Social Work

• Career Outlook and Income Trends

Steps to Apply

• Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

  Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

  

• Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

  Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

  

• Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

  Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose  Social Work and complete the remainder of the form.

  

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Cost

Credits to complete this program: 37 to 63 credit hours depending on entry

Frequently Asked Questions

• What accreditations apply to this program?

  This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

• Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

  A Bachelor of Social Work is required for the Advanced Track entry. 

  The Traditional Track entry is for applicants with non-Social Work bachelor’s degrees from accredited universities.

• Does this program require the GRE?

  No, the GRE is not required.

• Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

  This program is delivered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats. Students must use a laptop or PC to participate and complete assignments.

• What percentage of synchronous courses should I expect to have?

  Most classes will have at least some synchronous meetings, with the advanced practice courses meeting every week. 

• What are the traditional meeting times for the synchronous courses, and how often are they held?

  Typically, the synchronous courses meet at 6:00 p.m. EST approximately once a week.

• Are there any on-campus requirements, meetings, orientations, etc.?

  No, there are no on-campus requirements for this program.

• Does this program require fieldwork?

  Fieldwork is required. Advanced Standing students (those with a BSW) have one internship of 600 hours over two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring). Traditional students (those without a BSW) have two internships—one for 480 hours over two consecutive semesters (Spring and Summer) for an average of 16 hours per week during the first year, and another for 600 hours over two consecutive semesters (Spring and Summer) for an average of 20 hours per week during the second year.

  There are a limited amount of alternative hour placements for students outside of the traditional 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM working hours. There are also some opportunities for employment-based field placements. If you have questions about field placement options and opportunities within the MSW program, please email the MSW Director of Field Education, Amber Ball at Ballan@etsu.edu to talk about the field placement process. 

• Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

  The program’s regular coursework is 100% online, which is ideal for those with existing professional and/or familial obligations. However, internship hours are completed in-person at an agency setting, generally during traditional 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM working hours. There are a limited amount of alternative hour placements for students outside of the traditional 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM working hours. There are also some opportunities for employment-based field placements. If you have questions about field placement options and opportunities within the MSW program please email the MSW Director of Field Education, Amber Ball @ Ballan@etsu.edu to talk about the field placement process.

• What is the time to completion?

  Full-time students pursuing the traditional entry tract typically take 2 years to complete the program. Those pursuing the advanced standing track typically complete the program in 1 year. 
  
  

  Part-time students pursuing the traditional entry track typically take 4 years to complete the program. Those pursuing the advanced standing track typically complete the program in 2 years. 

• Are scholarships available? 

  • While the department does not offer scholarships, there are some social-work specific scholarship opportunities through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. 
  • The department has 1 full-time GA (and several part-time) as well as 2 tuition scholarships. Students must be full-time to qualify.
  • Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.