University of South Dakota MSW

The University of South Dakota is the exclusive provider of Master of Social Work education in South Dakota. The program sits within its School of Health Sciences in Vermillion. Students seeking social work education in the state will find USD’s position gives them a clear advantage.

USD shines through its dedication to preparing graduates for South Dakota’s population needs. Students can specialize in rural and indigenous populations. This focus helps graduates serve local communities with skills that match the region’s social service needs.

USD stands out as the only school in the state with a health sciences school and medical school. Students get a chance to work together with peers from various healthcare fields. This setup mirrors real-life settings where social workers team up with healthcare professionals daily.

The faculty brings years of experience to their classrooms and research. Their backgrounds add depth to their teaching and create an environment where theory connects with practice. These teachers work hard to shape future social work leaders while pushing the field forward through their research.

USD launched its Path to Licensure program in 2017, becoming one of just eleven schools nationwide to take this approach. Students enjoy online learning flexibility paired with hands-on experience. They must complete 1,000 hours of field education. Graduates can take the master-level licensing exam right away.

The results speak volumes. Since the program started, 84% of USD MSW graduates have passed the national licensing exam. This is a big deal as it means that the national passage rate by more than 17%. These numbers show how well USD’s teaching methods work.

Students find plenty of activities outside the classroom. USD has more than 170 student organizations, with several just for social work students. These groups help students build professional networks, serve their community, and develop leadership skills.

The Department of Social Work brings experts to campus regularly. Students learn from different views while building valuable professional connections. These events complement their studies and help shape well-rounded professionals.

Small classes, targeted programs, and outstanding opportunities make USD’s MSW program special. Graduates leave ready for rewarding careers serving people throughout South Dakota and nearby regions.

Programs offered

The University of South Dakota provides Master of Social Work programs that fit different educational backgrounds and schedules. These pathways equip students with advanced social work practice skills.

USD’s MSW program features two main tracks. Students without a social work background can take the Regular Standing Track which needs 60 credit hours. The Advanced Standing Track requires 36 credit hours and welcomes students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Qualified students can finish their MSW in just 12 months through full-time study in this accelerated option.

The curriculum has a clear structure. Students in the Regular Standing track start with foundation courses in their first year before moving to advanced topics. Those in Advanced Standing begin with summer bridge courses and then head over to concentration-year classes. Field education plays a crucial role – Regular Standing students complete 1,000 hours while Advanced Standing students need 500 hours.

USD also offers unique fast-track degree options:

• 3+2 Sociology/MSW Program – USD sociology undergrads can earn both degrees in five years by applying in their junior year. The program lets 24 credit hours of MSW courses count toward both degrees.
• NSU/USD Accelerated MSW – Northern State University sociology students can get both degrees in five years through this groundbreaking cross-state university partnership.

Students have great flexibility in how they learn. They can study on-campus at the Sioux Falls location, with classes usually on Mondays or Tuesdays. The program is also available 100% online, making advanced education available across the region.

The MSW program focuses on advanced generalist practice. This prepares graduates for clinical and macro social work roles. While it’s an advanced generalist program, USD’s Path to Licensure program helps students interested in clinical licensure.

The Department of Social Work’s CSWE accreditation dates back to 1974. This recognition shows the program meets national quality standards that are vital for professional practice and licensure eligibility.

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at USD. The program offers an optional focus on child welfare, which creates a solid foundation for future graduate studies.

About the online program

USD offers its Master of Social Work program online with the same demanding curriculum you’d find on campus, delivered in a flexible digital format. The program runs on the Desire2Learn learning management system and has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974.

Students can access lectures and complete assignments on their own schedule through asynchronous course delivery. This setup works great when you need to balance work, family, and education. The program still requires you to meet set deadlines throughout the term.

You’ll need these basics to enroll:

• A modern computer with Windows or Mac operating system
• Reliable high-speed internet access
• Simple computer accessories and peripherals

The program’s Path to Licensure sets it apart – only 11 universities nationwide offer this feature. Students get a mix of online learning and real-world experience, with 500-1000 hours of supervised practice based on their track. The results speak for themselves – graduates have an impressive 84% pass rate on the national licensing exam, which is a big deal as it means that the national average by 17%.

Students learn advanced generalist practice skills to work with people from all backgrounds, especially when you have rural communities and Native American services to consider. This focus helps address unique challenges in South Dakota’s prairie regions, tribal nations, and less populated areas.

The cost per credit for online students is $470.45, and the total program runs from about $16,936 for Advanced Standing to $28,227 for Regular Standing tracks. All the same, USD ranks among the top three most affordable online MSW programs nationwide. Graduate assistantships can lower per-credit costs to between $180.30-$310.60 for students who qualify.

The program meets educational requirements in many states to get your license. In fact, USD can arrange supervised field placements in South Dakota, and might offer options in other states after verification. Before you apply, check if the program matches your state’s requirements, particularly if you plan to work outside South Dakota.

USD is the only provider of a CSWE-accredited online MSW program in South Dakota. This makes it vital for anyone seeking social work education in the state.

Accreditation

Accreditation is vital in determining any social work program’s value and legitimacy. USD’s MSW program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. This 48-year old accreditation means your degree meets national standards that you need for professional practice.

