Advising Binder MSW Program

Regular Program

Last Updated: July 7, 2020

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Contents

Program Overview

Accreditation

Regular Program Information

Enrollment Options

Course Delivery Options

Regular Program Advising Snapshot

Career Info

Career Options

Licensure Information

Employment Rates: Social Work Profession

Employment Rates: MSU Denver Graduates

Salary Range: Social Work Profession

Annual Income: MSU Denver MSW Program Graduates

The MSU Denver Difference

2018-2019 MSW Student Profile

Class Sizes

Field Placement Process and Options

Potential Field Agencies

Admissions Planning

Admissions Deadlines

Acceptance Information

Application Materials

Undergraduate Prerequisite Requirements

Financing

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships and Awards

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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Program Overview

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Accreditation

The MSW Program at MSU Denver has been continuously accredited since 2011 by the Council on Social Work Education, the sole accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S.

Accreditation assures that professional standards are met in curriculum content and delivery. Accredited programs periodically undergo rigorous review by CSWE in order to ensure compliance with educational standards.

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Regular Program Information

General Information:

• Fall start only • 60 credit hours

Admission Standards:

• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still apply for conditional acceptance consideration)

• Have completed, or will complete, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the fall semester in which students start the MSW Program

• Completion of undergraduate prerequisite requirements prior to the start of MSW Program coursework

• Completion of all Regular Program Admissions forms and requirements

*Applicants who received degrees from outside the United States should contact the department to determine eligibility

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Enrollment Options

Full-Time (2 years to complete) • 15 credits per fall/spring semester • 50 hour per week commitment

Part-Time (4 years to complete) • 6 to 9 credits per fall/spring semester • 30-40 hour per week commitment

Course Delivery Options

Fully Online • Students take all courses online and are guaranteed a spot in online courses

o May require synchronous activity, meaning you would be required to be online at a certain time/day to accomplish a specific learning activity

o Our online courses are not self-paced • Students may be required to participate in extracurricular online seminars

Mixed Traditional • Students take courses on campus, online, and in the hybrid format

o On Campus courses Offered days, nights, and weekends Typically either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday depending on whether

the student is in the foundation or concentration year o Online courses

Completed fully online May require synchronous activity, meaning you would be required to be online at

a certain time/day to accomplish a specific learning activity Our online courses are not self-paced

o Hybrid courses Both on campus and online requirements Students will be required to attend class on campus on specific days throughout

the semester determined by the course instructor • Example: Meeting every other week on campus and having online

requirements in the weeks you do not meet on campus

* Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters † Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters ‡ Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters

Advising Snapshot: Regular Program – Full Time Plan

Required Foundation Coursework

FALL – Year 1 SPRING – Year 1 SWKM 5400 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) SWKM 5475 Legal Issues in Social Work Practice (3)

SWKM 5425 Privilege, Oppression, and Power (3) SWKM 5500 Research Methods in Social Work (3)

SWKM 5450 Social Policy Analysis (3) SWKM 5575 Groups, Teams and Leadership (3)

SWKM 5600 Generalist Practice I (3) SWKM 5650 Generalist Practice II (3)

SWKM 5625 Field Experience I (3)* SWKM 5675 Field Experience II (3)*

TOTAL: 15 credits TOTAL: 15 credits

Note: Foundation Field Placement consists of 16 hours/week

Required Concentration Coursework

FALL – Year 2 SPRING – Year 2 SWKM 6700 Capstone I (3)† SWKM 6750 Capstone II (3)†

SWKM 6725 Field Experience III (3)‡ SWKM 6775 Field Experience IV (3)‡

SWKM 6425 Advanced Integrative Practice: Leadership (3) SWKM 6475 Advanced Policy and Advocacy (3)

SWKM 6450 Advanced Integrative Practice: Clinical (3) SWKM Elective (3)

SWKM Elective (3) SWKM Elective (3)

TOTAL: 15 credits TOTAL: 15 credits

Note: Concentration Field Placement consists of 20 hours/week

* Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters † Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters ‡ Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters

Advising Snapshot: Regular Program – Part Time Plan

Required Foundation Coursework

FALL – Year 1 SPRING – Year 1 SWKM 5400 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) SWKM 5475 Legal Issues in Social Work Practice (3)

