Traditional Track
Masters Degree in Social Work
– Traditional Track
A Strong Foundation in Social Work from an Industry Leader
Social work is a career path for anyone who is passionate about social justice and helping others. That’s why the University of New England’s Master of Social Work online option is open to students from a variety of different educational backgrounds, as well as those who have previously earned their bachelor’s in social work.
As part of the master’s degree in social work, the Traditional Track acts as the foundation of the Master of Social Work curriculum. Students in the Traditional Track either do not have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, do not have the necessary social work experience, or do not meet UNE criteria for admission into the Advanced Standing Track in some other way. Once you complete the Traditional Track you will move into the Advanced Standing Track coursework to complete your degree. When you begin the advanced coursework you will be required to choose one of two concentrations: Individual, Family and Group Practice (IFG) or Organizational and Community Practice (OCP).
The Traditional Track is designed to give students a comprehensive background in social work that begins with students becoming familiar with human behavior and the social dynamics that exist between human beings. Students will discover the different theories relating to how humans develop, understand, and participate in social relationships. Additionally students will study the origins and history of social work, social welfare policy, and perform an in depth examination of societal structures and the role of class, gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and other factors in societal relationships. Social work practice is studied though an in depth examination of the ethics, relationships, partners, theories and processes needed to positively change lives.
The Traditional Track represents a comprehensive, yet flexible curriculum focused on giving you the tools to building sustainable, collaborative, health-promoting relationships and communities. Your course work will be complemented by practicum experiences placing you in real-life situations to learn first-hand how philosophies and theories apply to the world around you. Graduates who become mental health clinicians may qualify for third-party reimbursement.
Curriculum Framework for Traditional Track
- 20 courses and 4 field practicum experiences
- 64 credits
- 3 starts per year
- Complete the program in approximately 4 years
Traditional Track Courses
SSW 501 Human Behavior & the Social Environment I (3 credit hours)
SSW 502 Human Behavior & the Social Environment II (3 credit hours)
SSW 503 Social Work Research I (3 credit hours)
SSW 504 Social Work Research II (3 credit hours)
SSW 505 Social Welfare Policy and Programs I (3 credit hours)
SSW 506 Social Welfare Policy and Programs II (3 credit hours)
SSW 510 Social Work Practice I (3 credit hours)
SSW 511 Social Work Practice II (3 credit hours)
SSW 520 Field Practicum I/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
SSW 522 Field Practicum II/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
These courses begin the Advanced Standing Track coursework
IFG Concentration Courses
SSW 552 Contemporary Theory of Social Work Practice for Individuals and Families (3 credit hours)
SSW 553 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3 credit hours)
SSW 571 Social Work Practice with Groups (3 credit hours)
SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
SSW 597 Advanced Psychosocial Assessment (3 credit hours) – OCP students can take this course as an elective
4 electives (3 credit hours each)
OCP Concentration Courses
SSW 564 Program Development and Community Practice (3 credit hours)
SSW 565 Administration and Supervision (3 credit hours)
SSW 571 Social Work Practice with Groups (3 credit hours)
SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar (4 credit hours, 16 weeks)
5 electives (3 credit hours each) – SSW 597 can be taken as an elective
*Students in one concentration may take the required courses of the other concentration as electives
POSTED BY: ec_admin - November 10th, 2009 at 03:23pm ( 55 )
Sara - November 19th, 2010 at 05:53pm
While I understand that undergrad credits do not transfer to a graduate level program, I am wondering if I can get into advanced standing with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice? I have taken a lot of the courses required such as Human Behavior and social research.
University of New England Admissions - November 24th, 2010 at 12:35am
Sara, unfortunately, only those that have graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work within the last 7 years, are eligible for the advanced standing track. You would be eligible for the traditional track.
Lisa - December 15th, 2010 at 11:57pm
Do you accept transfers from another MSW Program
if the Master Social Work program could not be completed at the University?
How does completing your MSW degree impact sitting for licensure in New Mexico?
thank you
University of New England Admissions - December 22nd, 2010 at 05:21pm
Lisa, the Master of Social Work program is CSWE accredited. To learn more about your own state requirements, please visit the Association of Social Work Boards: ASWB
Yes, we do accept transfer students into our online MSW program.
Lee Allen - December 28th, 2010 at 12:46am
In the traditional track HBSE is listed as being offered as HBSE 1 and HBSE two, would that be a total of six hours? If so, would a student be able to take at least two three hour classes in one eight week period for a total of six hours?
University of New England Admissions - January 13th, 2011 at 02:41pm
Lee, the program is designed so that our students take just 1 course every 8 weeks (3 credits at a time). At this point, there is no option for doubling up on courses. The only option to finish the program a bit sooner would be to be approved by the Program Director to take courses during the field placements. This is not guaranteed and students must be excelling in their coursework to petition to the Program Director. If approved, a student could finish the program 2 semesters early, which would make the completion time 3 years and 1 semester.
