The Distance M.S.W. 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. 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 M.S.W. 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 M.S.W. 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 M.S.W. 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 B.S.W. from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the past seven years. The B.S.W. degree must be granted prior to the beginning of advanced standing classes.
Please note: the Distance M.S.W. Program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
Distance M.S.W. Program Learn More
Denver Generalist Program Schedule
Year 1 - 2017
Spring 2017**
Principles and Philosophy of Social Work – SOWK 500
3 credits
Course dates: 1/14-2/19
In-person dates: 1/14-15
Theoretical Foundations for Social Work – SOWK 515
4 credits
Course dates: 2/20-5/12
In-person dates: 4/1-2
Summer 2017**
Generalist Practice: Small Client Systems – SOWK 511
3 credits
Course dates: 5/15-8/6
In-person dates: 6/3-4 & 7/22-23
Small Client Systems Skills Laboratory – SOWK 512
1 credit
Course dates: 5/15-8/6
In-person dates: 6/3-4 & 7/22-23
Fall 2017**
Social Welfare Policy Analysis – SOWK 520
3 credits
Course dates: 8/21-12/15
In-person dates: 10/14-15 & 12/2-3
Generalist Practice: Large Client Systems – SOWK 611
3 credits
Course dates: 8/21-12/15
In-person dates: 10/14-15 & 12/2-3
Foundation Field Placement – SOWK 588*
3 credits
Course dates: 8/21-12/18
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. These are variable and you can choose how to weight your semesters.
**To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in 6 credits total for each Fall and Spring semester, and 5 credits total in Summer.
Year 2 - 2018
Spring 2018**
Methods of Research I – SOWK 600
3 credits
Course dates: 1/16/18-5/11/18
In-person dates: 2/24-25
Foundation Field Placement* – SOWK 588
3 credits
Course dates: 1/16/18-5/11/18
Summer 2018**
Elective
3 credits
Anti Oppressive Social Work Practice – SOWK 530
3 credits
Course dates: 5/14/18-8/3/18
In-person dates: 6/23-7/21
Fall 2018**
Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals – SOWK 630
3 credits
Coruse dates: 8/20/18-12/14/18
In-person dates: 10/13-14
Concentration Field Placement* – SOWK 688
3-6 Credits
Course dates: 8/20/18-12/14/18
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. These are variable and you can choose how to weight your semesters.
**To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in 6 credits total for each Fall and Spring semester, and 5 credits total in Summer.
Year 3 - 2019
SPRING 2019**
Advanced Practice with Families and Groups – SOWK 634
3 credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/2 & 4/27
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/3 & 4/28
Concentration Field Placement* – SOWK 688
3-5 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
SUMMER 2019**
Methods of Research – SOWK 601
3 credits
Course Dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
In-person dates: 6/8 & 8/3
Advanced Community Practice – SOWK 631
3 credits (2 online; 1 face-to-face)
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
In-person dates: 6/9 & 8/4
Concentration Field Placement – SOWK 688
2-4 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
FALL 2019**
Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone – SOWK 698
3 credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
In-person dates: 9/14, 11/2 & 12/13 (at CSU)
Concentration Field Placement* – SOWK 688
3-5 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. These are variable and you can choose how to weight your semesters.
**To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in 6 credits total for each Fall and Spring semester, and 5 credits total in Summer.
Denver Advanced Standing Program Schedule
Year 1 - 2018
Spring 2018
Required Orientation in Denver 1/12/18
Small Client Systems (Theory and Practice) – SOWK 571
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/16/18-5/11/18
In-person dates: 2/24
Large Client Systems (Theory and Practice) – SOWK 572
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/16/18-5/11/18
In-person dates: 2/25
Summer 2018
Elective
3 Credits
Anti Oppressive Social Work Practice – SOWK 530
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/14/18-8/3/18
In-person dates: 6/23 & 7/21
Fall 2018
SOWK 630- Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/20/18-12/14/18
In-person dates: 10/13-14
Concentration Field Placement – SOWK 688
3-6 Credits
Course dates: 8/20/18-12/14/18
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. These are variable and you can choose how to weight your semesters.
**To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in 6 credits total for each Fall and Spring semester, and 5 credits total in Summer.
Year 2 - 2019
Spring 2019**
Advanced Practice with Families and Groups – SOWK 634
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/2 & 4/27
Advanced Practice: Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/3 & 4/28
Concentration Field Placement – SOWK 688
3-5 Credits
1/22/19-5/17/19
Summer 2019
Methods of Research II – SOWK 601
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
In-person dates: 6/8 & 8/3
Advanced Practice with Communities – SOWK 631
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/10
In-person dates: 6/9 & 8/4
Concentration Field Placement – SOWK 688
2-4 Credits
Course dates:5/20-8/9
Fall 2019**
Advanced Applied Research – SOWK 698
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/19/19-12/20/19
In-person dates: 9/14, 11/2 & 12/13 (at CSU)
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
3-6 Credits
Course dates: 8/19/19-12/20/19
* Note 45 Field hours = 1 credit hour; program total must be 675 Field hours = 15 credit hours. Total Field credits MUST be 15 credits. These are variable and you can choose how to weight your semesters.
**To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in 6 credits total for each Fall and Spring semester, and 5 credits total in Summer.
