Is a Distance Master of Social Work right for you?
As a distance Master of Social Work student at CSU, you will have access to a graduate degree with the same challenging curriculum as our on-campus program, while balancing work and life demands.
Our hybrid cohort model combines online learning with in-person learning weekends, so our students have the best of both worlds. You will receive exemplary instruction from experienced faculty while enjoying the benefits of peer support and connection with your fellow MSW students. You will also receive first-hand knowledge of how social work research informs professional practice through a capstone project in collaboration with a field agency or community organization, or completed in alignment with a specific School of Social Work faculty researcher. With nine elective credits built-in, you can complete a Graduate Certificate at the same time.
Our distance MSW program also offers an Advanced Standing option, for students holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years.
In-person learning weekend locations vary by cohort, and have been held in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
Academic Schedule:
- You will attend CSU online with 1 virtual synchronous weekend per semester and 1 in person weekend per semester, over 3 years.
- Advanced Standing students will attend CSU online, with three intensive learning weekends + the capstone project presentation, for two years.
- The distance hybrid programs start each Spring term in January.
- We accept applications from March through June.
Our program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Browse courses in the CSU Catalog.
I would recommend the distance program for anyone wanting to maintain their current connections and life, and who wants a more intimate setting than just another online program can offer.
Distance MSW Program Options
Regular Distance MSW Degree 3-Year Program of Study
The schedule outlines the program of study for the next regular Distance MSW cohort beginning January of 2023 in the Denver area.
| TERM | COURSE DESCRIPTION | COURSE NUMBER | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 SPRING | Principles and Philosophy of Social Work | SOWK 500 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SPRING | Theoretical Foundations for Social Work | SOWK 515 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SUMMER | Small Systems Practice Skills | SOWK 511 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SUMMER | Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice | SOWK 530 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy | SOWK 520 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Foundation Field Placement | SOWK 588 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Integrative Foundation Field Seminar | SOWK 592 | 1 |
| YEAR 2 SPRING | Advanced Generalist Social Work: Communities | SOWK 631 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 SPRING | Foundation Field Placement | SOWK 588 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 SUMMER | Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals | SOWK 630 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 SUMMER | Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 2 FALL | Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy | SOWK 633 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 FALL | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varies |
| YEAR 2 FALL | Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 3 SPRING | Advanced Practice with Families & Groups | SOWK 634 | 3 |
| YEAR 3 SPRING | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varies |
| YEAR 3 SPRING | Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 3 SUMMER | Research Methods | SOWK 600 | 3 |
| YEAR 3 SUMMER | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varies |
| YEAR 3 FALL | Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone | SOWK 698 | 3 |
| YEAR 3 FALL | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varies |
Advanced Standing MSW Degree 2-Year Program of Study
The schedule outlines the program of study for the next Advanced Standing cohort beginning January 2023 in Fort Collins.
| TERM | COURSE DESCRIPTION | COURSE NUMBER | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 SPRING | Required Orientation | ||
| YEAR 1 SPRING | Advanced Generalist Social Work: Communities | SOWK 631 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SPRING | Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice | SOWK 530 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SUMMER | Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals | SOWK 630 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 SUMMER | Required Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy | SOWK 633 | 3 |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varied Credits |
| YEAR 1 FALL | Optional Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 2 SPRING | Advanced Practice with Families and Groups | SOWK 634 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 SPRING | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varied Credits |
| YEAR 2 SPRING | Optional Elective | 3 | |
| YEAR 2 SUMMER | Research Methods | SOWK 600 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 SUMMER | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varied Credits |
| YEAR 2 FALL | Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone | SOWK 698 | 3 |
| YEAR 2 FALL | Concentration Field Placement | SOWK 688 | Varied Credits |
Same faculty and instructors, flexible course delivery Our Distance MSW is delivered through CSU Online
Learn more about course delivery, student experience, and the application process from CSU Online.