George Grant - January 4th, 2011 at 09:06pm
I am currently an advanced student in an accredited psychoanalytic institute. Would I qualify for advanced standing?
Thanks,
George
University of New England Admissions - January 13th, 2011 at 02:40pm
George, the only way to be eligible for the advanced standing track is if you have completed your Bachelor of Social Work within the last 7 years. Is this the case for you?
Carolyn GRaham - January 9th, 2011 at 02:50pm
My concern is the field practicum, I work as a discharge planner in a hospital from 8 to 4. How would doing the practicum work if you cannot go during the day. Can you use the place you work. I do the same duties as the masters social workers but because my degree is in Psychology they cannot call me a social worker.
University of New England Admissions - January 13th, 2011 at 02:39pm
Hi Carolyn, one thing to note is that you cannot complete your practicum where you work. What this means is that you cannot be considered an ‘employee’ and also call your self an ‘intern.’ If you are able to move to a different department with a different supervisor and working different hours outside that for which you are paid as an employee, this may be considered acceptable (on a case by case basis).
Students will be expected to be at their placement during peak hours, which may mean needing flexibility in a current job. Depending on the placement, there may be some room for evening or weekend hours; however, the majority of the hours will be completed during normal work week hours. Students complete a minimum of 17.5 hours per week during their placements and will also be completing normal coursework online and meeting with their field advisor and instructor via video conference.
Sheri - September 15th, 2011 at 11:27pm
I was wondering the same thing. I am a case manager at a prison. My job duties are different from the Counselors. If I were to take on Counselor duties under the same Supervisor, would that count towards my intern.
amanda - January 16th, 2011 at 06:25am
Hi. I currently have a Masters degree in counseling, Could I qualify for advanced standing or at least be able to transfer credits?
University of New England Admissions - January 19th, 2011 at 07:14pm
Amanda, you would only qualify for the advanced standing track if you have a conferred BSW degree. Unfortunately, we do not accept transfer credits from an already completed master’s degree. So, you would be going through our traditional track.
Christa - January 24th, 2011 at 04:38pm
I have taken four MSW courses here in NY at Adelphi . . .
I would be a transfer student having taken Human Behavior I & II as well as Social Policy I & II.
Would I be able to finish the MSW in two years with those courses under my belt?
University of New England Admissions - February 1st, 2011 at 11:23pm
Christa, based on what you’ve told me, it looks like you would qualify for our Traditional Track with transfer credits. The field practicums for our Traditional Track students would be in the second year (after all foundation courses) and fourth year (after all concentration courses are satisfied). Upon acceptance, you will have a degree plan that will highlight your courses and practicums
Chelsea - January 24th, 2011 at 08:48pm
If I were to take 6 credits per semester, how many semesters in would I be completing the practicum hours? Thank you!
University of New England Admissions - February 1st, 2011 at 11:25pm
Chelsea, for our advanced standing applicants, the field practicum is 2 semesters long worth 8 credits.
For traditional applicants, the field practicum is 4 semesters (2 semesters at a time) worth 16 credits.
Beverly - January 29th, 2011 at 02:14am
Will your MSW program prepare me to apply for LCSW status?
University of New England Admissions - February 8th, 2011 at 06:28pm
Beverly, the University of New England is regionally accredited through the New England Association of Schools and College and the Master of Social Work program is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program does prepare for licensure. If you would like to learn more about your own state requirements for licensure in social work, please visit the Association of Social Work Boards: ASWB
Laura - February 19th, 2011 at 02:45am
I have read on this webpage that the program takes approximately 4 years to complete. Is it possible to complete this program at a faster or more accelerated rate?
University of New England Admissions - February 26th, 2011 at 05:23pm
Laura, the Traditional Track is currently four years in length because our students take only one 8-week course at a time. This way, UNE students are able to:
– Focus on one assignment, discussion board and professor at a time
– Dedicate on average 20-30 hours per week on their coursework
– Balance their work and studies in a manageable way
Katherine - February 20th, 2011 at 07:33pm
Is the 4 year timeline for a full-time or part-time approach?
MARLENE - February 25th, 2011 at 08:30pm
YES I WOULD LIKE THE OPTION OF COMPLETING THE PROGRAM IN LESS THAN 4 YEARS. ALSO, WHAT DOES “COURSE WAIVERS” MEAN. i HAVE BEEN LICENSED AS A SOCIAL WORKER (CSW) FOR 15 YEARS, BUT DON’T QUALIFY FOR ADVANCE STANDING. THANKS, MARLENE
University of New England Admissions - March 16th, 2011 at 10:11pm
Marlene, Course waivers vary on a case by case basis. We would need to discuss in detail your particular situation as to why you would need a course waiver. Even if you don’t qualify for advanced standing, you can still try for the traditional track.
