Master of Social Work
The Millersville & Shippensburg MSW Program
Millersville and Shippensburg universities are jointly offering a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. It is designed for students who want to either further their education in social work or join the social work profession. The program was developed to support both the full-time student and the working professional. State-of-the-art technology permits students to acquire social work knowledge, skills, and values through multiple educational methods, including traditional campus classes, teleconferencing
An MSW permits graduates to work in a variety of human service programs and agencies in an advanced clinical and/or administrative capacity. The flexibility of the social work degree provides graduates with many options as they pursue their careers in the helping fields.
Program Mission and Goals
The mission of the joint MU-SU MSW Program is to provide accessible social work graduate education in the South Central region of Pennsylvania. We prepare students to be effective advanced generalist practitioners, committed to the purpose and values of the social work profession.
The MU-SU MSW Program goals are:
- To prepare students for competent advanced generalist practice through the acquisition and demonstration of social work practice behaviors consistent with CSWE educational policy and accreditation standards.
- To prepare students with the specialized knowledge and skills for social work practice with client systems to resolve problems and facilitate change
with in the boundaries of ethical practice and with attention to the profession's commitment to social justice and human rights. - To encourage students' commitment to continued professional development and lifelong learning by providing opportunities for community engagement and
real life learning experiences.
Program Objectives and Outcomes
The program achieves its goals through implementation of the core competencies and practice behaviors as outlined by the program's accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education.
To ensure that the program meets these goals, the MU-SU MSW Program has an assessment plan to determine whether or not the objectives are met and to obtain data to continuously improve the curriculum and program. Program outcomes are published on the website and can be accessed through this link.
Degree Requirements
Students enrolling in the 60 Credit Program must complete 15 credit hours of field practicum, 6 credit hours of electives, and 39 credit hours of required coursework. BSW graduates in the Program may receive
Students enrolled in the 36 Credit Program must complete 9 credit hours of field practicum, 9 credit hours of electives, and 18 credit hours of required coursework, including a summer "bridge" course.
Due to the cohort nature of this program, all courses must be taken in sequence. The 60 Credit Program can
The 36 Credit Program can be completed in
Accreditation
The joint MSW program was designed according to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation guidelines. At the January 2007 meeting of the Accreditation Commission of CSWE, the MU-SU MSW Program was awarded candidacy, which is the first major action in the accreditation process. In February 2008
Regular Standing
Applicants must evidence a combination of professional and personal experiences, qualities, and values that are considered essential for the practice of social work. Three professional references are required with a minimum of one from faculty and one from a current or recent agency employer or supervisor, using the appropriate MSW Recommendation Form. Applicants for advanced standing are required to submit an additional reference from the department chair/program director of their undergraduate BSW program. A current resume is required. Applicants will complete a written professional statement.
Grade Point Average
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. If a student has attended more than one undergraduate institution, all undergraduate GPAs will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA Applicants who do not have at least a 2.8 average on a 4.0 scale are required to submit scores from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for consideration by the admissions committee. See the section on Examinations below for additional details.
Provisional Admission
In exceptional cases, applicants who lack the required grade point average but whose other qualifications are outstanding may be admitted on a provisional basis. Applicants admitted provisionally must earn a 3.0 grade point average by the end of the first 12 credits.
Liberal Arts Foundation Courses
Students must demonstrate that they have successfully completed coursework with substantial content in each of the following areas: Human Biology, Economics, Government/Political Science, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, and Statistics. Applicants can be admitted with up to two course deficiencies. These course deficiencies must be completed by the end of the foundation year or within the first 12 credits of Advanced Standing.
Advanced Standing Program
Students will be considered for the Advanced Standing program if they have earned a baccalaureate degree in the last eight years from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If a student has attended more than one undergraduate institution, all undergraduate GPAs will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA. A recommendation from the Program Director or designee of their BSW Program is required.
Exemption from Foundation (First-Year) Courses
Students who graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program may be eligible to receive credit for those first-year foundation course equivalents for which they earned BS or higher within the past eight years.
Life Experience
This program does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.
Personal and Professional Qualities
Applicants must show evidence a combination of personal qualities and values that are considered essential for the professional practice of social work. The following documents are required to serve as evidence for this purpose:
- Three professional references with a minimum of one from a faculty member and one from a social service agency employer/supervisor. The third may be from either a faculty member or an employer/supervisor. No personal or colleague references will be accepted.
- A written personal statement.
- A comprehensive resume of work and related volunteer experience.
The program may request a personal interview or additional information about an applicant when necessary to make a fully informed admissions decision.
Personal Statement
Applicants need to submit a four to five page personal statement describing the following:
- Events and experiences that led you to apply for a master's degree in social work as a profession.
- How the MSW will further your career goals.