SWKM 5425 Privilege, Oppression, and Power (3) SWKM 5500 Research Methods in Social Work (3)

SWKM 5450 Social Policy Analysis (3) SWKM 5575 Groups, Teams and Leadership (3)

TOTAL: 9 credits TOTAL: 9 credits

FALL – Year 2 SPRING – Year 2 SWKM 5600 Generalist Practice I (3) SWKM 5650 Generalist Practice II (3)

SWKM 5625 Field Experience I (3)* SWKM 5675 Field Experience II (3)*

TOTAL: 6 credits TOTAL: 6 credits

Note: Foundation Field Placement consists of 16 hours/week

Required Concentration Coursework

FALL – Year 3 SPRING – Year 3 SWKM 6425 Advanced Integrative Practice: Leadership (3) SWKM 6475 Advanced Policy and Advocacy (3)

SWKM 6450 Advanced Integrative Practice: Clinical (3) SWKM Elective (3)

SWKM Elective (3) SWKM Elective (3)

TOTAL: 9 credits TOTAL: 9 credits

FALL – Year 4 SPRING – Year 4 SWKM 6700 Capstone I (3)† SWKM 6750 Capstone II (3)†

SWKM 6725 Field Experience III (3)‡ SWKM 6775 Field Experience IV (3)‡

TOTAL: 6 credits TOTAL: 6 credits

Note: Concentration Field Placement consists of 20 hours/week

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Career Info

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Career Options

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries that employ the most social workers are:

Career options for MSW Graduates include but are not limited to:

• Agency directors • Grant writers • Legislative advocates or elected officials • Program designers and developers • Social entrepreneurs • Community leaders • Healthcare Social Work • Clinical Counseling • School Social Work • Criminal Justice/Corrections • Advocacy

18%

14%13% 13%

12%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

Individual and FamilyServices

State Government(excluding education &

hospitals)

Ambulatory HealthcareServices

Local Government(exlcuding education &

hospitals)

Hospitals (state, local,& private)

Top Employers of Social Workers (2016)

† Based on responses to a survey of 2018 graduates conducted in July 2018 ‡ Based on responses to a survey of 2015 and 2017 graduates conducted in July 2017

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According to a July 2018 survey of MSW Program Alumni, our graduates work in the following areas of social work† ‡:

42.53%

21.84%

18.39%

17.24%

16.09%

11.49%

9.20%

9.20%

6.90%

6.90%

6.90%

6.90%

5.75%

5.75%

4.60%

3.45%

3.45%

3.45%

2.30%

2.30%

1.15%

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00% 45.00%

Mental Health or Community Mental Health

Child Welfare

Family Services

School Social Work

Health/Medical

Alcohol, Drug, or Substance Abuse

Developmental Disabilities

Group Services

Aging/Gerontology

Corrections/Criminal Justice

Rehabilitation

Other

Domestic Violence or Crisis Intervention

Housing

Program Evaluation

Administration

Community Planning

Social Policy

Military Social Work

Occupational

Public Assistance/Public Welfare

In what area of social work are you currently working?

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Licensure Information

After graduation, students can complete additional state requirements to earn Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and/or Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) status. Students are also eligible to obtain school social worker licensure.

Licensure in Colorado is only available to graduates of CSWE accredited MSW Programs. Students may not apply for licensure prior to graduation. The LSW license is the first step in obtaining the LCSW license.

Licensure Pass Rates

Over 141 MSW Graduates who took the ASWB Clinical Exam over the last 6 years passed at a rate of 81% - that’s well above the North American average of 66%!

81%

66%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

MSU Denver Graduates North American Average

ASWB Clinical Licensure Exam Pass Rates

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Employment Rates: Social Work Profession

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Employment of social workers is expected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028 • The national average growth rates for all occupations is 5%.

