Fairfield University MSW
Fairfield University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is part of the School of Education and Human Development. Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, the university builds a strong foundation for social workers who want to advance their education.
The MSW program reflects Fairfield University’s Jesuit tradition of service and social justice. This foundation shapes how the program prepares professionals who value every person’s worth and dignity. Students learn through coursework and field experiences that focus on anti-racism, anti-oppression, intersectionality, and justice principles.
The program’s clinical specialist focus makes it unique, as it creates leaders ready for social change. Students become skilled at preventing, assessing, diagnosing, treating, and evaluating emotional, mental, and behavioral health problems. This clinical focus helps graduates work in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, primary care facilities, and social service agencies.
The program’s exceptional faculty sets it apart from other social work schools. Each faculty member has the highest clinical level of licensure and shows steadfast dedication to excellence in teaching and practice. These educators have earned national and international recognition through their published works, research presentations, and service to both the profession and society. Students learn directly from their expertise and guidance throughout their studies.
The program builds intellectual rigor, personal integrity, informed decision-making, self-reflection, and social responsibility within Jesuit and social work values. On top of that, it promotes social work by teaching students to become “people for others” who serve others, respect everyone’s worth, see social inequities, and lead social change.
You’ll find complete support from your first meeting with admissions until graduation and beyond. Fairfield University’s student support team helps with your personal, academic, and financial needs throughout your studies.
The MSW program prepares you for a vital profession. Social workers deliver nearly 60 percent of mental health services nationwide. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks professional social work among the ever-changing careers in the country.
Programs offered
Fairfield University has multiple ways to get your Master of Social Work degree that fits your educational background and career goals. The MSW program lets you choose from several flexible learning tracks that match your career plans and schedule.
The Two-Year MSW Track has 60 credits spread across four semesters of full-time study. Students with bachelor’s degrees in any discipline can join this detailed program. The Advanced Standing Track needs only 30 credits, which you can complete in two semesters. Your BSW must be from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last five years to qualify for Advanced Standing.
Working professionals can take advantage of part-time options at Fairfield to complete their MSW education over 3 or 4 years. Whatever track you pick, all MSW students enjoy a low-residency format with these benefits:
- Synchronous online live classes for maximum flexibility
- In-person residency components 2-3 times per semester
- Field placements customized to your career goals
The curriculum is structured as a clinical specialist program. It prepares you to work in a variety of settings like schools, child welfare agencies, community mental health centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, addiction treatment centers, correctional facilities, and private practice.
Students can explore specialized interests by adding a Concentration in Sexual and Gender Minority Mental Health with their free elective credits. This concentration has courses like Queer and Trans Mental Health (3 credits), Transgender and Gender Expansive Affirming Care (1.5 credits), Conversations with Queer and Trans Youth (1.5 credits), and a capstone project (3 credits).
Undergraduate students at Fairfield can also choose a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program with an accelerated 4+1 BSW/MSW option. This streamlined path helps students earn both undergraduate and graduate social work degrees in just five years, so they save on tuition while boosting their earning potential.
Field work placements blend theory with practical experience in the MSW program. Second-year students in the Two-Year Track and Advanced Standing students complete 450 hours of supervised field education over two semesters, which are a great way to get hands-on experience.
During your studies, you’ll become skilled at social justice advocacy, understanding human behavior, and clinical interventions in various settings. Whether you’re starting your social work experience or building on existing credentials, Fairfield University has a path that fits your professional growth needs.
About the online program
Fairfield University’s MSW program stands out from typical graduate programs with its innovative low-residency format. Working professionals will find this flexible arrangement ideal as it blends synchronized online classes with strategic in-person sessions.
Students take most coursework online with required campus visits. Each term includes two mandatory campus visits, plus an optional third visit to enhance learning. Weekend residencies happen multiple times per semester. These sessions create intense face-to-face learning opportunities that fit around your work schedule. This smart mix gives you both convenience and vital collaborative experiences needed to build clinical skills.
The curriculum goes beyond flexibility to emphasize clinical expertise. Students gain deep knowledge in behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. This specialized focus prepares you to lead in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
The program design shows a deep commitment to social justice principles. Your studies and field experiences will immerse you in frameworks that create meaningful change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These experiences help you develop skills to promote vulnerable populations’ interests at every practice level.
The program’s accreditation status adds significant value. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has granted initial accreditation through 2029. The Commission found the program meets all standards and educational policies fully. This eight-year accreditation means students in both two-year and advanced standing tracks will graduate from a fully recognized CSWE-accredited program.
Student support remains strong throughout your educational trip. Fairfield’s student support network offers tailored help with academic challenges, financial questions, and professional growth from admission through graduation and beyond. This detailed approach means you’ll never walk your educational path alone.
The online MSW program at Fairfield University combines theory with practical application. It prepares you to serve competently and compassionately in various clinical and community settings.
Accreditation
Fairfield University’s MSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through 2029. The Commission found the program met all accreditation standards and educational policies perfectly. This eight-year accreditation showcases the program’s exceptional quality and commitment to professional standards.
Your future career benefits substantially from this accreditation status. Students who join either the two-year or advanced standing MSW program will graduate with a fully recognized CSWE-accredited degree. This credential lets you apply for social work licensure anywhere in the United States. Your career opportunities expand nationwide, whatever location you choose to practice.
