Frequently Asked Questions from MSW Applicants
Is it possible to work while enrolled in the MSW program?
Many of our full time students work some part time hours, successfully juggling this with the demands of 4 classes and 15-20 hours a week in a field placement each semester. We discourage full time students from trying to work more than 20 hours per week. In addition, part time students also might find it very challenging to work full time during the semesters in which they are in a field placement.
How flexible is the course of study?
The options for course of study as outlined in our bulletin and our website are the only options for enrollment at this time. Enrolled students can request minor adjustments to these by writing a letter of request for an exception to the MSW Program Coordinator and MSW Program Committee. Requests are carefully considered in light of the program curriculum and are not automatically approved.
Can I apply for spring enrollment?
At present we offer fall enrollment only.
Is it possible to waive the application requirement to take the GRE?
UVM’s Graduate College requires that all applicants to the university’s graduate programs take the GRE as part of the application process. Applicants may request to waive this in exceptional cases, such as when one has successfully completed another graduate program prior to application, or cannot access testing. Requests should be directed to the MSW Admissions Coordinator.
Can the MSW Program prepare me for a career in mental health practice?
Absolutely! The MSW is one of the most common educational credentials of people employed in the field of mental health care. Our courses prepare students for direct practice in a variety of settings, including mental health. In addition, completion of the MSW degree at UVM provides the base for someone to apply for a clinical social work license to practice as an independent clinical practitioner in most states in the US.
What is Advanced Standing and who can apply for this?
Only those applicants who have completed an undergraduate social work degree within the past 7 years from a bachelors program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can apply for advanced standing status. Acceptance as an advanced standing student is competitive, requiring at minimum undergraduate grades of B (3.0) or higher in all upper level social work courses and a satisfactory field evaluation.
Is it possible for students with many years of experience in the field to waive some of the academic requirements for a shorter course of study?
We recognize prior human service experience as an important strength in the study of social work and a significant asset to an application. However, our accrediting body (CSWE) does not permit us to provide academic credit for life or prior work experience.
What recommendations do you have for someone who has not been a student for many years to prepare for graduate school?
First, please be assured that the vast majority of our matriculated students successfully complete their degree requirements as planned, regardless of how long it’s been since they’ve been in school. Our faculty and staff are highly committed to student success.
It’s important to be realistic about the time needed to engage in graduate study. Students should plan on spending at least 3-6 hours per course each week for reading, writing papers, and working with other students on group projects. Most grad students find their first semester to be a time of adjustment and plan accordingly.
Prior to enrollment, students often find that taking one of our courses on a continuing education basis is helpful. Newly accepted foundation students can come to campus and enroll in an elective course during the summer session and/or complete the statistics prerequisite requirement prior to fall enrollment. Any or all of these can be helpful in easing the adjustment into full time graduate study.
Which statistics courses does UVM accept as meeting the prerequisite requirement?
Undergraduate statistics courses vary with regard to content covered, and not all courses meet our program prerequisite requirement. The admissions coordinator is available to work with prospective students during the application process and afterwards to determine suitability and approval of prior course work. Eligible courses at UVM include SWSS 007 and STAT 141.
Can I apply to the program before completing the statistics requirement?
Yes. However this requirement needs to be completed before enrollment as a matriculated MSW student. Advanced standing students need to complete this prior to summer enrollment and regular track students need to complete this prior to fall enrollment.
Will the MSW Program enable me to be licensed after I graduate?
Yes. UVM’s MSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation permits our graduates to use their MSW degree to meet the base educational requirement for multiple types of social work licenses available on the state level, as well as for other credentials.
Does the program offer any on-line or distance learning courses?
At this time, all MSW courses are offered on the Burlington campus at UVM. In order to better serve students from out of town, beginning in spring 2009 courses will be scheduled so that most students’ classes will be scheduled on two days in a row, which can reduce the expense and time needed for travel.
How can I apply to this program?
Click here to learn about the process of applying to this program.
We encourage prospective students to visit our beautiful campus and meet with our MSW Admissions Coordinator.
Appointments can be arranged through email by contacting Lisa Lax, MSW LICSW or by phone at 802-656-8800.
Last modified June 11 2008 02:33 PM