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Job Growth: 2018-2028

Average growth in Social Work Average growth for all occupations

† Based on responses to a survey of 2018 graduates conducted in July 2018 ‡ Based on responses to a survey of 2015 and 2017 graduates conducted in July 2017

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Employment Rates: MSU Denver Graduates

According to a recent survey of 2015 and 2017 MSW Program graduates, 35% of MSW graduates were hired by their field placement agencies ‡

88% of 2015 and 2017 graduates are still employed as social workers ‡

The majority of 2015 and 2017 graduates found a job in social work in 2 months or less of graduation from the MSW Program.‡

88%

12%

Are you currently employed as a social worker?‡

Yes

No

1.67%

5.00%

16.67%

76.67%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% 90.00%

More than 1 year

7 to 12 months

3 to 6 months

2 months or less

How long after graduation did it take you to find a job in social work?

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Salary Range: Social Work Profession

According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics • Nationally, 80% of social workers make between $29,560 to $79,740 per year, with an average

salary of $51,630 • In Colorado, 80% of social workers make between $30,331 to $75,249 per year, with an

average salary of $50,000

Average:$51,630 Average:

$50,000

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

$80,000

$90,000

Social Work (National) Social Work (Colorado)

Salary Range

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Salary ranges vary depending on the specific area of social work:

(data from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Average:$51,630 Average:

$50,000 Average:$48,430

Average:$50,220

Average:$56,810 Average:

$51,980 Average:$47,830 Average:

$43,430

Average:$60,900

Average:$54,940

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

$80,000

$90,000

$100,000

National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado

Salary Range

Social Work (Overall)

Child/Family/School Social Workers

Healthcare Social Workers

Mental Health/Substance Abuse Social Workers

Social Workers, all others

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Annual Income: MSU Denver MSW Program Graduates

New Graduates:

Former Graduates:

Note: Income data may reflect working part time

7%

7%

56%

26%

4%

2018 Graduates - Annual Income

$20,000-29,999

$30,000-39,999

$40,000-49,999

$50,000-59,999

$60,000-69,999

$70,000+

7%

9%

30%

32%

16%

6%

2015 & 2017 Graduates - Annual Income

$20,000-29,999

$30,000-39,999

$40,000-49,999

$50,000-59,999

$60,000-69,999

$70,000+

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The MSU Denver Difference

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2018-2019 MSW Student Profile

49%51%

MSW Program19-20 Student Profile: Age

age 29 or younger

age 30 or older

88%

12%

MSW Program19-20 Student Profile: Gender

Female

Male

67%

30%

3%

MSW Program 19-20 Student Profile: Race & Ethnicity

White Students

Students of Color

Unknown

66.90%

15.02%7.51% 4.46% 2.58% 0.23% 0.23% 3.05%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

White Hispanic orLatinx

Two or MoreRaces

Black orAfrican

American

Asian Am. Indian orAlaskan Native

Int'l Student Not Declared

MSW Program 19-20 Student Profile: Race & Ethnicity

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Over the past four academic years, the MSW Program has grown steadily more diverse in both age and race/ethnicity:

The percentage of students over the age of 30 has increased by 7% from 42% to 49%

The percentage of students who identify as students of color has increased 6% from 24% to 30%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

2015-16 2019-20

Diversity in Student Population - Age

% of students ages 20-29 % of students age 30+

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

2015-16 2019-20

Diversity in Student Population - Race & Ethnicity

% of white students % of students of color

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Class Sizes

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Field Placement Process and Options

The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver has a dedicated Office of Field Education that

• Works with students to secure field placements in their area of interest • Interviews both agencies and students • Ensures there is a good fit between agencies and students

The field placement process is completed the spring before you start your field placement in the fall. For examples of potential field agencies, please see the following pages.

Potential Field AgenciesMSW Program

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Admissions Planning

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Admissions Deadlines

The MSW Regular Program is fall-start only and has one application cycle annually. Applicants should plan on applying the fall and winter before the fall they wish to start.

The Application Cycle will open on September 8, 2020

Final Application Deadline: January 2021 (exact date TBA)

Application processing takes 10-12 weeks after the deadline to complete, applicants will be notified via email of their admissions decision.

