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M.S.S.W. Distance Education Program Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long will it take to complete the M.S.S.W. Distance Education program?

The DE Advanced Standing Program and the DE Extended-Study Program are both designed for people who cannot make it to campus due to family, employment and various other obligations. Because of this, these programs are both offered part-time. The DE Advanced Standing Program will take two years to complete and the DE Extended Study program will take four years to complete.


Will all of my classes be online?

Yes. All classes will be offered through an online format; however, students will be expected to meet two to three times a semester in Nashville on Saturday’s for practice work. Students will also complete practicum’s which will be completed at an approved agency under MSW supervision. Student internships will be arranged within a reasonable driving distance from the communities within which they live. See Field: http://www.csw.utk.edu/students/field/index.html


Is financial aid available for the distance education MSSW?

Yes. Please see the financial aid website: http://web.utk.edu/~finaid/


I do not have a BSW/BSSW, but I have a degree in a related field and years of work experience, do I qualify for the Advanced Standing Program?

No. You must have a degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to be considered for the DE Advanced Standing Program.


I have a BSW/BSSW, but I graduated from school ten years ago, do I qualify for the advanced standing program?

No. In order to qualify for the DE Advanced Standing Program, you must have graduated with a BSW/BSSW from an accredited college of social work no more than five years ago.


I live out of state; can I attend the Distance Education MSSW program?

Generally, no, not at this time. However, exceptions can be made for those who live on the border of neighboring states.


Can I take extra classes so that I can graduate earlier?

No, students must move along with their cohort.


I have a Masters degree in a related field; will some of my credits transfer as electives?

No, graduate credits that have been used for the completion of another master’s program cannot be applied toward the M.S.S.W. degree. If you have completed a graduate level course but have used this course for another mater’s degree program, you may be able to use the course as an elective for the M.S.S.W. program if you received a grade of a “B” or higher.. Acceptance of such a course as an elective must be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you have additional questions about our M.S.S.W. Distance Education program, please contact Kate Chaffin, Distance Education Coordinator, at 615-256-1885, ext. 141 or kmcclern@utk.edu.