UMass Global MSW Program

UMass Global creates a progressive environment for students who want to build careers in social work. The Master of Social Work program builds on a foundation that encourages human and community well-being. It uses a person-in-environment framework with a global view and respect for diversity. This approach shapes how students learn and experience the program.

UMass Global gives students strong principles of service, social justice, dignity, relationships, integrity, competence, and human rights. Students become professionals who actively work toward social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

UMass Global’s Social Work Department understands the problems that are systemic in higher education and society. The core team and students stand together against white supremacy, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression. The department stands firm against racism, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that hurt individuals and groups.

The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at UMass offers several academic paths, including fast-track master’s programs that help students get ahead. Students can earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years through the 4+1 programs. Working professionals can also choose flexible online programs that fit their busy lives.

Student success drives everything at UMass. Students get support through SBS Pathways (advising office), SBS RISE, and other university services. This support helps guide students throughout their academic experience.

UMass offers more than just the MSW program. To name just one example, UMass Amherst’s Certificate in Social Work & Social Welfare introduces students to broad topics and social issues that social workers face. This certificate helps students find entry-level jobs in social welfare programs or pursue graduate work, but it doesn’t lead to accredited licensure.

Students interested in combining disciplines can join UMass Law’s Juris Doctor & Master of Social Work joint degree program with Bridgewater State University. Students can enroll in both UMass Law’s Juris Doctor Program and Bridgewater’s Master of Social Work program at the same time.

The advanced generalist MSW curriculum at UMass Global prepares graduates to work in many settings:

• Child protective services agencies
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
• School-based settings
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Human rights and advocacy organizations
• Criminal justice and legal service organizations
• Local, state, and federal agencies

UMass Global’s MSW graduates become experts in handling global issues like human trafficking, wars, and natural disasters. They help clients from refugees to communities recovering from economic crises, epidemics, or natural disasters.

Programs offered

UMass Global has two social work degree programs that match different career paths and learning goals. These detailed programs give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in social work practice.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program needs 120 semester units, and 48 credits go toward the major. Students need to finish 42 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of electives. They must keep a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses. The program has 400 hours of supervised field experience that gives hands-on training in concrete settings. This practical part connects classroom theory with real-life application, and students become skilled at essential tasks before graduation.

Students looking for advanced credentials can choose between two Master of Social Work (MSW) tracks at UMass Global: the Standard Advanced Generalist MSW option and the Advanced Generalist, Advanced Standing option. The Traditional MSW track takes 27 months, while students can finish the Advanced Standing track in just 12 months. But the Advanced Standing option is only available to students who got their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years.

The Standard Advanced Generalist option needs 69 credit hours that cover foundational curriculum, advanced core curriculum, and specialized electives. Students must complete 1,000 hours of field placement practicum. The Advanced Generalist, Advanced Standing option has a 39-credit hour plan with advanced core curriculum and specialized electives, plus 600 hours of field placement practicum.

Field education is the foundation of both programs. Students work in healthcare facilities, schools, community organizations, and government agencies through supervised practicum experiences. This hands-on training helps graduates apply their knowledge confidently in practical situations.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits both social work programs at UMass Global. This accreditation means quality standards are met and students can get state licensure and certification. The MSW program meets licensure degree requirements across all U.S. states and territories. The MSW Program makes getting licensed easier by including California pre-licensure course content in the second-year curriculum.

One more benefit for future students is that the MSW degree program doesn’t need graduate-level exams like the GRE. This makes advanced social work education available to more people from different backgrounds.

About the online program

UMass Global’s online MSW program puts flexibility first. Students can complete their entire program online, which works great for professionals who want to advance their social work careers while keeping their current jobs. The virtual learning environment blends academic excellence with hands-on application. Students can move through the program at their own pace throughout the year.

Class sizes stay small with 15-20 students per course. These smaller groups create meaningful discussions and let faculty connect directly with students, even in an online format. Students engage with classmates and professors through live, interactive sessions that happen in real time.

Your academic background determines how long you’ll take to graduate. Students with a BSW can finish the accelerated Advanced Standing track in just 12 months. Those without a BSW typically complete the Standard Advanced Generalist track in 27 months. Both paths equip students with specialized skills and knowledge for advanced generalist social work practice.

Field education plays a vital role in the online program. Students complete their practicum at social service agencies close to home. Each track has specific requirements:

• Standard Advanced Generalist: 69 credit hours with 1,000 field placement hours
• Advanced Standing: 39 credit hours with 600 field placement hours

These practical experiences help students build and apply their classroom training in ground settings. Students get hands-on practice with different populations while helping local agencies serve vulnerable communities better.

The advanced generalist curriculum creates a foundation for solving complex problems using evidence-based intervention models. This approach teaches students to handle complex situations and understand how global issues affect individuals and communities.

The MSW program welcomes students from most states across the country. State regulations prevent the program from offering field placements or MSW degrees in some locations. Students should check with a University Enrollment Coach about their specific location.

The online format saves both money and time on travel while delivering quality education from anywhere. Students can earn their degree without giving up their work or personal commitments.

Accreditation

Your social work degree’s value and recognition depend heavily on accreditation. Students who choose the UMass Global MSW program will find this credential affects their career path and licensing options by a lot.

