Why choose the Columbia University School of Social Work? Columbia features a strong student body with diverse interests and backgrounds, groundbreaking computer technology in the classrooms, and more than 300 social service agencies in the New York City area. Plus, you can take advantage of all the recreational activities that are available — cafes, parks, theatres, and much more! For more information, visit Social Work at Columbia. Can I get a bachelor's at CUSSW? Is the MS in Social Work the same as an MSW? Will the Master of Science degree at Columbia qualify me for licensing? Columbia School of Social Work confers the Master of Science in Social Work degree. Many schools call their equivalents Master of Social Work degrees. It’s simply a matter of history and language — not of vastly different requirements or qualifications. The Columbia social work degree, recognized by the national accrediting organizations, qualifies you for the ASWB and CA licensing examinations. Does CUSSW offer a clinical social work program? Sixty-five percent of our students select the Advanced Clinical Social Work practice method area. This clinical concentration emphasizes assessment, intervention, and evaluation within a field of practice, using individual, family, group, and case management strategies. An ecological perspective — the assessment of individuals, families, and groups in relation to their environments — enables students to conceptualize and develop clinical practice interventions. Faculty have expertise in, and teach from a variety of perspectives, including, but not limited to, feminist, social, constructionist, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and family systems theories. Faculty may specialize in one theoretical framework but they teach techniques and interventions developed from multiple theories. For more information on this area, visit the Practice Methods and Fields of Practice page.How long does it take to earn the MS Degree in social work? I have a BSW. Do you offer an Advanced Standing Program? Does CUSSW offer a part-time program? In the Reduced Residency program, those who have been employed for at least two years in a human service organization may work toward the Master of Science in Social Work degree part time while they remain employed by their organization for the first two years of the program. Students take at least two courses each term. In the third year, the students attend school on a full-time basis, enrolling in course work and field instruction, completing the necessary 900 field hours. In the Extended Program, students pursue social work education in a flexible manner, combining part-time and full-time study over three or four years. They require the same 60 credits and meet all the course and field instruction requirements of the full-time M.S. Program. For more information, visit the degree programs page. Does CUSSW offer a dual-degree program? What if I am interested in working with a specific population? When is your application deadline?
Application deadline for 16-Month Program: October 15
Decisions rendered after March 1 Application deadline for fall financial aid: February 1 Meeting these deadlines is highly encouraged. Earlier applicants often have better access to financial aid and housing resources. Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a space available basis. What are the requirements for admission into the Columbia University School of Social Work? If you are an international student from a non-English speaking country, you are required to take the TOEFL language proficiency test. A working knowledge of English and a minimum score on each of the following exams is necessary: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a score of 577 (paper-based), 233 (computer-based) or a TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of 90-91Test of Written English (TWE): a score of 4.0 Test of Spoken English (TSE): a score of 40 If you take the paper-based or computer-based TOEFL, please also sign up for the TWE and TSE tests since we will not review your application until they are complete. Should you have difficulty in arranging to take the TWE or TSE tests because they are not offered at a location accessible to you, or for more information, please contact us. Applicants taking the TOEFL iBT do not have to take the TWE and TSE tests.Can I transfer credits from other graduate schools to the social work program? How long do I have to wait for a decision regarding my application? Applicants for spring admission will receive a decision after November 1 Applicants for fall admission will receive a decision after March 1 Can I visit the School before I apply? Are GRE scores required to get into CUSSW? Is housing available at CUSSW? Columbia University housing is available to students in full-time degree programs at the Morningside Campus. You are eligible to apply for Columbia University Housing once you have been accepted to CUSSW. The School of Social Work gives priority to entering students who live the farthest from campus. Applicants living closer are generally placed on the waiting list. Units are usually available for occupancy after August 1. University Apartment Housing consists of apartments designated for students and dormitory-style rooms located within walking distance of the campus. Couples’ housing is available but limited. Housing costs range from $565 to $880. Another Columbia resource is an up-to-date listing of apartments and shares available in the area. The Columbia Housing Office requests that if you are interested in either of these options, you submit your program application as soon as possible after you are accepted. For additional information please visit the Housing office Web site. Almost 90 percent of social work students receive some form of tuition assistance. Funding sources include federal loan programs, school loans, institutional grants, partial tuition scholarships, federal work-study funds, and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Annually, CUSSW students receive more than $2 million in institutional grants. Eligibility for many of these funds is usually based on an applicant’s demonstrated financial need, determined by Student Financial Planning at the School of Social Work. For information and an application, go to the Student Financial Planning Website or contact Student Financial Planning at: Student Financial Planning at the School of Social Work 212-851-2298 (fax) Email: [email protected] Can I have a job while I am at school full time? May I choose my own field placement? The Field Education Department actively engages second-year students in planning their Field Education placement. In March the Department holds a Placement Fair in which the agencies present the placement opportunities they have for second-year students. Students have a chance to meet with agency representatives and other students currently placed in those agencies. Students submit four placement choices to their field advisors. The Field Education Department in turn notifies students and agencies in May. Does the School have a career center? |
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