Priority Consideration Admissions • The Priority Consideration Deadline will be in late October 2020 (exact date TBA) • Applications will be reviewed in advance by the MSW Admissions Committee • Those ranked in the very top of the applicant pool will be granted early admission, granting

them a head start on: o Preparing to start the program o Securing a field placement o Registering for classes

• All other applicants will be notified that their application is being rolled forward and they will receive their admissions decision in spring 2021, 10-12 weeks after the final application deadline

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Acceptance Information

Over the past five applications cycles, the MSW Regular Program has seen an average acceptance rate of 77%.

While the MSW Regular Program looks for a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, having a GPA below 3.0 does not disqualify applicants. Over the past five application cycles, on average:

201

309291

314 312

148

242220

230253

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

Regular Program Applications

82.3%

15.6%

2.0%

Cumulative GPA of Accepted Regular Program Students

3.0 and above

2.5-2.99

2.49 and below

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Application Materials

Once the application cycle opens, applicants will need to submit all of the following application materials in order to be considered for admission:

• Online MSU Denver Graduate Application (including $50 application fee) • Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted electronically by the recommender) • Professional History Form (embedded in the application, a professional resume is optional) • Admissions Essay (prompts will be provided) • Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

International students also must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 540 (76 on the internet version) or an IELTS score with a minimum overall band score of 6.5.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Requirements

• At least 3 credits of course work in social and behavioral science (sociology, psychology, economics, political science, cultural anthropology, etc.) centrally organized around contemporary multicultural or diversity issues

• At least 3 credits of course work in social and behavioral science centrally organized around American Government (not U.S. History). This will typically be a political science course.

• At least 3 credits of course work in human biology OR At least 6 credits of course work in natural and physical science (chemistry, physics, geology, etc.)

• At least 3 credits of course work in basic statistics (not research methods)

Prerequisites will be individually evaluated for each applicant based on transcripts submitted to the Office of Social Work Student Services.

If an applicant wishes to petition for a course to count for a prerequisite after the evaluation is completed, the Office of Social Work Student Services will review course descriptions, syllabi, and/or learning objectives to determine if the course can fulfill the prerequisite requirement.

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Financing

Please note: All rates are subject to change 

MSW Program Cost Information – Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020

Resident Tuition and Fees

Mixed Traditional Course Delivery

Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &

Fees Total

3 $1,434.20 $493.57 $1,927.87

6 $2,868.40 $631.27 $3,499.87

9 $4,302.90 $741.77 $5,044.67

12 $5,737.20 $859.27 $6,596.47

15 $7,171.50 $924.27 $8,095.77

Fully Online Course Delivery

Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &

Fees Total

3 $1,434.20 $145.10 $1,579.30

6 $2,868.40 $267.20 $3,135.60

9 $4,302.90 $361.10 $4,664.00

12 $5,737.20 $455.00 $6,192.20

15 $7,171.50 $479.00 $7,650.50

Non-Resident Tuition and Fees

Mixed Traditional Course Delivery

Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &

Fees Total

3 $2,008.20 $493.57 $2,501.77

6 $4,016.40 $631.27 $4,647.67

9 $6,024.60 $741.77 $6,766.37

12 $8,032.80 $859.27 $8,892.07

15 $10,041.00 $924.27 $10,965.27

Fully Online Course Delivery

Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &

Fees Total

3 $2,008.20 $145.10 $2,153,30

6 $4,016.40 $267.20 $4,283.60

9 $6,024.60 $361.10 $6,385.70

12 $8,032.80 $455.00 $8,487.80

15 $10,041.00 $479.00 $10,520.00

Average Textbook Cost per Semester

Enrollment Avg. number of books/semester

Avg. total book cost/semester

(new)

Avg. total book cost/semester

(used)

Full Time (15 credits/semester)

10 $1,093 $822

Part Time (6-9 credits/semester)

5 $547 $411

Detailed Fee Information on reverse side

Graduate-level students enrolled in undergraduate courses will be charged graduate tuition rate

Please note: All rates are subject to change 

Detailed Fee Information – Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020

Course Delivery Fees Include

Mixed Traditional All fees listed below

Fully Online Student Affairs Fee, Immunization Fee, Metro Bond Fee, Phoenix Center Fee,

and Information Technology Fee

Mandatory Fee Details

CR Student Affairs

Immuni zation

Metro Bond

Phoenix Center

Info Tech

AHEC Bond

Inter- colleg. Athletic

Health Serv.

