Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
Master of Social Work
Programs of Study
In recognition of the time and geographic constraints of many students who seek professional social work education, the Indiana University School of Social Work offers six programs of study leading to the 60 credit hour M.S.W. degree. The Indianapolis campus offers a two-year full-time program, a three-year part-time weekday program, a three-year part-time evening program, a three-year part-time Saturday program, and an Advanced Standing Program. (The Advanced Standing Program is designed for students with a strong academic record who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree, within five years of their admission date, from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.) Indiana University South Bend offers a three-year part-time evening program and Indiana University Northwest offers a three-year part-time program. The general goal of the program is preparation for advanced social work practice. In addition to generic knowledge and skills, the program provides an opportunity for development of special competence in child welfare, school social work, health, leadership, and mental health and addictions. Educational resources for students in the program include a substantial library, an audiovisual center, student computer modules, and diversified field instruction settings throughout the state.
M.S.W. Programs of Study—Indianapolis
Indiana University School of Social Work provides several programs of study leading to the M.S.W. degree. Each program requires 60 credit hours of graduate-level course work.
Two-Year Full-Time Program
The Two-Year Full-Time Program consists of two years of course work taken over four academic semesters. Courses may be taken during the summer.
Part-Time Day Program
The Part-Time Day Program enables students to complete the Foundation and Intermediate Curriculum over two calendar years. Students attend classes during the academic year, starting in August. The complete program requires at least three calendar years.
Part-Time Evening Program
The Part-Time Evening Program enables students to complete the Foundation and Intermediate Curriculum (the first 30 credit hours of the program) over two calendar years. Classroom courses are offered on weekday evenings. Students begin this program in late June by enrolling in their first course during the summer II session. Part-time evening students are required to complete the Concentration Curriculum (the final 30 credit hours of the program) with most classes and internships held during the week (usually Monday through Thursday). The complete program requires at least three calendar years.
Part-Time Saturday Program
The Part-Time Saturday Program enables students to complete the Foundation and Intermediate Curriculum (the first 30 credit hours of the program) over two calendar years. Classroom courses are offered on Saturdays. Students begin this program in late June by enrolling in their first course during the summer II session. Following completion of the Intermediate Curriculum, part-time Saturday students are required to complete the Concentration Curriculum (the final 30 credit hours of the program) with most classes and internships held during the week (usually Monday through Thursday). The complete program requires at least three calendar years.
Advanced Standing Program
Students holding undergraduate social work degrees may be eligible for this program, which begins at various times based on the cohort chosen. The following are specific requirements for consideration for admission to the advanced standing program:
- Graduation within five years from a baccalaureate social work program accredited (or admitted to candidacy for accreditation) by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Successful completion of a statistics course.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all social work courses taken prior to admissions committee action. Accordingly, applicants to the advanced standing program must provide the admissions committee with an official transcript. Senior B.S.W. students must provide a transcript including the fall semester (or winter quarter) grades of their senior year.
- Evidence of characteristics and/or potentials required for competent social work practice as defined in the mission statement of the school. Such evidence may be derived from application materials, letters of reference, and/or pertinent work or volunteer experience.
- A reference letter is required from a full-time faculty member of the applicant’s undergraduate program.
Accelerated Program
Students with a strong academic record, who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree in the past five years from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, may apply for the Advanced Standing Accelerated Program on the IUPUI campus. Students who are accepted into this program receive special credit for the foundation courses required. Then they complete the Intermediate course work through intensive study and practicum during the two summer sessions. This program begins in May and is full time for one calendar year.
Part-Time Advanced Standing Programs
Students with a strong academic record, who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree in the past five years from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, but are unable to attend the M.S.W. Program on a full-time basis, are eligible to apply to one of the other part-time programs offered on the IUPUI campus, while still receiving special credit for the foundation courses required.
Indiana Partnership for Social Work Education in Child Welfare (Title IV-E)
The Title IV-E Program is offered to students involved in the Indiana Partnership for Social Work Education in Child Welfare, funded in part by Title IV-E, and enables students to complete the Foundation and Intermediate Curriculum (the first 30 credit hours of the program) over two calendar years. Eligibility for the Title IV-E program is typically limited to current employees of the Indiana Division of Family and Children. Classroom courses are offered on weekdays. Students begin the program by enrolling in their first courses during the fall semester. Students are allowed to apply for one of the other IUPUI cohorts and request IV-E status and funding. The schedule will then match the identified cohort.
Joint Degree Options
M.S.W. students on the Indianapolis campus have an opportunity to explore a joint degree opportunity pursuing an M.S.W./J.D. (Law) or an M.S.W./M.P.H. (public health).
The prospective student will need to explore all of the admission requirements and application deadlines at each school. Additionally, the student will need to be accepted separately in each school.
Students accepted into the IUPUI M.S.W. program and the law or public health program will receive additional information from each school.