University of New England Admissions - February 26th, 2011 at 05:22pm
Katherine, our program is structured that you’re taking 1 course at a time on an 8 week period. Even when taking 1 course with our program, you’re considered a full time student because you’re enrolled for 6 credits per semester.
Cynthia - February 25th, 2011 at 04:23pm
At the completion of the course is there a thesis to be completed or an exam in order to graduate.
University of New England Admissions - March 16th, 2011 at 09:57pm
Cynthia, no, there is no thesis or exam to be completed in order to graduate.
Abe - March 3rd, 2011 at 05:06am
Does the Online MSW program offer a clinical focus? I have looked on the website and have not been able to find any information on this.
University of New England Admissions - March 16th, 2011 at 09:55pm
Abe, yes, we offer 2 concentrations: Individual, Family, Group practice which is the clinical base or Organization and community practice which is more policy based.
Steve - March 26th, 2011 at 09:33pm
Can I take two classes at a time? I am not working and would like to complete my MSW in 2 years.
University of New England Admissions - April 6th, 2011 at 06:16pm
Steve, the program is designed so that our students take just 1 course every 8 weeks. At this point, there is no option for doubling up on courses. The only option to finish the program a bit sooner would be to be approved by the Program Director to take courses during the field placements. This is not guaranteed and students must be excelling in their coursework to petition to the Program Director. If approved, a student could finish the program 2 semesters early, which would make the completion time 3 years and 1 semester.
Chelsea - March 31st, 2011 at 04:25am
I want to become a medical social worker. Would the IFG concentration prepare me to sit for the LCSW exam?
Jeanette - April 13th, 2011 at 07:22pm
i am in the human service management degree at uop do i qualify for the advance standing program or traditional track as i didn’t want it to take 4 years to finish my masters once i start the program
Tammy - June 9th, 2011 at 06:59am
I have my BSW from an accredited institute but graduated in 1999. Are you saying that I would have to completely re-do my BSW to be elegible for the Advance Standing MSW program?
UNE Admissions - June 20th, 2011 at 05:37pm
Tammy,
Sine you have your BSW from 1999, you would be eligible for the traditional track. The advanced standing track is only available to those that have completed their BSW within the last 7 years, due to accreditation regulations. The traditional track encompasses both foundation and advanced concentration courses. So, you would not be completing a full BSW again, just the foundation courses listed below:
Master of Social Work – Traditional Track Course Requirements
Foundation Courses
SSW 501: Human Behavior & the Social Environment I
SSW 502: Human Behavior & the Social Environment II
SSW 505: Social Welfare Policy & Programs I
SSW 506: Social Welfare Policy & Programs II
SSW 503: Social Work Research I
SSW 504: Social Work Research II
SSW 510: Social Work Practice I
SSW 511: Social Work Practice II
SSW 520: Field Practicum I/Seminar
SSW 522: Field Practicum II/Seminar
Foundation Credit Total: 32
Concentration Courses
SSW 552: Contemporary Theory of Social Work Practice for Individuals & Families 3
SSW 564: Program Development & Community Practice
SSW 553: Advanced Social Work Practice with Families
SSW 565: Administration & Supervision
SSW 597: Advanced Psychosocial Assessment
SSW 571: Social Work Practice with Groups
SSW 580: Field Practicum III/Seminar
SSW 582: Field Practicum IV/Seminar
Elective
Elective
Concentration Credit Total: 32
Program Credit Total: 64
tonya - July 10th, 2011 at 09:05pm
I would like to know can i take individual courses in order to work on my GPA so I may apply to the MSW program?
UNE ADMISSIONS - July 20th, 2011 at 02:11pm
Tonya,
If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, there are two ways that you can help your chances of being accepted. One way is to have 5 or more years of experience in the social work field. Another way is to have taken a couple of graduate level courses in a related area of study and maintained a B average.
If either of these situations are true, then your chances of being accepted with increase greatly. Otherwise, it is suggested to take graduate level courses before applying to our program.
Hannah - September 21st, 2011 at 02:03am
I worked at a hospice for two years as a team assistant which means I worked directly with nurses, social workers, chaplains, and with the patients by answering their calls. I now work at a foster care agency with children who have been placed in foster care and have to do visits with their biological parents. Would you guys consider this enough for 5 years of experience? If not, how would I go about taking a couple of grad level classes to get my GPA up, right now it’s a 2.9? Am I able to take those classes through UNE online?
