The Distance MSW Program is a three-year, part-time hybrid program that combines online coursework with two intensive learning weekends per semester.
Our distance program is designed to be accessible to students who are seeking a graduate degree while balancing other work and life demands. The distance hybrid programs start each Spring term (mid-January). Applications are accepted March through June. Our distance program features:
- Exemplary instruction from experienced faculty. Read more about our groundbreaking distance education development process in this news article.
- Supportive and accessible program staff
- A cohort model that facilitates peer support and connection
The distance program curriculum is the same as the on-campus curriculum and thus enjoys accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
There are two field education courses within the MSW program, providing nearly 1,000 hours of agency-based learning. We work closely with students to collaboratively facilitate their field placement with partnering organizations. When pursuing graduate study in social work, the field education requirements are an important consideration. The required hours are established by the Council on Social Work Education and therefore, they are similar across accredited MSW graduate programs. At CSU, the foundation field placement requires 270 hours (approximately 10 hours per week for two semesters) and the concentration field placement requires 675 hours (approximately 12 hours per week for four semesters).
The CSU SSW Distance MSW Program is a cohort model program meaning we admit one group or cohort of students for the entire three years of the program, with advanced standing students joining the cohort beginning in the second year.
Advanced Standing Program Option
The Advanced Standing Distance MSW Program is a two-year part-time hybrid program. The Advanced Standing curriculum is the same as the on-campus curriculum. Advanced Standing students must have earned a BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the past seven years. The BSW degree must be granted prior to the beginning of advanced standing classes.
Please note: the Distance MSW Program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
Distance MSW Program Learn More
Browse courses in the CSU Catalog and view Distance MSW Program upcoming cohort schedules below.
Upcoming Cohort Boulder Generalist Program Schedule (2021 Start)
Year 1 - 2021
Spring** 2021
Required Program Orientation 1/16/21
Principles and Philosophy of Social Work – SOWK 500
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
In-person dates: 1/30/21 & 4/10/21
Theoretical Foundations for Social Work – SOWK 515
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
In-person dates: 1/31/21 & 4/11/21
Summer 2021
Small Systems Practice Skills – SOWK 511
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
In-person dates: 6/12/21 & 7/24/21
Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice – SOWK 530
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
In-person dates: 6/13/21 & 7/25/21
Fall** 2021
Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy – SOWK 520
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
In-person dates: 10/9/21 & 12/5/21
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
Mandatory Integrative Foundation Field* Seminar Orientation 10/10/21 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. Placements may be completed in fewer than 4 semesters if desired, as long as 15 credits are completed over a minimum of two semesters.
** Students must be enrolled in 5 credits each semester to be eligible for financial aid. All dates align with the University Calendar to include finals week for Spring/Fall Courses and to factor in a week for Spring/Fall Break.
Year 2 - 2022
Spring** 2022
Adv. Generalist SW: Communities – SOWK 631
3 Credits
Course Dates: 1/18/22-5/13/22
In-person dates: 2/5/22 & 4/23/22
Integrative Foundation Field* Seminar – SOWK 592
1 Credit
Course Dates: 1/18/22-5/13/22
In-person dates: 2/6/22 & 4/24/22 (9 am-12 pm both days)
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course Dates: 1/18/22-5/13/22
Summer 2022
Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals – SOWK 630
3 Credits
Course dates: 6/16/22- 8/5/22
In-person dates: 7/16/22 & 7/17/22
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 6/16/22- 8/5/22
Fall 2022*
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/22/22-12/16/22
In-person dates: 9/24/22 & 12/3/22
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/22/22-12/16/22
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/22/22-12/16/22
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. Placements may be completed in fewer than 4 semesters if desired, as long as 15 credits are completed over a minimum of two semesters.
** Students must be enrolled in 5 credits each semester to be eligible for financial aid. All dates align with the University Calendar to include finals week for Spring/Fall Courses and to factor in a week for Spring/Fall Break.
Year 3 - 2023
SPRING** 2023
Adv. Practice with Families & Groups – SOWK 634
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/17/23-5/12/23
In-person dates: 2/4/23 & 4/22/23
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 1/17/23-5/12/23
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/17/23-5/12/23
SUMMER 2023
Research Methods – SOWK 600
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/15/23-8/4/23
In-person dates: 6/3/23 & 7/22/23
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 5/15/23-8/4/23
FALL** 2023
Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone – SOWK 698
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/21/23-12/15/23
In-person dates: 9/9/23 & 11/4/23
Master’s Project Presentation @CSU 12/8/23 (week 15)
SOWK 688 Concentration Field* Placement
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/21/23-12/15/23
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. Placements may be completed in fewer than 4 semesters if desired, as long as 15 credits are completed over a minimum of two semesters.
** Students must be enrolled in 5 credits each semester to be eligible for financial aid. All dates align with the University Calendar to include finals week for Spring/Fall Courses and to factor in a week for Spring/Fall Break.
Upcoming Cohort Denver Advanced Standing Program Schedule (2021 Start)
Year 1 - 2021
Spring 2021**
Required Orientation in Denver 1/17/21
SOWK 631 Advanced Generalist Social Work: Communities
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
In-person dates: 2/6/21 & 4/24/21
SOWK 530 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
In-person dates: 2/7/21 & 4/25/21
SOWK 588 Foundation Field Placement
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
Summer 2021
SOWK 630 Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
In-person dates: 7/17/21 & 7/18/21
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
SOWK 530 Anti Oppressive Social Work Practice
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/14/18-8/3/18
In-person dates: 6/23 & 7/21
Fall 2021
SOWK 633 Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
In-person dates: 9/25/21 & 12/4/21
SOWK 688 Concentration Field Placement
Varied Credits*
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
Elective (optional)
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
* Students must complete a total of 15 credits (675 hours) for SOWK 688. One credit = 45 hours of agency based learning. Placements may be completed in less than 4 semesters if desired as long as 15 credits are completed over a minimum of two semesters.
** Students must be enrolled in 5 credits each semester to be eligible for financial aid.
*** All dates align with the University Calendar to include finals week for Spring/Fall Courses and to factor in a week for Spring/Fall Break.
Year 2 - 2022
Spring 2022**
SOWK 634 Advanced Practice with Families and Groups
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/18/22-5/13/22
In-person dates: 2/5/22 & 4/23/22
SOWK 688 Concentration Field Placement
Varied Credits*
1/18/22-5/13/22
Elective (optional)
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/18/22-5/13/22
Summer 2022
SOWK 600 Research Methods
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/16/22-8/5/22
In-person dates: 6/4/22 & 7/23/22
SOWK 688 Concentration Field Placement
Varied Credits*
Course dates: 5/16/22-8/5/22
Fall 2022**
SOWK 698 Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/22/22-12/26/22
In-person dates: 9/10/22 & 11/5/22
MSW Capstone Presentation at CSU: 12/2/22
SOWK 688 Concentration Field* Placement
Varied Credits*
Course dates: 8/22/22-12/16/22
* Students must complete 15 credits (675 hours) of SOWK 688. One credit = 45 hours of agency based learning. Placements may be completed in less than 4 semesters if desired as long as 15 credits are completed over a minimum of two semesters.
** Students must be enrolled in 5 credits each semester to be eligible for financial aid.
*** All dates align with the University Calendar to include finals week for Spring/Fall Courses and to factor in a week for Spring/Fall Break.