Getting an MSW from USD is a historic chance to advance your education. The program stands out as the first accredited Master of Social Work program in South Dakota’s history. This milestone has altered the map of social work education in the state. Local residents can now pursue advanced degrees without leaving their home state.

CSWE accreditation matters more than just institutional recognition. You need to graduate from an accredited social work program to get professional licensure. Your ability to practice would face severe limits without this credential. Accreditation is your gateway to legitimate professional practice.

USD enhanced its accreditation benefits in 2017 by launching the innovative Path to Licensure program. Only eleven universities nationwide have adopted this initiative that combines online learning with 1,000 hours of field education. This approach lets you take the master-level licensing examination right after graduation.

The program’s results prove USD’s educational excellence. Since its 2017 launch, Path to Licensure has shown remarkable outcomes – 84% of USD MSW graduates have passed the national master-level examination. This is a big deal as it means that the pass rate is 17% higher than the national average.

Employers look at accreditation as a key quality indicator when evaluating candidates. Credits from non-accredited programs rarely transfer to other schools. This makes USD’s accredited status valuable, especially when you have to relocate during your studies.

USD’s MSW program faces rigorous and ongoing accreditation reviews. The program consistently meets or exceeds CSWE standards through regular evaluations. CSWE approved USD’s program a full year early because of its strength. This early approval applied to all degrees from the program’s start, helping even the first graduating class of 2012.

USD provides the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in South Dakota. Students get an education that meets the highest professional standards and prepares them for successful licensure and practice.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Social Work program at USD requires you to meet specific requirements that show you’re ready for advanced social work education.

You need a baccalaureate degree from an institution with full regional accreditation to qualify for admission. Your academic performance plays a significant role in the selection process. USD requires a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on your conferred degree or a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (based on a 4.0 scale) for full admission.

The MSW program uses a specialized CAS online application system. You’ll need these important components:

• A completed application with payment of the $36.00 non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts verifying your undergraduate degree
• Letters of recommendation (requirements vary by program)
• Statement of purpose outlining your graduate school goals

Your previous institutions must send official transcripts directly to USD. Students who received their baccalaureate or graduate degree from USD or any South Dakota Regental institution don’t need to request transcripts separately – the university already has access to them.

Your references should submit recommendation letters through the CAS Evaluator Portal. The statement of purpose needs to be uploaded in the documents section of the GradCAS system.

International applicants must meet additional requirements. They need to prove English language proficiency through standardized testing. The minimum acceptable scores are 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 6.0 on the IELTS, or 53 on the PTE.

The University of South Dakota’s Graduate School keeps all submitted application materials. These documents cannot be returned or forwarded to other institutions. You should review all documents carefully before submission and remove sensitive information like your Social Security number.

The application has four main sections: ‘Personal Information,’ ‘Academic History,’ ‘Supporting Information’ and ‘Program Materials.’ You must complete each section for your application to be considered.

Tuition

Getting your education funded needs smart planning about costs. USD’s MSW program is one of the top three most affordable online MSW programs in the country.

USD’s current tuition rates vary based on where you live:

• Resident/SDAdvantage: $350.00 per credit hour ($406.30 with fees)
• Online Student: $484.10 per credit hour
• Non-Resident: $673.00 per credit hour ($729.30 with fees)
• Graduate Assistant: $185.50-$220.50 per credit hour plus fees

MSW students pay the base tuition and a Masters of Social Work delivery fee of $46.90 per credit hour. The total program costs range from about $10,000-$20,000 for residents and $16,936-$28,227 for online students.

These rates give students great value. Private graduate schools charge high tuition at $26,621 per year on average, and some programs cost up to $89,000 total. Public universities usually charge around $12,394 yearly, which makes USD’s program an affordable choice.

Your budget should account for other expenses. The yearly cost of attendance includes:

• Books and supplies: about $454
• Room and board, transportation, and personal expenses (if applicable)

Students can reduce these costs through financial aid options. Graduate assistantships lower your tuition to $180.30-$310.60 per credit hour, which brings total program costs down to between $6,491 and $18,636.

Students from neighboring states with undergraduate degrees from any South Dakota Board of Regents institution can get resident tuition rates through the South Dakota Advantage program.

The South Dakota Board of Regents policies govern all tuition rates and fees at USD, and these may change each year.

Additional Information

USD gives social work students detailed support beyond their academic coursework to help their professional growth. The Graduate School offers extensive resources about policies, assistantships, and graduation requirements through available handbooks and online portals.

The Center for Career Design helps students prepare for their careers. Coyote Careers, USD’s career services manager, connects you with many more job opportunities from on-campus positions to full-time careers. The platform currently features job postings from 4,497 employers.

Your education at USD includes valuable professional development opportunities:

• Division of Behavioral Health SBIRT Training
• Interprofessional Education Training Day
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Certificate
• South Dakota Helpline Trainings

Field education partnerships are vital to your success. USD works together with many professional agencies that provide quality supervised experiences. CSWE-accredited social workers with at least two years of post-graduate experience supervise students. These supervisors dedicate one hour weekly to direct, educational-focused supervision.

Your educational investment goes beyond tuition costs. Graduate assistantships offer a great way to get professional experience while reducing tuition rates. These positions help you develop practical skills that apply to future careers or academic work.