- Your experiences with issues of diversity in practice and/or life.
Criminal Record
Persons who have criminal records are not eligible to work in many human service fields. Applicants with criminal records should contact the MSW program director for additional information.
Application Procedures
Application Dates
Students are admitted into the 36-credit Program and the 60-credit Program during the summer term only. Applications will be accepted until January 1 or until the program is full.
Examinations
All applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA of 2.80 must take either the Millers Analogies Test (MAT) or the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as part of the admission process. Scores should not be more than five years old at the time of application. Both MU and SU are official MAT testing sites. To find the location of GRE testing, contact the Graduate Studies office at MU or SU.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer a total of nine (9) credit hours. All nine may be from another MSW program or up to six (6) credits may be from a related field. Graduate credit earned more than five years prior to the date you begin your graduate program at MU-SU does not qualify for transfer credits. Students may only transfer credits from other accredited schools provided they are in good standing in those schools. Courses must be listed on an official transcript with a B or higher. Courses transferring must be approved by the program. Condensed one-week graduate courses do not qualify for transfer.
Campus Selection
Candidates may choose to apply through Millersville University or Shippensburg University. If all seats are full at one campus, successful applicants will be given the option to enroll through the other campus, if seats are available.
Courses
Foundation Courses - All Regular Admit Students - 30 credits
SWK/SOWK 501: Principles & Philosophies of Social Work
SWK/SOWK 505: Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations
SWK/SOWK 510: Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
SWK/SOWK 511: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
SWK/SOWK 515: Social Welfare Policy
SWK/SOWK 520: Micro/Mezzo Social Work Policy
SWK/SOWK 521: Macro Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 525: Research Methods
SWK/SOWK 530: Field Practicum I
SWK/SOWK 531: Field Practicum II
Advanced Standing (Bridge Course) - 3 credits
SWK/SOWK 601: Integrative Seminar
Electives - 6-9 Credits Required
SWK/SOWK 602: Behavioral Health
SWK/SOWK 603: Gender Issues
SWK/SOWK 604: Health Care
SWK/SOWK 605: Child Welfare
SWK/SOWK 606: School Social Work
SWK/SOWK 607: Emergency Mental Health and Trauma
SWK/SOWK 608: Social Work Administration and Supervision
SWK/SOWK 609: Introduction to Art Therapy
SWK/SOWK 611: Children and Youth at Risk
SWK/SOWK 613: Mediation in Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 616: Leadership Dynamics in Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 617: Addictions in the Field of Social Work
SWK/SOWK 618: Human Rights in Social Work
SWK/SOWK 619: Global Perspectives in Social Work
SWK/SOWK 640-643: Special Topics
Advanced Standing
Applicants must evidence a combination of professional and personal experiences, qualities, and values that are considered essential for the practice of social work. Three professional references are required with a minimum of one from faculty and one from a current or recent agency employer or supervisor, using the appropriate MSW Recommendation Form. Applicants for advanced standing are required to submit an additional reference from the department chair/program director of their undergraduate BSW program. A current resume is required. Applicants will complete a written professional statement.
Grade Point Average
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. If a student has attended more than one undergraduate institution, all undergraduate GPAs will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA Applicants who do not have at least a 2.8 average on a 4.0 scale are required to submit scores from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for consideration by the admissions committee. See the section on Examinations below for additional details.
Provisional Admission
In exceptional cases, applicants who lack the required grade point average but whose other qualifications are outstanding may be admitted on a provisional basis. Applicants admitted provisionally must earn a 3.0 grade point average by the end of the first 12 credits.
Liberal Arts Foundation Courses
Students must demonstrate that they have successfully completed coursework with substantial content in each of the following areas: Human Biology, Economics, Government/Political Science, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, and Statistics. Applicants can be admitted with up to two course deficiencies. These course deficiencies must be completed by the end of the foundation year or within the first 12 credits of Advanced Standing.
Advanced Standing Program
Students will be considered for the Advanced Standing program if they have earned a baccalaureate degree in the last eight years from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If a student has attended more than one undergraduate institution, all undergraduate GPAs will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA. A recommendation from the Program Director or designee of their BSW Program is required.
Exemption from Foundation (First-Year) Courses
Students who graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program may be eligible to receive credit for those first-year foundation course equivalents for which they earned BS or higher within the past eight years.
Life Experience
This program does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.
Personal and Professional Qualities
Applicants must show evidence a combination of personal qualities and values that are considered essential for the professional practice of social work. The following documents are required to serve as evidence for this purpose:
- Three professional references with a minimum of one from a faculty member and one from a social service agency employer/supervisor. The third may be from either a faculty member or an employer/supervisor. No personal or colleague references will be accepted.
- A written personal statement.