Mandee - July 31st, 2011 at 03:42am
I have a BA-Educaiton (non-licensure), a MA-Human Services:Marriage and Family, and a MEd-School Counseling (licensure). I understand that the BA would not qualify me for advanced standing, but would a MA in a similar field qualify me for any advanced standing in the MSW program?
UNE Admissions - August 2nd, 2011 at 08:44pm
Amanda,
I understand that you have already completed a Master’s degree and are inquiring about the Advanced Standing track. Unfortunately, the only way to be eligible for the advanced standing track would be to have a Bachelor’s in Social Work from within the last 7 years.
Alexandra - July 31st, 2011 at 06:47pm
If you have a masters in health administration can you transfer some credits as elective courses?
Thanks
UNE Admissions - August 2nd, 2011 at 08:41pm
Alexandra,
I understand that you’ve completed a Master’s in Human Services. Unfortunately, we do not transfer credits from a completed Master’s degree. We would only consider credits from graduate coursework that did not lead to a degree.
Jamie - August 11th, 2011 at 08:34pm
I graduated with a BSW last year. My overall gpa was 2.866. Just shy of 2.9. Could I be accepted?
UNE Admissions - August 19th, 2011 at 01:40pm
Jamie, if your GPA is lower than a 3.0, there are two ways that you can help your chances of being accepted. One way is to have 5 or more years of experience in the social work field. Another way is to have taken a couple of graduate level courses in a related area of study and maintained a B average.
If either of these situations are true, then your chances of being accepted with increase greatly. Otherwise, it is suggested to take graduate level courses before applying to our program.
Barbara Urgo - September 7th, 2011 at 04:05am
Does a student need to take a class every semester or can they work at their own pace? Do they pay semester by semester or all at once for the entire program?
Bolanle Emmanuel-Egobi - September 11th, 2011 at 11:58pm
I have already completed the foundation courses listed above but was unable to complete the field practicum and seminar courses because of time problems. I changed my major to interdisciplinary studies in may 2011 instead of a BSW but have all social work classes besides those mentioned above. Would i have to take them all over again? or will my transcripts waive me out of the classes i already have ?
Jane - November 10th, 2011 at 04:51am
Hello, I currently have 16 MSW semester credits from Adelphi which include; Social Policy 1, Human Behavior 1, Foundations of Practice 1, Opression 1, and 350 hours of Field. Will all of these courses transfer over to UNE?
Thank you.
Selden - January 2nd, 2012 at 10:49pm
Good Afternoon, I am from upstate NY and I was looking into your program. Now is your program accredited and accepted by NY state with regards to being certified? I have a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology and I have many years of experience working in the social services field. Now what would my MSW program track be like if I wanted to complete your program? My final GPA was a 2.72 but like I said earlier I was working as well as serving in the military so will that influence my chances of getting in your program? Thank you
Wayne - January 18th, 2012 at 02:59am
Hello,
I recently retired from the Navay and my last four years I was a Naval Drug and Alcohol Counselor, I got this certification from attending the Naval Medical Institutes Drug and Alcohol course, then qualifying as a ADC-I and then ADC-II and transfered the Qualification to the State of Texas where I’m a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I do have a degree but not in BSW. Would my current certifications allow me to get into the accelerated program?
R/
Wayne
Edward - March 15th, 2012 at 01:25am
I have a Career Studies Certificate in Substance Abuse, an Associates in in Human Services, and a Bachelors in Counseling. I live in Virginia and I am a Certified Substance Abuse Counselors Assistant, and a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Am i eligible for the fast track or do i have to do the traditional course?
Keva - March 30th, 2012 at 06:40pm
Hello,
I have another general question: What is the work load for the MSW program, does it consist of black board discussion and essays? Do we have any weekly quizzes or tests? If yes,how often?
When is is the next enrollment date for the MSW program and application deadline?
Kimberley - April 24th, 2012 at 02:09pm
I do not have my BSW. However, I am a licensed social worker in the state of MA, through the ASWB. Being that I have taken my Social Work boards and carry a license to practice, and have been doing so for 2 years, am I eligible for advanced standing?
Cheryl - April 26th, 2012 at 08:16pm
Hello,
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 (13 years ago). Will I still be able to apply for the MSW Standard track program?
Denise - May 21st, 2012 at 05:20pm
I have a B.S. degree in Child and Family with a GPA lower than 3.0 due to issues in my first 2 years of college. My GPA during my last 2 years drastically improved. I have worked for DCFS as foster care worker for one year. I left DCFS because I was offered a job with Louisiana State University Office of Social Work Research and Development with the Truancy Assessment Service Center for the past 4 years. Would this help me to get accepted since my overall GPA is under 3.0?
UNE ADMISSIONS - June 29th, 2012 at 02:14pm
Hi Denise,
Experience within the field of social work is definitely an advantage to have when applying. Please contact your enrollment advisor at 877-863-6791 for more information.