Download as PDF
Social Work
Overview
Official Name of Program
Plan Code
Department(s) Sponsoring Program
Career
Degree Designation
HEGIS Code
NYSED Program Code
CIP Code
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program at Lehman College prepares social workers to assume positions of leadership in urban public and voluntary sector social service agencies and organizations. All students in the program complete an Advanced Generalist curriculum and gain the knowledge, values and skills of the competencies of the social work profession required for Advanced Generalist Practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, as well as for supervision, administration, research, and policy practice. The M.S.W. program is registered with the New York State Education Department and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Students who earn their M.S.W. degree will also have completed all educational requirements and will be eligible to take the New York State licensing exam for the LMSW Students who complete the two-year curriculum and earn their M.S.W. degree will have met the educational requirements for the New York State licensing exam for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Please note that the New York State Education Department has established additional requirements to be eligible to take the LCSW exam; these requirements must be met after graduation.
Three subplans are offered:
Requirements
Notes for all subplans:
1. The program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
2. Transfer credits are not accepted, except for the 3-credit elective with approval of the Social Work Graduate Advisor.
3. The program does not accept non matriculated Students unless special permission is granted.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including 45 liberal arts credits
Minimum undergraduate grade average of 3.0
Application to the program, including a personal statement that addresses preparation for the program, career goals, and understanding of the profession and commitment to social work values
Three letters of recommendation addressing applicant's suitability for the social work profession and preparedness to enter a rigorous academic program. At least two letters should be from college faculty and/or professionals in fields related to social work
Resume
An interview may be required
In addition to the above:
Bachelor's degree with a Social Work major from a Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education;
Minimum 3.2 cumulative index in the major;
Include, among the three references, one reference from the advisor in the baccalaureate Social Work program or from the Program Director, and another from a field supervisor;
Include an additional essay question that focuses on an illustration from the field.
Applications are reviewed by the MSW Program Director, the MSW Admissions Director, and multiple faculty readers. Applications will be evaluated on:
Academic history
Quality of personal statement, including degree of self-awareness, conceptual ability, understanding of the profession and commitment to social work values, and communication skills
Letters of recommendation
Applicants for Advanced Standing must provide course descriptions for courses in the undergraduate Social Work major; the Graduate Advisor will determine exemption from courses in the Year One curriculum.
Notes for all subplans:
1. The program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
2. Transfer credits are not accepted, except for the 3-credit elective with approval of the Social Work Graduate Advisor.
3. The program does not accept non-matriculated Students unless special permission is granted.
Students enter as second year students.
Full-time Student Status: Classes meet two evening per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours during the academic year.
Classes meet two evenings per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours each academic year.
course Special Topics in Social Work Or Elective: Chosen from SWK 681-SWK 694.
Extended students are matriculated students and are subject to the same admissions process as full-time students. Extended students complete the classroom coursework over three years rather than two years. Academic coursework is the same, but number of hours of fieldwork per week changes. Students in this subplan have a September graduation date.
Academic coursework is the same as the 2-Year program above.
Year Two: Students must complete 15 hours of fieldwork per week, which must include at least one 7.5 hour weekday, for a total of 600 hours during the academic year: 225 hours in the Fall semester; 315 hours in the Spring semester; and 60 hours in the Summer semester.
Year Three: Students must complete 15 hours of fieldwork per week, which must include at least one 7.5 hour weekday, for a total of 600 hours during the academic year: 225 hours in the Fall semester; 315 hours in the Spring semester; and 60 hours in the Summer semester.
Each candidate entering the Master in Social Work program without an undergraduate degree in Social Work from an accredited program must complete an approved program of study of at least 65 credits. This includes core courses, electives and field placement internships at social services organizations. Students are required to complete two internships of 600 hours each. Students in the 3-year Extended Program are required to complete these 600 hours of internship in 15 hours per week over the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.