Tivoli Park

Facility

Clean Energy

Campus Rec

RTD Pass

Mental Health

3 $45.90 $2.30 $69.90 $3.00 $24.00 $42.50 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30

6 $74.10 $2.30 $139.80 $3.00 $48.00 $53.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30

9 $74.10 $2.30 $209.70 $3.00 $72.00 $66.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30

12 $74.10 $2.30 $279.60 $3.00 $96.00 $86.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30

15 $74.10 $2.30 $279.60 $3.00 $120.00 $86.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30

Student Affairs Fee: This fee supports student services through the following programs: Auraria Early Learning Center, Career Services, Club Sports, Center for Visual Arts, Institute for Women’s Studies and Services, LGBTQ Student Resource Center, Music, Student Activities, Student Engagement and Wellness, Student Government, Student Media, Student Organization Funding, Student Travel, and Theatre.

Immunization Fee: This fee funds the State’s mandatory immunization program for higher education and the associated compliance requirements.

Metro Bond Fee: This student approved fee will provide capital financing for the construction of a new Metropolitan State University Neighborhood, student scholarships, and student equipment and classroom enhancements.

Phoenix Center Fee: This student approved fee is used to support the Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA). The Center is a victim advocacy program providing free, confidential resources and assistance.

Information Technology Fee: This fee will support, maintain, and enhance technology and software in classrooms, labs, and online learning environments.

AHEC Facility and Bond Fee: This fee is used to support the debt service requirements of the debt financing for the Auraria Child Care Center, the Tivoli Student Union and the Auraria Event Center.

Intercollegiate Athletic Fee: This fee allows MSU Denver students free access to all MSU Denver intercollegiate sporting events. This fee also funds the operating budget for MSU Denver's NCAA-II intercollegiate athletic program, which consists of nine women's and seven men's varsity teams.

Health Services Fee: This fee funds a portion the Health Center at Auraria and the MSU Denver Counseling Center operating budgets. Fees support the cost of campus safety infrastructure, medical and mental health personnel and health education.

Tivoli Park Facility Fee: This tri-institution student-approved fee is used to fund the development, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of the Tivoli Park/Quad, Tivoli Patio and Coffee Lounge, and future campus-wide student gathering spaces.

Clean Energy Fee: This student-approved fee is for purchasing clean, renewable, electrical power for the Auraria Campus

Campus Recreation Fee: This student-approved fee is used for the operation of a wide range of high quality, and inclusive recreational and wellness opportunities. The fee supports equipment replacement, program and facility improvements.

RTD Pass Fee: Approved by vote of the student body at MSU Denver, UCD, and CCD, this fee allows registered students of each institution to ride the RTD free upon presentation of a current MSU Denver ID and RTD CollegePass.

Mental Health Fee: The mental health student fee contributes to the funding needs associated with the provision of on-campus mental health services provided by the Counseling Center and the Health Center at Auraria only for MSU Denver students.

Matriculation Fee (One Time Fee): $75 for Graduate students (charged to ALL students including non-degree seeking and students auditing courses). This fee is used to offset orientation and graduation costs. It is not included in the Tuition and Fees table, but will appear on the billing statement.

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Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Social Work is pleased to offer several financial assistance programs for graduate students:

Name of Award Type Award

Diversity Scholarship Scholarship $5000

Gerontology Scholarship Scholarship $5000

Bilingual & Bicultural (Latino/a/Hispanic) Scholarship Scholarship $10,000

Elevate Education Scholarship Scholarship Varies – Need-Based

Child Welfare Stipend Program Stipend $8,000-$14,000

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Hourly TBA based on hours

worked, $15/hour

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Here’s a summary of key dates for submitting the FAFSA depending on when you plan to go to school:

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND COLLEGE

FROM

YOU WILL SUBMIT THIS FAFSA

YOU CAN SUBMIT THE FAFSA FROM

USING INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION

FROM

JULY 1, 2021 – JUNE 30, 2022

2021-22 OCTOBER 1, 2020 – JUNE 30, 2021

2019