| Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences? |
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It helps. The three musts are the pre-requisites in 1) human biology, 2) research, and 3) socialization (life cycle development in a social systems framework). However, you could have majored in History and still have taken some social science coursework.
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| Can I work and still access this degree? |
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Yes. You can complete this program in 3-4 years while working. However, your employer must allow you to shorten your work week hours so that you can 1) Put in the 16 hours (first field year) and 20 hours (second field year) that a field placement requires and 2) Be able to attend 5:00 classes 2 days a week.
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| Can I transfer in any of my coursework or experience? |
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Our MSW curriculum calls for one elective. If you have taken a graduate elective relevant to social work within the last seven years, that course may be transferable. BSW applicants may be able to waive certain foundation courses. Although experience is desirable to be a competitive applicant, experience cannot be used in place of field hours.
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| What is this program that gives money? |
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We participate in the statewide Title IV-E Stipend Program. Students interested in public child welfare may apply and selected students receive a yearly stipend. As part of their course of study, they do field placement in child welfare agencies. And, at graduation, they agree to render 1 year of full-time employment in a public child welfare agency for each year they receive the stipend.
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| Can I come in and be advised by a professor? |
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Most questions can be answered by office personnel or at the applicant orientation sessions held in the fall. However, unanswered questions can be directed to Dr. Ray Liles at 909-537-5557 or reliles@csusb.edu.
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| How will I know if my enrollment file is complete before the deadline? |
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It is up to the applicant to call the office and check if specific pieces of the application have been submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with individuals writing letters of reference to make sure the letters are postmarked or delivered before the last Friday in January.
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| When will I be notified of acceptance or denial? |
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Typically, letters of acceptance begin to go out in April, followed by denial letters.
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| What can I do with this degree? |
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The Masters in Social Work is internationally recognized. There are MSWs working all over the nation and the globe. This is not the case with many other Masters degrees in counseling that vary from state to state. The MSW has “quality assurance” in that the Council on Social Work Education accredits all programs. This means that employers know they hire a quality professional whose classroom and field curriculum have standards assuring professional competence.
Social workers are the #1 provider of mental health services in the country, in both public and private organizations. They are the dominant professional in public child welfare—social services to children and families facing multiple challenges. They work in hospitals, services to older and aging adults, school settings, and even in industry—with employee assistance programs. Some work in private practice, however, many do both private practice and agency work. They work as direct practitioners, supervisors, consultants, policy analysts, administrators, and part-time teachers in college settings.
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| Are there jobs in this field? |
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One has only to look at the want ads to see the demand for social workers. Although this program has been around for more than a decade, we still cannot fill the needs in the Inland Empire for trained social workers in mental health, and child and family services. For specific information on job opportunities, click Jobs On-Line.
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| How much do you make? |
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Salaries vary, of course, from setting to setting and as social services experience new demands. Starting salaries for county employees may range from $35,000 to $40,000 a year. Larger non-profits such as regional centers (for people with developmental disabilities) often begin at this level with hospitals and schools generally competitive. Smaller non-profits may offer a bit less; however, part-time opportunities may be more readily available.
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| What happens if I miss the deadline? |
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Applications are accepted and reviewed until openings are filled. Complete applications received before the last Friday in January are guaranteed review. Subsequent complete applications will be reviewed until available positions are filled. |
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