Capella University MSW

Capella University pioneered online education in 1993. The founders aimed to provide high-quality programs to working adults and encourage engagement to maximize their personal and professional potential. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this private for-profit institution now offers 47 degree programs with over 1,600 courses, serving approximately 41,401 students from all 50 states and 51 other countries.

The university went through major changes in 2020. It organized into four distinct schools: the School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration; the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; the School of Public Service and Education; and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences houses the Master of Social Work program, which has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

Students at Capella learn from faculty who bring ground experience directly to the virtual classroom. These instructors work at Fortune 1,000 companies, run their own businesses, and actively publish scholarly works in their fields. The faculty members also receive specialized training in online instruction and Capella’s distinctive competency-based education approach. This ensures they can effectively share practical insights through digital platforms.

The university’s student body reflects its focus on working professionals:

• 95% of students attend part-time
• 86% of the student population is female
• The average age of students is 37
• 53% identify as ethnic minorities

Graduate programs make up most of Capella’s enrollment, with 45% of students pursuing master’s degrees and 18% enrolled in doctoral programs. The institution also allows students to earn some credits through prior learning assessment, which recognizes the value of professional experience.

Capella started establishing physical “campus centers” in 2019, beginning with Atlanta and Orlando, despite its online focus. These centers don’t offer instruction but give students spaces to work, consult with advisors, and connect with peers. This expansion shows Capella’s understanding that many online learners want different ways to connect with their universities.

Capella has managed to keep its learner-centered approach to education throughout its history. This philosophy started with founders Stephen Shank and Dr. Harold Abel, who believed higher education should be available to working adults. The university now serves more than 38,000 students but maintains this steadfast dedication to meeting learners’ needs in its educational model.

Programs offered

Capella University has several social work degree programs that cater to students at different educational levels. Their Master of Social Work (MSW) program is essential to their social work education. Students can choose between two formats based on their educational background.

Students need to complete at least 88 quarter credits in the standard Master of Social Work program. This program will give you the skills you need to work as administrators, practitioners, supervisors, and community leaders in specialized advanced generalist social work practice.

Capella’s MSW-Advanced Standing option works best if you already have a Bachelor of Social Work degree. This path builds on what you know and creates an efficient route to your master’s degree. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits both programs, which maintain high academic standards.

The MSW curriculum combines online coursework with face-to-face learning experiences to develop skills in:

• Ethics and values in social work practice
• Cultural responsiveness and competence
• Ecological perspectives in human services
• Technology integration in advanced practice
• Leadership in contemporary social work settings

The MSW program’s core courses cover Research in Social Work Practice, Social Welfare History, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Social Work Practice, Macro Social Work Practice, and Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. Experienced social work professionals teach evidence-based approaches throughout the program.

The MSW program’s hands-on component sets it apart. Students must complete at least 900 supervised hours of practical experience through practicum/internship in agency settings. This training, known as the signature pedagogy in social work education, helps you apply theoretical knowledge while you develop generalist practice skills under professional guidance.

Your practicums will give you direct experience working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. These experiences go together with one another through integrated practicum seminars that boost your professional growth. This hands-on learning helps you achieve program goals while you fine-tune your advanced generalist practice skills.

Capella’s social work academic offerings extend beyond the MSW options. They include a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for undergraduates and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) for those who want the highest level of education in the field. This complete range of programs helps you find the right match for your career goals and educational background, all while enjoying Capella’s flexible online format.

About the online program

Capella’s Master of Social Work program uses the GuidedPath delivery model. Students can show their competencies through weekly assignments. They interact with faculty and peers in the online classroom. The academic calendar follows traditional quarters. Each course runs for 10 weeks with a 3-week break between quarters.

Students complete 88 quarter credits in the program. They can take up to three courses each quarter based on their schedule and priorities. Faculty members give detailed feedback and grades on coursework. This helps students progress effectively.

The Practice Education Practicum is the core of the MSW experience. It offers practical training under site supervisors and Capella faculty instructors. Students spend 1,000 hours applying social work theories and showing their skills in real-life settings. Each practicum term needs at least 200 hours. Students typically work 20 hours per week with one hour of direct supervision.

Students and staff work together on practicum placement. The process starts with an online orientation in the first course. Students fill out the Fields of Interest section and suggest up to five local organizations for placement. The practice education office checks these options. They contact organizations to ensure they meet CSWE requirements.

Capella’s MSW program stands out with its strengths-based viewpoint. It focuses on assets rather than deficits when helping individuals, communities, and organizations. Scholar-practitioner faculty who work actively in social work guide students. They help students use evidence-based practices learned in coursework directly with clients.

Students get complete support services during their educational trip:

• A dedicated enrollment specialist who knows their field of study
• Personal academic coaching to stay on track
• The Writing Center to develop and polish academic writing
• 24/7 technical support and library help from trained librarians

The program shapes students into innovative, ethical, and culturally responsive advanced generalist social work practitioners. They develop skills based on scientific inquiry. These skills help them use strengths-based viewpoints to participate with business, community, and government leaders.

Capella knows online learning brings challenges. They provide resilient support at every stage of your educational trip—from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality measure for academic programs. Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE). This credential means much more than just paperwork. It shows the program meets strict standards for curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and educational practices.

