Marist ranks in the top 10 best Universities in the North Region! Academic vibrancy and our commitment to students is reflected in our MSW curriculum. Joining our expansive community to pursue our online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree will prepare you well for a career in trauma-informed social work anywhere in the country. Our fully online MSW program prepares students to utilize theoretical approaches and trauma-informed evidence-based practice to empower communities through education, advocacy, and assistance. 

No. We consider applications from all disciplines. You must have relatable coursework (i.e., liberal arts, humanities, philosophy, social and behavioral sciences) culminating in a degree certificate from an accredited college or university.  

Our program prepares students for a career in trauma-informed social work. Globally, communities are impacted by traumatic natural, technological, and human events and disasters. Our graduates will be well prepared to provide compassionate, inclusive, and equitable direct services and advocacy for individuals, families, organizations, and communities.  

Students entering the program with an undergraduate degree (not a BSW) will take two years to complete our MSW program. This includes the completion of a 900-hour practicum/internship.  

Students entering the program with a BSW from and accredited program will take one year to complete our MSW program. This includes a 500-hour practicum/internship.  
 

A MSW can lead to many career opportunities, including mental health and substance abuse social work, medical social work, school social work, child welfare and justice.  

A total of 900 practicum education hours are required for a student to graduate from an accredited MSW program.  
Students with a Bachelor of Social Work undergraduate degree may be eligible for Advanced Standing status and their four hundred (400) practicum hours from the undergraduate degree will count toward the 900 total hours.  
 

Preparation for practicum begins in the first semester and the practicum begins in the following semester.  

Yes, employment-based internships are explored by the MSW Practicum Coordinator with every interested student. An extensive vetting process is in place to ensure that student learning goals, performance evaluations, and supervision will meet the MSW Program’s requirements in accordance with the accrediting body. 

The MSW Practicum Coordinator collaborates with you to identify a practicum that best fits your interests and needs. A series of Zoom meetings with the Practicum Coordinator to discuss potential organizations will precede any interviews or meetings with the organizations.

More information will be provided during the Practicum Orientation. Students will receive an introductory email and additional information from their Practicum Seminar Instructor as a point of contact.  
 

Students complete their practicums in their communities. We make every effort to coordinate practicums in locations that are geographically convenient to you.  

The MSW Program hosts an online orientation before the start of the semester. During orientation the MSW Program team members will be available to answer questions and will provide an overview of the two-year and advanced standing programs.    

It is not uncommon for graduate students to work while pursuing a graduate degree. If you are working in a social work-related job and you are interested in an employment-based practicum/internship, we explore the feasibility of you earning practicum hours. An extensive vetting process is in place to ensure that student learning goals, performance evaluations, and supervision will meet the MSW Program’s requirements in accordance with the accrediting body. 

Once admitted, how do I visit the library, gym, and other buildings on Marist’s campus? 
You are part of the Marist community! Pick up your Marist ID and enjoy the on-campus library, gym, and other buildings. Find instructions here.
 

You will connect with your classmates and instructors online in group projects and assignments. There will also be independent coursework. Coursework is assigned and evaluated in Marist’s learning management system called Brightspace and requires that you have adequate internet service and access to a computer. 

Practicum Seminar courses are live! You are required to join these weekly 1.25-hour synchronous afternoon/evening classes via Zoom links provided within your courses.   
 

Find the admission requirements here.

The GRE is not required for this program.

All applications are due by April15th. Marist University offers rolling admission. Your application is reviewed when it is completed. Apply early for an early admission decision. 

Yes, Marist offers rolling admission. Applications will be reviewed when they are complete. Interviews are offered to selected students. Admission decisions are available within a week of the interview. The application deadline is April 15.

Your admission decision will be provided by official email, so you get your answer quickly. Marist University Graduate Admission will also call you. 

We review documentation and make every effort to accept transferable credits. We may be able to accept up to nine transferable credits from other accredited MSW programs. Contact Marist Graduate Admission to discuss details.

Marist awards Merit Scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on your prior GPA. No additional application is required.

Marist has several options to make your degree affordable. Save 25% on tuition with Corporate & Organizational Partnerships. Other options include federal student loans, payment plans, tuition deferment, and more. Connect with Marist Graduate Admission and discuss options available to you.