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Bachelor of Social Work graduates, who have obtained their degree in the last six years, may be eligible to complete their MSW in 39 semester hours. Applicants must meet the admissions requirements described below. 

The 60-semester-hour CSWE-accredited MSW program includes theoretical and applied courses in social work and internship engagements under the supervision of professional social workers in regional social service agencies.  The program emphasizes advanced social work practice with individuals and families, the client strengths perspective, and social services leadership.

Courses for both formats are available at the Lorain County  Community College University Center on Saturdays and online to accommodate employed students.

Youngstown State University Website – Master of Social Work

Program Curriculum

Course selection/order may vary. All pathways are subject to change. Always review with your LCCC/Partner advisor.

Disclaimer: The fluidity of these pathways is acknowledged. At each level, changes are possible as requirements, courses, course numbers, etc. may change. All efforts have been made to confirm the accuracy of the pathway by each institution. Always be aware of the date of review on the document. Always seek the assistance of an Academic Advisor or Counselor.   

Traditional Program

Sixty semester hours of coursework are required for completion of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The program may be completed in two years, three years, or four years all beginning in the fall semester of each year. Foundation social work content is comprised of eight courses and two field practicums with an emphasis on the following areas:

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • Oppressed Populations and Cultural Competency
  • Social Work Foundation Practice
  • Advanced Treatment Planning and Outcomes
  • Social Work and the DSM
  • Substance Use and Treatment

The foundation field education is designed to provide the student with learning experiences that promote and integrate the achievement of foundation objectives. The foundation field practicum is taken in two consecutive semesters for a total of six credit hours (480 clock hours). All social work courses are three (3) credit hours.

Advanced content areas consist of eight courses and two advanced field placements with an emphasis on knowledge, skills, and values for advanced direct social work practice with individuals and families. The advanced field education is designed to provide learning experiences that promote and integrate the achievement of advanced program objectives. The advanced field practice is taken in two consecutive semesters for a total of six credit hours (540 clock hours).

The 60-hour program is completed in two, three, or four years (no summer courses). Students enroll in two or three courses per semester. Courses are offered on Saturdays and online. Field placements occur in the final two years of the program.

Course Outline: Traditional Program

YSU CourseCredit Hours
SCWK 6900: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 13
SCWK 6901: Oppressed Populations and Cultural Competency3
SCWK 6902: Social Welfare Policy and Program Analysis3
SCWK 6903: Social Work Foundation Practice 13
SCWK 6904: Field Education 13
SCWK 6905: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 23
SCWK 6906: Business Skills for Social Workers3
SCWK 6907: Social Work Foundation Practice 23
SCWK 6909: Field Education 23

Advanced Courses

YSU CourseCredit Hours
SCWK 7000: Advanced Direct Practice 13
SCWK 7001: Substance Use and Treatment3
SCWK 7002: Trauma-Informed Practices in Social Work3
SCWK 7008: Social Work and the DSM3
SCWK 7009: Field Education 33
SCWK 7003: Theory and Practice of Supervision3
SCWK 7010: Advanced Direct Practice 23
SCWK 7012: Field Education 43
SCWK 7013: Capstone3
SCWK 7017: Advanced Treatment and Planning3
Graduate Elective3

Total Credit Hours: 60

Advanced Standing Program (39 hours)

Applicants who have a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (C.S.W.E) program are considered for advanced standing status. The advanced standing program permits students to complete all requirements of the MSW degree in 39 credit hours. The regular program is completed in 60 credit hours. The advanced standing MSW program can be completed in as early as one year. However, students may choose to complete the required 39 credit hours within two, three, or four years.

Applicants seeking admission to the Advanced Standing Program must meet all admission requirements for the Master of Social Work Program in addition to the following:

  • Earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a C.S.W.E. accredited program within six years prior to enrollment;
  • Earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework; or
  • Earned at least a 2.7 overall GPA and earned A’s and B’s in all junior and senior-level social work courses.

Course Outline: Advanced Standing Program (39 credit hours)

YSU CourseCredit Hours
SCWK 6906    Business Skills for Social Workers3
SCWK 6910    Integrated Foundation3
SCWK 7000    Advanced Direct Practice 13
SCWK 7001   Substance Use and Treatment3
SCWK 7002    Trauma Informed Practices in Social Work3
SCWK 7003    Theory and Practice of Supervision3
SCWK 7008    Social Work and the DSM3
SCWK 7009    Field Education 33
SCWK 7010    Advanced Direct Practice 23
SCWK 7012    Field Education 43
SCWK 7013    Capstone3
SCWK 7017   Advanced Treatment and Outcomes3
Graduate Elective3

Total Credit Hours: 39

Admission Requirements (60 hours)

  • An undergraduate degree, preferably in a social science from an accredited college or university
  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above in all undergraduate coursework
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Professional Statement

Advanced Standing Admission Requirements (39 hours)

  • Possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program within six years before enrollment;
  • Have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate coursework;
  • Have achieved A’s and B’s in the following courses or equivalent: Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1&2, Social Work Methods with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities, Research Methods, Field Work and associated integrated courses.

Application Procedures

  1. Complete an online graduate application.
    • When selecting your degree, make sure  the degree linked to the campus is LCCC/or Lorain
  2. Submit the application fee.
  3. Request all colleges and universities you have attended to send official transcripts directly to YSU.
  4. In certain master’s programs, test results must be submitted as part of the admission procedure. Check with YSU Graduate Admissions.
  5. Once your materials are in, check your email for an admission decision.
  6. Schedule an advising appointment with your assigned YSU graduate advisor.

Submit transcripts to:
Youngstown State University
Attn:  Office of Admissions
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555

How do I know if I am in the University Partnership?

  • You are following the UP Curriculum Pathway from the associate to the bachelor’s degree.
  • For 2:2 degrees, you have been admitted to the partner institution and have registered for your first classes the upcoming semester, 3rd year of partner classes.  The first day of the 3rd year class, you are officially a UP student.
  • For 3:1 degrees, you are a UP student if you are registered for the 3rd year in either bridgework LCCC classes or UP partner classes. You may not be necessarily admitted with the UP partner just yet.  The first day of the 3rd year of UP or LCCC bridgework class, you are officially a UP student.
  • UP Office will use the email address your partner institution shares with us, which is once a semester, to email out a reminder to you about the UP program supports and services.
  • If you are unsure if you are in the UP, you are welcome to email or call the UP Office to verify your status.

How do I show proof I am a UP student to receive benefits and supports offered at LCCC

  • Go to the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor of the LCCC Bass Library  (440) 366-4026.
  • Show your class registration for UP classes with the partner institution or LCCC bridgework classes.
  • Bass Library staff will place a color coded sticker on the back of your LCCC or partner institution ID card.  If you have no LCCC or UP ID card, a UP ID card will be issued to you.
  • You will need to get a new sticker (date specific) each semester that you are registered for UP partner classes.
  • An ID card is not required but would be needed if you are seeking benefits and supports at LCCC while in the partnership.
  • Supports and services are for Elyria Campus and the Learning Centers (Community Learning  Center at Lorain High School, Lorain Learning Center at City Center, LCCC Wellington Center, and University Partnership Ridge Campus).

For More Information 

Meghan Bileci
Master of Social Work Partnership Program Coordinator, Lecturer, Field Coordinator
mabileci@ysu.edu
330-406-9384

See the Youngstown State University Academic Calendar for important academic dates and deadlines.