What Makes the Marist Social Work Program Unique?

The opportunity to complete a two-year master's degree in social work (MSW) in one year.

MSW programs are generally two-year programs. However, if you have graduated from Marist with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) with a GPA of 3.0 or better, you are able to apply for advanced standing and complete a MSW program in one year. This is because Marist's Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the last year of our BSW program is comparable to the first year of an MSW program.

A Small Cohort Model

Students enter the program in the first semester of the junior year with a group of peers. They travel through the program with the same group of students - their cohort - until they graduate.

A Rigorous Field Education

During their senior year, students are involved in a year-long field education placement in the community, at the same agency, all day Monday and Wednesday, and they return for a mini-block placement following winter break.

Engagement with Service Learning/Community-Based Learning

Throughout the curriculum, students have the opportunity to be involved in experiential learning. Some examples include conducting an agency assessment, interviewing a social worker, participating in an agency based research project, and engaging in a group project to promote social change on campus or in the larger community.

Strong Faculty/Student Collaboration

Faculty serve as mentors in the research process and, together with students, present at local and state conferences.

A Social Justice Orientation

The program is grounded in the discipline of sociology for a human rights perspective emphasizing social, economic, and environmental justice.

Active Involvement with Alumni

Alumni are a strong presence in the BSW program, including giving lectures through the Professional Development Series, serving on the Advisory Board, teaching in the program, and supervising students in the field.