Frequently Asked Questions

There are many factors to consider as you pursue your online MSW degree. Here you will find a collection of frequently asked questions about everything from Financial Aid to Curriculum to help guide you every step of the way.

Q. How long will it take to earn my online MSW Degree?

A. The Traditional Track of the Master of Social Work online option can take approximately 4 years to complete. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in social work, from a CSWE accredited program, you may qualify to join the program on the Advanced Standing Track and can complete it in about 2 years.

Q. I am interested in pursuing my degree in Social Work. How do I get started?

A. An Enrollment Advisor is prepared to answer all of your questions and walk you through the steps necessary to apply to this program. You can get started today by submitting your information on the right section of this page to have an Enrollment Advisor contact you, or email info@online.une.edu, or call 1-877-UNE-MSW1 (863-6791) to speak to us.

Q. Do I need a bachelor’s degree in social work to enroll?

A. No. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you may be eligible to enter the Masters in Social Work Traditional Track.

Q. What should I look for in a Social Work distance education degree program?

A. The strongest distance education programs are those with proven track records, regional accreditation, low student attrition rates, high student satisfaction scores, and minimal or no travel. The University of New England has all of these important attributes.

Q. Is UNE new to online education?

A. No, the University of New England has over ten years of experience in distance education.

Q. Is the University of New England accredited ?

A. Yes. The University of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which accredits schools and colleges in the six New England states. Accreditation by the Association indicates that the institution has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators. The School of Social Work is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Q. Why is regional accreditation important?

A. Regional accreditation is the primary type of institutional accreditation recognized in the United States. Some institutions with online programs hold national accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. You should also know that many educational institutions holding regional accreditation do not recognize credits or degrees earned at institutions that are nationally accredited. This is very important if you plan on transferring from one college or university to another part way through a degree program, or if you plan to pursue additional degrees at different colleges or universities.

Q. I am not computer savvy; can I do this?

A. Yes, but basic word processing, Microsoft Office, and internet browsing skills are important to succeed in the online program. We realize that many students are computer novices, so technical support will be offered throughout the program. New students also receive special support during an extensive orientation to online courses prior to starting classes.

Q. What are the computer requirements for participation in the online Masters in Social Work program?

A. To participate in the Master of Social Work online program, you will need a computer system with current specifications. Please contact your Enrollment Advisor for specific details.

Q. When does field planning begin?

A. Planning begins about seven (7) months prior to starting field. You will be notified by email to begin the field planning process.

Q. What is the first step in the field planning process?

A. The first step is to complete the Orientation to Field Education/Field Planning Course. This course will take two (2) weeks to complete. The course will cover a number of topics related to field planning and the field placement. You will need a web cam and scanner for this course.

Q. Do I get to select my own field placement and MSW field instructor?

A. It is your responsibility to find your own field placement and MSW field instructor. You will have six (6) weeks following your meeting with your field advisor to find the field placement.

Q. With how many agencies should I interview?

A. In order to make a sound educational decision that meets your learning goals, students are required to interview with at least two (2) agencies so that you can compare and contrast settings.

Q. How many hours a week am I expected to be at my placement?

A. All students are expected to complete 560 hours per field placement. This averages 20 hours a week.

Q. How much does the online Master of Social Work option cost?

A. The University of New England offers online students the same outstanding education that campus-based students receive. Easy access to quality education helps us fulfill our goal of ensuring that every individual who has the desire to further their education has the opportunity to do so. To view tuition information, visit the tuition page.
*Tuition and fees are determined annually and are subject to change.

Q. How many start terms does the Master of Social Work have per year?

A. The academic calendar consists of three enrollment periods per year for each track. This allows for prospective students to apply for admission into the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Q. What is the official name of this degree program?

A. Master of Social Work

Q. How will the Master of Social Work degree read? Will it state online/distance learning?

A. The degree will read, “University of New England Master of Social Work.” Students who graduate from the University of New England’s Master of Social Work online program receive the exact same degree as students who attend classes on our campus. The diploma does not distinguish if you were an online student or a traditional campus-based student. In fact, we strongly encourage you to attend your graduation ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments.

Q. If I am accepted into the program and become a student can I ever defer my enrollment into courses to a future semester?

A. Yes, students accepted into the MSW program can defer their enrollment into courses to the next semester by making a $200 deposit three weeks prior to the start of the semester. If the student withdraws from the program, the $200 will be forfeited. If a student wishes to make a second deferral, an additional $300 deposit three weeks prior to the start of the semester will be required, for a total of $500 in deferral deposits. All deferral deposits for a single admission will go toward tuition payments. Accepted students can only defer their matriculation twice.  Students who do not matriculate by the second deferral will be withdrawn from the program and forfeit all deferral deposits.  If they wish to attend the program later, they will need to reapply.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - July 24th, 2009 at 01:47pm ( 0 )