Fairfield University’s credentials go beyond just the MSW program. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has granted full accreditation to the university. NECHE reviews schools and colleges across six New England states. This regional accreditation shows that qualified educators have given Fairfield University a full picture of its standards.
The School of Education and Human Development boasts several prestigious recognitions. The Social Work Program earned its complete CSWE accreditation by meeting all professional standards. This achievement makes Fairfield one of Connecticut’s elite institutions with fully accredited MSW programs.
National rankings reflect the quality of Fairfield’s graduate education. The School of Education & Human Development’s graduate Social Work program ranks #142 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools. This ranking confirms the program’s strong position in academia.
Connecticut students looking at different schools should note that Fairfield University is among the few offering a CSWE-accredited Advanced Standing MSW option. This option provides great value, especially when you have an undergraduate social work degree and want to advance your credentials quickly.
In a nutshell, CSWE accreditation ensures your Fairfield University MSW education meets top professional standards. You’ll be eligible for nationwide licensure with a credential that commands respect throughout the social work profession and beyond.
Admission Requirements
Fairfield University’s MSW program offers a simple application process that works well for professionals. The program accepts students with bachelor’s degrees from any field. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is preferred but not mandatory.
The online MSW program in Connecticut requires these documents:
- A completed online application with a non-refundable $65 application fee
- A professional resume showing your employment and education history
- A personal statement (1-2 pages) explaining why you want to pursue graduate studies in social work
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended
- Two recommendation forms with letters, preferably one from your current employer or supervisor
Your personal statement should address several key points. These include how you see social work creating a more equitable world, your dedication to equity and inclusion, what draws you to clinical social work, and how Fairfield’s program matches your career goals.
The admission process requires all potential candidates to complete an interview. You’ll get written notice about your interview eligibility after we review your application.
Students seeking Advanced Standing must have earned their bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution in the last five years. This option lets qualified BSW graduates finish their MSW in about one year.
The program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores, which makes it easier for working professionals to apply.
Students must stay enrolled continuously and keep a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. The program also requires two years of field experience totaling 900 hours. The first year focuses on generalist social work practice, while the second year covers clinical specialist practice.
The program maintains high standards. Students might face dismissal if they show poor academic performance despite help, display unprofessional behavior, or can’t keep their practicum site. Breaking the National Association of Social Work’s ethical and professional standards can also lead to dismissal.
Fairfield University supports you every step of the way. We provide personal, academic, and financial guidance from your first conversation until graduation.
Tuition
Planning your finances carefully will help you make the most of your MSW education at Fairfield University. The current tuition rate for Human Development Master’s Degrees, including the MSW program, is $940 per credit hour. Your 60-credit program investment will shape your professional future.
Your education comes with these additional fees:
- One-time application fee (non-refundable): $65
- Registration fee: $60 per semester
- Graduate Student Activity Fee: $65 per semester
- SEHD Technology Fee for MSW: $220
- Graduation fee: $200
The university splits expenses into two categories to calculate attendance costs. Direct expenses show up on your Bursar’s office billing statement. You’ll handle indirect expenses on your own while studying at Fairfield. These costs include housing, food, books, transportation, and other daily expenses you’ll need to budget.
Fairfield University makes quality education available through several financial aid options. Students who qualify can receive up to $10,000 in tuition help through the CT Health Horizons Scholarship. You’ll learn if you qualify for this need-based scholarship after program acceptance.
Fairfield’s support team will guide you through financial matters during your time here. Top graduate students might qualify for the Graduate Merit Scholarship, though it’s only available in certain programs right now.
The School of Education and Human Development’s Opportunity Scholarship helps build and keep a diverse student community. This scholarship rewards academic excellence and helps students progress toward their professional degrees.
The University’s Trustees can adjust tuition rates and fees when needed. Summer session registration needs full payment of tuition and fees upfront. Fall and spring semester payments must reach the university by the first due date.
Additional Information
MSW graduates show remarkable career satisfaction. A study shows that 92% of them would recommend a social work career to others and feel satisfied with their professional choices. The job market looks bright too – 95% of MSW graduates find employment after completing their degree.
Your MSW from Fairfield University opens doors to many career possibilities. The program prepares you for roles in a variety of settings, from activism and child advocacy to political careers focused on social change. Some specialized roles like speech pathology or school social work can lead to average annual salaries of $70,000.
Fairfield University provides comprehensive student support beyond academics. Students can access quality mental health services through the Counseling & Psychological Services department, which offers individual and group psychotherapy with professional staff. The DiMenna-Nyselius Library becomes your research hub with its extensive collection of books, articles, streaming media, and specialized materials.
Students interested in specialized training can enhance their degree. They can add a Concentration in Sexual and Gender Minority Mental Health by using free elective credits for courses like Queer and Trans Mental Health and Transgender and Gender Expansive Affirming Care.
Your relationship with Fairfield University lasts long after graduation. Alumni get lifetime access to career resources that include one-to-one coaching, interview training, webinars, and job fairs. This robust network of alumni and industry connections helps support your professional growth.
Fairfield’s MSW program reflects the university’s Jesuit Catholic heritage – a mission that focuses on creating positive change in the world. Students learn to ask crucial questions, accept social responsibilities, and lead by example. As Jay Taylor, LCSW, clinical director of the MSW Program, states, “100% of Fairfield University MSW graduates will make a difference in the world”.