not need a social work background for the 2-year MSW program. We welcome students with a bachelor's degree from all academic backgrounds to apply. Please see information about the ASAP vs. 2-year MSW program description for more details.
|
MSW I |
MSW II/ ASAP |
|
|
Semesters in Field Placement |
Spring |
Fall and Spring |
|
Total Hours in Agency |
224 |
680 |
|
Per semester |
224 |
340 |
|
Per week |
16 |
24 |
We expect students to be on campus no more than 2-3 days a week with classes being offered in the evenings. The Field Placement requirement is flexible and determined by your schedule, agency needs, and hour requirement.
Yes, many students work while completing their graduate degree but it is a good idea to speak with your employer about degree requirements.
No. At this time we are not offering this degree option.
The ASAP MSW program takes 3 semesters or one calendar year beginning in May and ending the following May.
The 2-year MSW program takes 2 full academic years.
Yes. Employment based field placements are an option. Please see the Field Education Manual for specifics.
Of note, Employment Based Field Placements are only eligible at agencies that employ Advanced Social Work Practitioners.
Lectures will be delivered in a bi-weekly in-person hybrid format with courses rotating between online course requirements and face-to-face meetings. This allows for a student to take several course at a time while still only coming to campus no more than 2-3 days a week.
Of note, this does not include the Field Placement hours requirement.
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