Location:

Fort Myers, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Social Work

Program Overview

Program Description:

Grounded in the liberal arts and based on generalist social work skills, the Master of Social Work prepares graduates to practice Advanced Clinical Social Work. Advanced clinical skills are taught for intervention with systems of various sizes. The focus of the profession is on oppressed and devalued populations as well as social and economic justice. In accord with the mission of FGCU and the values and ethics of the social work profession, the program distinguishes itself using an empowerment-based, person-in-environment framework. MSW graduates work in a variety of settings such as child and family service agencies, schools, geriatric facilities, hospitals, government agencies, court system, corrections, and mental health agencies in the public and non-profit sectors. Graduates become leaders in their of field of practice, frequently moving to administrative responsibilities if they choose. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Clinical Social Worker License (LCSW). Students may pursue the MSW degree on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program includes two years (four semesters) of combined academic and experiential learning. Sixty credit hours are required for graduation. Twelve of those hours are field placements in social service agencies, 500 clock hours each year (or 250 per semester). The first year is the generalist year in which students learn the basics of the profession and the multiple ways of intervening with oppressed and underserved populations from a social and economic justice perspective. The second year of the MSW degree at FGCU is an advanced clinical concentration focusing on interventions with smaller systems: individuals, families, couples and groups.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, Evidence of broad coursework in the liberal arts, Successful completion of a course in statistics, One year's (40 hours per week) paid experience in a social service agency (in a service capacity) preferred, Cumulative GPA 3.0, Three professional references (undergraduate instructor, field instructor, and social service supervisor (paid or volunteer)), A written personal statement (to be evaluated for commitment to social work values, social justice, diversity, writing skills, etc.), Interviews may be required, Completion of MSW Application Package

International Requirements:

An international applicant for whom English is a second language is required to submit a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, Evidence of broad coursework in the liberal arts, Successful completion of a course in statistics, One year's (40 hours per week) paid experience in a social service agency (in a service capacity) preferred, Cumulative GPA 3.0, Three professional references (undergraduate instructor, field instructor, and social service supervisor (paid or volunteer)), A written personal statement (to be evaluated for commitment to social work values, social justice, diversity, writing skills, etc.), Interviews may be required, Completion of MSW Application Package