Online Master of Social Work - Traditional Track

Keuka College — *Fulfill* Your Desire to Make a Difference

*Online Master of Social Work (MSW)* Traditional Track

CSWE Accredited

Field Placement Services

100% Online Coursework

Curriculum Snapshot - Online MSW Traditional Track

SWK 520 - Social Work Ethics & Applications in Diversity

The purpose of this course is for students to develop a critical understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics, scrutinizing ethical dilemmas and their applications, with a focus on practice with diverse populations and individual differences.

SWK 527 - Foundation Seminar I

The focus of this first in a series of two courses will be on becoming familiar with the social service agency, and the intern’s role and function at the agency, as well as beginning to integrate classroom learning from the foundation courses to practice applications.

SWK 535 - Social Work Practice with Couples and Families

This course focuses on the student’s development and integration of professional use of self in their direct practice with family systems and couples, with emphasis on diverse populations.

Fast Facts

Apply Now for
Spring 2025
Next start date:
January 27, 2025
2.6 years to complete
3 intakes per year
CSWE Accredited

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SWK 570 - Human Behavior & the Social Environment

This course focuses on expanding student knowledge related to human bio-psycho-social-spiritual development through the life stages, including knowledge about social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organizations, instructions, and communities).

Field Placement FAQs

Your field placement experience will be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of earning your degree. These frequently asked questions will help you better understand the field placement services we provide our online students.

How does the field placement process work?

What am I responsible for to ensure a timely field experience?

How do field placement services help me?

In what types of agencies do students complete their internships?

The field placement team collaborates with you to secure quality placement sites that reflect your educational goals, desired practice specialty, and scheduling requests. The team ensures all experiences meet CSWE accreditation standards, and the agencies and field instructors are approved prior to the start of your fieldwork.

Completing the field placement intake form initiates the field placement search process. Upon completion of the form, you will be required to complete all field clearance requirements (by the school and agency) prior to the start of your first field experience. Most agencies have additional requirements for the school and/or interviews that students must complete prior to starting field hours. As active participants in the placement process, and to help focus the placement team’s search, students are encouraged to provide any local sites where they would prefer to complete their field hours.

How does the field placement process work?

The field placement team collaborates with you to secure quality placement sites that reflect your educational goals, desired practice specialty, and scheduling requests. The team ensures all experiences meet CSWE accreditation standards, and the agencies and field instructors are approved prior to the start of your fieldwork.

What am I responsible for to ensure a timely field experience?

Completing the field placement intake form initiates the field placement search process. Upon completion of the form, you will be required to complete all field clearance requirements (by the school and agency) prior to the start of your first field experience. Most agencies have additional requirements for the school and/or interviews that students must complete prior to starting field hours. As active participants in the placement process, and to help focus the placement team’s search, students are encouraged to provide any local sites where they would prefer to complete their field hours.

How do field placement services help me?

Field placement provides 900 hours of real-world, hands-on clinical social work experience. The placement team identifies and secures quality placement sites within your local community so that you can focus on your coursework and the core competencies that will help you succeed.

In what types of agencies do students complete their internships?

Typically, students complete their field hours at:

Community centers/organizations
Human service agencies
Counseling and therapy centers
Addiction and mental health treatment facilities
Adoption agencies
Senior care facilities, such as nursing homes
Correctional facilities
Hospitals/Clinics

Why Choose a Clinical Master of Social Work program?

One of the benefits of earning a clinical MSW degree is its versatility. Not only can you practice as a mental health provider, but you’ll also gain strong qualifications that translate well within the social work profession across many generalist roles and leadership positions in various types of organizations. Read more on clinical vs. generalist social work.

	Clinical Social Work	Generalist Social Work
Overview	Focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances	Has a range of applications within organizations, initiatives, agencies, advocacy groups, community organizations, healthcare, and more
Credentialing	Requires distinct clinical social work licensure at the state level	Licensure for generalist social work at the state level
Minimum education	Accredited MSW	Accredited MSW or BSW (separate licensure levels)
Scope of practice	In addition to being qualified for a range of generalist roles, state-licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can practice as therapists/mental healthcare providers who are eligible for insurance reimbursement	More applicable to organizational or community roles in a variety of systems, including public service, nonprofit, education, criminal justice, policy, advocacy, healthcare, and within the private sector
Best suited for	Professionals interested primarily in providing therapeutic mental health services in individual, family, or group environments	Professionals more interested in macro-level practice with groups and communities, such as case management and social program leadership

Financial Aid Options

A Keuka College education is an investment in your future and more affordable than you may think.