- A comprehensive resume of work and related volunteer experience.
The program may request a personal interview or additional information about an applicant when necessary to make a fully informed admissions decision.
Personal Statement
Applicants need to submit a four to five page personal statement describing the following:
- Events and experiences that led you to apply for a master's degree in social work as a profession.
- How the MSW will further your career goals.
- Your experiences with issues of diversity in practice and/or life.
Criminal Record
Persons who have criminal records are not eligible to work in many human service fields. Applicants with criminal records should contact the MSW program director for additional information.
Application Procedures
Application Dates
Students are admitted into the 36-credit Program and the 60-credit Program during the summer term only. Applications will be accepted until January 1 or until the program is full.
Examinations
All applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA of 2.80 must take either the Millers Analogies Test (MAT) or the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as part of the admission process. Scores should not be more than five years old at the time of application. Both MU and SU are official MAT testing sites. To find the location of GRE testing, contact the Graduate Studies office at MU or SU.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer a total of nine (9) credit hours. All nine may be from another MSW program or up to six (6) credits may be from a related field. Graduate credit earned more than five years prior to the date you begin your graduate program at MU-SU does not qualify for transfer credits. Students may only transfer credits from other accredited schools provided they are in good standing in those schools. Courses must be listed on an official transcript with a B or higher. Courses transferring must be approved by the program. Condensed one-week graduate courses do not qualify for transfer.
Campus Selection
Candidates may choose to apply through Millersville University or Shippensburg University. If all seats are full at one campus, successful applicants will be given the option to enroll through the other campus, if seats are available. Applicants desiring admission to a specific campus may also be placed on a waiting list if all seats are full.
Courses
Advanced Courses - All Students Including Advanced Standing - 24 credits
SWK/SOWK 610: Advanced Human Behavior in the Social Environment
SWK/SOWK 615 Advanced Social Welfare Policy
SWK/SOWK 625: Advanced Research Methods
SWK/SOWK 620: Advanced Micro/Mezzo Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 621: Advanced Macro Social Practice
SWK/SOWK 630: Advanced Field Practicum I
SWK/SOWK 631: Advanced Field Practicum II
Electives - 6-9 Credits Required
SWK/SOWK 602: Behavioral Health
SWK/SOWK 603: Gender Issues
SWK/SOWK 604: Health Care
SWK/SOWK 605: Child Welfare
SWK/SOWK 606: School Social Work
SWK/SOWK 607: Emergency Mental Health and Trauma
SWK/SOWK 608: Social Work Administration and Supervision
SWK/SOWK 609: Introduction to Art Therapy
SWK/SOWK 611: Children and Youth at Risk
SWK/SOWK 613: Mediation in Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 616: Leadership Dynamics in Social Work Practice
SWK/SOWK 617: Addictions in the Field of Social Work
SWK/SOWK 618: Human Rights in Social Work
SWK/SOWK 619: Global Perspectives in Social Work
SWK/SOWK 640-643: Special Topics
Faculty
Sam Benbow, M.S., University of Pittsburg; Ed.D., Indiana University of PA.Joyous Bethel, MSW, University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., Barry University.
Dara Bourassa, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Bertha DeJesus, MSW, Widener University; DSW, Kutztown/Millersville Universities.
Jennifer Clements, MSW & Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Marc V. Felizzi, MSW, Delaware State University; Ph.D., Widener University.
Elizabeth Fisher, MSW & Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Marita Flagler, MSW & Ph.D., Colorado State University.
Leonora Foels, MSW, Simmons College; Ph.D., Barry University.
Jennifer Frank, MSW, Millersville University; Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College.
Heather Girvin, MSS & Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College.
Laura Brierton Granruth, MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University; Ph.D., Catholic University.
David Johnson, MSW, University of Southern Mississippi; Ph.D., University of Texas.
Michael Lyman, MSW & Ph.D., University of Utah.
Dorlisa Minnick, MSW, SUNY-Stonybrook; Ph.D. Candidate, Catholic University.
Alex Redcay, MSW, Southern Connecticut State University; Ph.D., Rutgers University.
Karen Rice, MSW, Temple University; Ph.D., University of Maryland.
Katheen Walsh, MSW & Ph.D., University of Maryland.
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Contact Information
Program Coordinators:
Dr. Marc Felizzi
Office: Stayer Hall, Room 312
Phone: 717-871-7161
Email: Marc.Felizzi@millersville.eduDr. Karen Rice
Office: Stayer Hall, Room 307
Phone: 717-871-5297
Email: Karen.Rice@millersville.eduSchool Of Social Work
Stayer Hall, Room 301
P.O. Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551MSW Secretary: Ms. Beth Colvin
Email: Beth.Colvin@millersville.edu
Phone: 717- 871-7170 -
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