Boulder Generalist Program Schedule
Year 1 -2018
Spring 2018**
Required Orientation in Boulder 1/13/18
Principles and Philosophy of Social Work – SOWK 500
3 Credits
Course dates:1/16/18-5/11/18
In-person dates: 2/17 & 4/28
Theoretical Foundations for Social Work – SOWK 515
4 Credits
Couse dates: 1/16/18 – 5/11/18
In-person dates: 2/18 & 4/29
Summer 2018
Small Systems Practice Skills – SOWK 511
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/14/18 -8/3/18
In-person dates: 6/23 & 7/21
Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice – SOWK 530
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/14/18 – 8/3/18
In-person dates: 6/24 & 7/22
Field* Orientation 7/21/18 8-9:30 a.m.
Fall 2018**
Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy – SOWK 520
3 Credits
Couse dates: 8/20/18 -12/14/18
In-person dates: 10/13 & 12/1
Mandatory Field* Orientation 10/14/18 (1/2 day)
SOWK 588 Foundation Field* Placement
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/20/18 -12/14/18
* 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 - 2019
Spring 2019**
Adv. Generalist SW: Communities – SOWK 631
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/9 & 4/27
Integrative Foundation Field Seminar – SOWK 592
1 Credit
Course dates: 1/22/19- 5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/10 & 4/28 (1/2 day)
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19 – 5/17/19
Summer 2019
Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals – SOWK 630
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19 – 8/9/19
In-person dates: 7/20-21
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19 – 8/9/19
Fall** 2019
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
In-person dates: 9/28 & 12/7
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
* 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 - 2020
SPRING** 2020
Adv. Practice with Families & Groups – SOWK 634
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
In-person dates: 2/8 & 4/25
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
SUMMER 2020
Research Methods – SOWK 600
Credits: 3
Course dates: 5/18/20 – 8/7/20 6/6/20
7/18/20
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 5/18/20 – 8/7/20
FALL** 2020
Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone – SOWK 698
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/24/20 – 12/18/20
In-person dates: 9/12 & 11/1
Master’s Project Presentation @CSU 12/11/20 (week 15)
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/24/20 – 12/18/20
* 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.
Boulder Advanced Standing Program Schedule
Year 1 - 2019
Spring 2019**
Adv. Generalist SW: Communities – SOWK 631
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/9 & 4/27
Integrative Foundation Field Seminar – SOWK 592
1 Credit
Course dates: 1/22/19- 5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/10 & 4/28 (1/2 day)
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19 – 5/17/19
Summer 2019
Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals – SOWK 630
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19 – 8/9/19
In-person dates: 7/20-21
Optional Elective*
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19 – 8/9/19
Fall** 2019
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
In-person dates: 9/28 & 12/7
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
Optional Elective*
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
* 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.
** 3 elective credits are required to complete the program. Additionally elective credits are optional towards a graduate certificate or for financial aid eligibility. 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 - 2020
SPRING** 2020
Adv. Practice with Families & Groups – SOWK 634
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
In-person dates: 2/8 & 4/25
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
Optional Elective*
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/21/20 – 5/15/20
SUMMER 2020
Research Methods – SOWK 600
Credits: 3
Course dates: 5/18/20 – 8/7/20 6/6/20
7/18/20
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 5/18/20 – 8/7/20
FALL** 2020
Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone – SOWK 698
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/24/20 – 12/18/20
In-person dates: 9/12 & 11/1
Master’s Project Presentation @CSU 12/11/20 (week 15)
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 8/24/20 – 12/18/20
* 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.
** 3 elective credits are required to complete the program. Additionally elective credits are optional towards a graduate certificate or for financial aid eligibility. 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.
Fort Collins Generalist Program Schedule
Year 1 - 2019
Spring** 2019
Required Program Orientation 1/20/19
Principles and Philosophy of Social Work – SOWK 500
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/2 & 4/13
Theoretical Foundations for Social Work – SOWK 515
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/22/19-5/17/19
In-person dates: 2/3 & 4/14
Summer 2019
Small Systems Practice Skills – SOWK 511
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
In-person dates: 6/8 & 7/20
Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice – SOWK 530
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/20/19-8/9/19
In-person dates: 6/9 & 7/21
Mandatory SOWK 588 Field* Placement Webpage Orientation 7/20/19 8:30-9 a.m.
Fall** 2019
Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy – SOWK 520
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
In-person dates: 10/12 & 12/8
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/26/19-12/20/19
Mandatory Integrative Foundation Field* Seminar Orientation 10/13/19 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 - 2020
Spring** 2020
Adv. Generalist SW: Communities – SOWK 631
3 Credits
Course Dates: 1/21/20-5/15/20
In-person dates: 2/8 & 4/25
Integrative Foundation Field* Seminar – SOWK 592
1 Credit
Course dates: 1/21/20-5/15/20
In-person dates: 2/9 (1/2 day)
Foundation Field* Placement – SOWK 588
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/21/20-5/15/20
Summer 2020
Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals – SOWK 630
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/18/20- 8/7/20
In-person dates: 6/6 & 7/18
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/18/20-8/7/20
Fall 2020*
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy – SOWK 633
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/24/20-12/18/20
In-person dates: 9/26 & 12/5
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Elective
3 Credits
* 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 - 2021
SPRING** 2021
Adv. Practice with Families & Groups – SOWK 634
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
In-person dates: 2/6 & 4/24
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
Elective
3 Credits
Course dates: 1/19/21-5/14/21
SUMMER 2021
Research Methods – SOWK 600
3 Credits
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
In-person dates: 6/5 & 7/17
Concentration Field* Placement – SOWK 688
Variable Credits*
Course dates: 5/17/21-8/6/21
FALL** 2021
Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone – SOWK 698
3 Credits
Course dates: 8/23/21-12/17/21
In-person dates: 9/11 & 11/6
Master’s Project Presentation @CSU 12/10/21 (week 15)
SOWK 688 Concentration Field* Placement
Variable Credits*
* 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.