The CSWE accreditation stands as “the gold standard in social work education”. Both the standard MSW and MSW-Advanced Standing programs meet the highest quality measures and practice standards in the field. The university worked through a detailed three-year process to prove full compliance with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

CSWE gave Capella’s MSW program another vote of confidence in 2022. They extended the original four-year accreditation from 2018 to a full eight years through 2030. This shows how the program managed to keep its excellence and high standards. As the national voice for social work education in the United States, CSWE has given its seal of approval to more than 800 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

This accreditation status will shape your career path significantly. You need to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to get licensed in any state. This license is crucial for most master’s-level social work positions. Without it, your chances of getting licensed would be limited. You also couldn’t bill health insurance and Medicare for services.

Capella University’s quality goes beyond CSWE accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited the university since 1997. Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the HLC. This adds another layer of trust in Capella’s educational quality.

The standard MSW program’s CSWE-accredited curriculum has 22 courses. Students must complete at least 900 supervised practice education hours. Students with a BSW can choose the Advanced Standing option. It has 12 courses and needs 500 supervised practice education hours. Both paths let you become an advanced generalist level social worker or a master’s level clinical social worker.

CSWE and HLC accreditation prove that Capella’s MSW programs meet detailed standards. These cover faculty qualifications, curriculum design, student services, and financial stability. Your degree will give a strong foundation that employers, professional associations, and academic institutions will respect throughout your career.

Admission Requirements

Getting into Capella University’s MSW program follows a clear-cut application process. Your educational background determines the specific admission criteria. The university sets requirements that prepare candidates for graduate-level social work education.

The standard MSW program needs these admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution
• Official bachelor’s transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Signed Acknowledgement Agreement
• Valid, government-issued photo identification
• Completed admission application with no application fee

Academic prerequisites become stricter for the MSW-Advanced Standing program:

• Conferred bachelor’s degree specifically from a CSWE-accredited program in good standing
• Official bachelor’s transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Signed Acknowledgement Agreement
• Valid, government-issued photo identification
• Completed admission application with no application fee

Students with lower GPAs can find alternatives. A quick call to Capella’s enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751 opens up different options.

International students need to meet extra requirements. They must submit:

• Minimum score on an acceptable test proving English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation from an approved service

In stark comparison to this, many graduate programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Capella’s MSW program doesn’t need these tests[162]. This approach helps many prospective students start their education journey easily.

The enrollment process starts after acceptance. Students submit their application online, set up financial aid if needed, look into scholarship opportunities, and attend orientation. Each step builds toward program success.

Capella emphasizes that state licensing regulations and professional standards differ by location. Students must understand and follow their intended practice state’s requirements. This becomes especially important when you have career plans in social work.

Tuition

Let’s break down the financial commitment you’ll need for your Capella University MSW. The program costs $540 per credit and needs 88 quarter credits. This brings the total tuition to about $47,520 without transfer credits. You’ll also need to pay a $150 resource kit fee for your study materials.

Planning your MSW degree finances goes beyond simple tuition math. Capella has several scholarships just for social work students. You could get $2,500 through the Master’s Progress Reward scholarship, or even $3,000 with the master’s scholarship if your program track qualifies. These scholarships split equally over two quarters in a row.

The Capella Progress Reward scholarship stands out because it helps with different costs beyond just tuition. But you’ll still need to cover books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees yourself. The scholarship money won’t pay for your practicum and residency travel expenses either.

Federal financial aid gives you another way to handle educational costs. Once you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with Capella’s school code 032673, you might qualify for:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (available to eligible graduate students with no financial need requirement)
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loans (helping cover expenses not addressed by other financing options)

You can cut down your total investment in the Capella MSW program by:

• Getting transfer credits from previous accredited schools (up to 20 credits accepted)
• Learning about military benefits if you’re a service member, veteran, spouse or dependent
• Joining the Federal Work-Study Program through Capella

So it’s smart to create a detailed funding plan. Figure out your costs, look for ways to reduce tuition, decide what you can contribute, and consider loans as your last option. With good financial planning, you can turn the Capella MSW program into a solid investment in your future career.

Additional Information

A Capella University MSW degree creates opportunities that go well beyond the classroom. Many people think social work only involves welfare or child protection, but the career options are much broader. MSW graduates from Capella work with people of all ages – from infants to seniors – in schools, healthcare facilities, and many other settings.

Your career path could lead you to become a clinical manager, case manager, director of social services, clinical director, program coordinator, or school social worker. You might even end up teaching future social workers. Social workers play a crucial role as frontline providers who treat chronic addictions and help tackle the opioid epidemic.

The field experience part of the program helps build valuable professional networks. You’ll need to complete 900 supervised practicum hours that combine theory with practical applications under expert guidance. While you’ll need to find your own practicum site, Capella’s faculty will help you develop strategies to locate suitable placements in your community. These could be at social service organizations, schools, private practices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or non-profit agencies.

Students who want to specialize can choose from various elective courses. The options include addiction treatment, psychopharmacology, healthcare social work, human sexuality, psychopathology, and many more.

Many graduates, like Dr. Sy’Quon Shaw, see their careers reshape after completing their Capella education. Dr. Shaw shares, “My education gave me more than knowledge. It gave me the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose”. His story shows how the program prepares graduates to create initiatives for underserved communities and mentor new professionals.

The program prepares you to become an advanced generalist social worker. You’ll have the skills to work as an administrator, practitioner, supervisor, and community leader.