The UMass Global MSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This credential proves the program meets quality standards that have been around for years. Licensed clinical social workers must graduate from a CSWE-accredited master’s program. Without this credential, you might earn your degree but won’t qualify for a license or most jobs in the field.

CSWE accreditation serves as a quality guarantee. It proves your education meets tough standards in research, policy, theory, and social work practice. The peer-review system creates consistent outcomes while giving institutions room to be unique. CSWE accreditation directly affects:

• Your credits’ transferability between schools
• Your access to financial aid programs
• Your job prospects, since many employers want degrees from accredited schools
• Your right to take state license exams
• Your professional standing in the field

Department of Education data shows UMass Global students perform exceptionally well with loans. Their 0% default rate sits 48% below the national average. These numbers show both the education’s quality and graduates’ success in finding jobs.

The program’s accreditation matters more than the school’s name when looking at MSW programs. Online CSWE-accredited programs stand equal to traditional campus programs if they both have CSWE accreditation. Your online UMass Global degree carries the same professional weight as degrees from traditional schools.

University of Massachusetts Global has regional institutional accreditation and program-specific credentials. These two certifications guarantee academic quality at both university and program levels. CSWE accreditation shows your program matches social work’s core values of justice, dignity, human relations, integrity, and competence.

Both social work programs at UMass Global – the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Master of Social Work – have CSWE accreditation. Quality standards remain consistent in all social work education paths at the school. You’ll get solid foundations whatever degree level you choose.

Admission Requirements

The UMass Global MSW program welcomes students who meet specific academic and professional standards. Good news – you do not need to hold a BSW degree to apply for the standard track. The program makes things easier by not requiring expensive standardized tests like the GRE.

Your application will go through a thorough review process. A baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited institution is essential. Most successful candidates have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in their last 30 graded semester credits of bachelor’s or post-bachelor’s coursework.

UMass Global provides alternative paths if your GPA doesn’t meet the standard:

• Admission by prior graduate degree – You can qualify with a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Admission by portfolio – You can submit graduate-level work samples, a detailed resume, professional awards, and three reference letters

Your application package must include:

• A completed formal application
• Official transcripts from all your academic institutions
• A written personal narrative (three typed pages in APA format) about your life experiences, professional background, and dedication to social justice
• A signed professional and ethical responsibility statement
• Your acknowledgment of program professional dispositions and technology standards

BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take advantage of the Advanced Standing option. This path recognizes your social work education background and reduces the required credits.

The MSW Program Director accepts written appeals within 30 calendar days if your application gets denied. You’ll need to wait four months before you can submit a new application.

The program allows up to 15 semester graduate credits for Standard Advanced Generalist students and 12 semester credits for Advanced Standing students. These transfers usually come from CSWE-accredited social work programs.

UMass Global stands firm with the social work profession’s standards. The program doesn’t give course credit for life or work experience. This rule will give a consistent professional foundation to all graduates.

Tuition

Smart financial planning helps you invest in your MSW degree wisely. UMass Global’s Master of Social Work program comes with specific costs and funding options that shape your educational investment decisions.

The MSW program at UMass Global costs $750 per credit unit. Most courses are 3 units, which means you’ll pay about $2,250 per course. Military members and their spouses get a better deal at $420 per credit unit, which brings the cost down to $1,260 per course. These costs don’t include extras like books, technology fees, and living expenses.

Your total program cost depends on the track you choose. Students typically pay around $42,000 for UMass Global’s MSW program, though employer discounts and other incentives can lower this amount. MSW programs across the country vary in price, with the average cost hitting $74,840.

The University of Massachusetts system helps students through nearly $1 billion in yearly financial aid. The university itself provides over $395 million from its funds. This support reduces actual costs by a lot for many students. The Graduate School and colleges also give fellowships to exceptional graduate students.

Students from Massachusetts can tap into special programs. MassGrant Plus and Amherst Advantage offer “last dollar” grants that help Pell-eligible students cover their full tuition and mandatory fees. The university’s dedication shows in its numbers – 79% of doctoral students receive assistantships or fellowships.

UMass offers affordability calculators to help you estimate your net costs after aid packages. You should also look into external scholarships and federal student loans to create a complete funding plan.

Additional Information

Hands-on experience plays a vital role in your path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker, going beyond what you learn in class. The UMass Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CWC) gives MSW students valuable year-long internship placements. Students run support groups, help clients one-on-one, and complete their required clinical hours here.

You’ll find great internship opportunities off campus too. River Valley Counseling Center welcomes graduate-level social work interns, and some positions come with stipends up to $4000 for Masters level students. These placements let you conduct intakes and provide counseling to individuals and groups from all backgrounds, while working under licensed supervisors.

UMass graduates have excellent career prospects. The numbers tell a compelling story – 87% of undergraduate students found career-related work in their field of study recently. The Class of 2024 showed impressive reach, with graduates working in 40 different states and 20 different countries.

Graduating puts you in touch with an impressive alumni community. The SBS Alumni Association connects you to professionals who are making their mark worldwide. This network helps you advance your career through job opportunities, mentorship, and success stories from fellow graduates.

UMass’s dedication to professional training helps you tackle complex social issues in many settings – from healthcare facilities to community organizations. This preparation serves you well throughout your program.