Supports such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) can help cover your education cost and pave the way for your future career.

Additionally, there are a variety of scholarship opportunities available for students who meet certain criteria. Simply complete your application for admission and submit your FAFSA to see available scholarships.

Keuka College MSW Traditional Track tuition comparison

At $824 per credit, Keuka College's affordable MSW program outshines the competition.

Looking to learn more about the variety of financial aid support available to students, including government grants? Check out Keuka College’s Tuition and Financial Aid resources.

Get My MSW Program Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, Email Your Enrollment Advisor.

Is Keuka College’s online Master of Social Work degree program accredited?

The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation can improve your chances of licensure and career options through its standardization of educational criteria. Download our Assessment of Student Learning to learn more. Keuka College is a regionally accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

How long will it take for me to complete the online Master of Social Work program if I follow the traditional track?

This online MSW program is taken on a part-time basis and requires 60 credit hours, 900 field practicum hours, and can be completed in 2.6 years. Students on this track without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) take the foundational courses first, followed by the core courses.

How much does the online Master of Social Work program cost if I follow the traditional track?

The traditional track program costs $824 per credit hour, for a total program investment of $49,440 (plus applicable fees). A variety of financial aid options are available to our online students. Learn more about tuition.

Is the online Master of Social Work faculty experienced?

Rest assured, you will be educated by a committed faculty of clinicians, scholars, and peers who share your passion for providing mental health services. All of our educators are licensed social workers who practice in the field, many of whom are also active researchers advancing the field of social work.

Why should I choose a clinical Master of Social Work program?

One of the benefits of earning a clinical MSW degree is its versatility. Not only can you practice as a mental health provider, but you’ll also gain strong qualifications that translate well within the social work profession across many generalist roles and leadership positions in various types of organizations. Read more on clinical vs. generalist social work.

What can I do with an online Master of Social Work degree from Keuka College?

Graduates with a master’s degree from our clinical-focused program can not only practice as mental health providers in private practice, but this versatile degree translates well to many generalist roles and leadership positions within organizations. Example careers for MSW graduates include:

Psychotherapist
Substance abuse counselor
Agency executive director/administrator
School social worker
Youth services advocate
Medical social worker
Family social worker

Start Your Journey

Online MSW Program Themes

Professional and Ethical Development
Build your professional identity and capabilities to practice ethical, conscious, and informed clinical social work practice.

Clinical Social Work Competencies
Expand and integrate theoretical knowledge and skills through which social work assessment and intervention may be carried out.

Integrating Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
Apply skills through experiential learning, along with discussion and assignments that support the integration of theory as well as professional ethics and values.

Social Policy, Diversity, and Human Rights
Explore the framework of social welfare policy in the United States to become an informed advocate for human rights.

A Career In Demand

Social work employment is projected to grow 7% over the decade (2022-2032), faster than average for all occupations, to 782,500 social work jobs.
About 63,800 openings in social work positions are projected each year, on average, over the decade (2022-2032).
Social workers held about 728,600 jobs in 2022.
Projected employment of social workers varies by occupation, but all positions are growing.
- Child, family, and school social workers to grow 7%.
- Healthcare social workers to grow 5%.
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers to grow 10%.
- All other social workers to grow 11%.

^{Source: BLS}

projected job growth by BLS, faster than average.

Why Choose Keuka?

Keuka College's Online Master of Social Work program is a top choice for aspiring social work professionals due to its unique features. The program stands out with dedicated field placement support, ensuring hands-on experiences in students' local communities.

Beyond academics, the program prioritizes holistic well-being by offering mental health resources. The high quality, rigor, affordability, and commitment to excellence of Keuka College’s Online Master of Social Work program make it a leader in online social work education, empowering change-makers nationwide.

LMSW vs LCSW Infographic

Social Work

View pathways to social work licensure with a MSW.

How Keuka College’s MSW Refines Students’ Social Work Skills

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Melissa Kilmartin

Contact an Admissions Advisor

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated admissions advisors today to get more information about:

Our online MSW programs
The application process
Our student support structure

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Requirements Not Met

To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us.

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us.

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Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional Track

Become a Leader in Social Work

Keuka College Online

Program Facts

Admission Requirements

Field Placement and Student Support Services