Master of Social Work F.A.Q.

Q:  Why Should I Pursue A Master Of Social Work Degree?
A:  There are many career opportunities for Social Workers, particularly for those with a Master of Social Work Degree.  MSW’s practice in a wide variety of public and private settings such as mental health/counseling, child welfare, youth services, schools, criminal justice programs, hospitals, in the military, with military families, and long term care facilities, to name a few.  Social Workers interact with diverse client populations and seek to improve the quality of life for their clients.  Career opportunities are abundant as the job market is expanding, both locally and nationally.  For further information see the web site for the National Association of Social Workers.

Q:  What Types of Programs Will Be Offered?
A:  The program will have both full time and part time options.   

Prior to beginning the program students will elect to enter either the full time or part time program.  Once the student decides which program they want to pursue they will not be able to change programs.   

Full Time Students will attend classes and complete field education on a full time basis.

Part Time students will participate in an extended time program designed for those who need to work while they attend graduate school. Classes will be offered on Friday Evenings and Saturdays.  Field Education will be worked out on the job so the student can remain employed throughout the program.

Q: When will the MSW program begin?
A:  The program will begin in January 2009 with a regular track (for non-BSW graduates) and part time program.  This program is designed to permit students to work full time while they complete their degrees. 
The Regular Track Full Time Program will begin in the fall of 2009.
The Advanced Standing Program will begin in the summer 2010.

Q: Where will the classes be offered?
A:  Classes will be held on the Pensacola Campus.

Q: Is the program accredited?
A: Like all new MSW programs, we must complete a candidacy period of 2-3 years before we receive full accreditation.  We intend to achieve full accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education.  Full accreditation will be finalized after the first class has graduated.  Once full accreditation has been completed the first classes will be recognized as having fully accredited MSW degrees.  Graduation from an MSW program in candidacy qualifies graduates for jobs requiring the MSW degree, for sitting for licensing examinations, for receiving clinical supervision for licensing and for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

Our undergraduate Social Work Program has been continuously accredited since 1974.

Q:  Do I need to have a certain undergraduate major to be admitted to the MSW program?
A:  No particular major is required, but it is expected that applicants have a strong liberal arts background and a background in social sciences.  Students must have one course in Biology (introduction meets this requirement).

Q:  Do applicants have to have social work experience?
A: No, however, social work experience is a plus for admission.

Q: How many students will be admitted?
A: We expect to admit 25 students per cohort to the program. 

Q:  What admissions test do you require?
A:  All applicants will be required to take either the GRE the MAT.

Q: Will financial assistance be available?
A:  Student financial aid is administered by the University of West Florida Financial Aid Office (uwf.edu/finaid/ or call 850-474-2400).  Graduate student financial aid is limited and many students take advantage of Federal Student Loan Programs.

Q:  Whom can I contact if I have further questions?
A: Contact the Department Chair, Dr. Glenn E. Rohrer (grohrer@uwf.edu or 850-474-2154).