Frequently Asked Questions: MSU Social Work Program
Q: Can I get an MSW through MSU?
A: No - MSU only offers a BSW (4 year Bachelor’s Degree Program)
Q: Is the program offered online?
A: No - the program is not delivered in an online format. Classes are delivered through a combination of face-to-face, online asynchronous, or Blackboard Collaborate (online synchronous) course delivery modalities.
Q: How many courses are considered face to face?
A: Six courses are face to face. The following program courses are not in an online format and must be taken at one of our three program options:
- SWK 250 Interpersonal Skills
- SWK 330 HBSE
- SWK 331 Family Dynamics
- SWK 335 Methods I
- SWK 426 Methods II
- SWK 427 Methods III
Q: How many courses are online?
A: The following courses are offered in an online asynchronous modality.
- SWK 225 Self-Care for the Helping Professions
- SWK 256 Development of Social Welfare
- SWK 340 Social Welfare Policy
- SWK 402 Native American Children & Adolescents
- SWK 428 Crisis Intervention
- SWK 430 Diversity, Oppression & Social Change
Q: Where can I take MSU Social Work classes?
A: MSU has three program sites: Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo. The Fargo program is a dual degree program (Human Development & Family Sciences/Social Work). You must be enrolled at both NDSU and MSU to complete this program. Bismarck students transfer from BSC into MSU with a two year Associate of Arts degree and complete the face to face courses (through MSU) on the BSC campus.
Q: How long will it take me to go through the program?
A: It typically takes four years to get a BSW degree and this is inclusive of general education classes. Most students take a course load of 15 credits each semester. If you are transferring in an Associate of Arts or Science degree it will take you approximately two years to complete the BSW.
Q: Are summer courses offered?
A: At this time two SWK courses are offered in the summer (SWK 256 Development of Social Welfare & SWK 402 Native American Children & Adolescents). Some program requirements may be taken in the summer if the department providing them offers a summer course section. Summer course availability varies and students need to work with their advisors to establish summer schedules.
Q: When is the admission application due?
A: The Social Work program admission application is due the 5th week of Spring Semester in early February.
Q: Do I need to do a 25 hour volunteer requirement pre-admission?
A: Yes -The admission requirement is embedded in the SWK 250 interpersonal skills course and is completed concurrently with this course that is a prerequisite program requirement.
Q: What are the course prerequisites for program admission?
A: The following courses should be completed or in progress by the time you apply for the program.
- ENGL 110 & ENGL 120 (Composition I & II)
- COMM 110 (Fundamentals of Communication)
- PSYC 111 (Introduction to Psychology)
- SOC 110 (Introduction to Sociology)
- POLS 115 (American Government)
- BIOL 111/Lab (Concepts of Biology) or another Life Science lab pair
- SWK 256 (Development of Social Welfare)
- SWK 250 (Interpersonal Skills)
Q: What are the GPA Requirements for program admission?
A: Social Work GPA of 2.5 and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. The SWK GPA is calculated based on SWK 250, 256, and any other SWK courses that have been taken prior to program admission.
Q: What are the credit requirements for program admission?
A: 32 credits or sophomore standing
Q: Can I get academic credit for previous life experience/internships or volunteer hours?
A: No - We do not give credit for previous experience.
Q: Can I take any Social Work classes before I am admitted to the program?
A: Yes! The following courses may be taken prior to admission:
- SWK 225 Self-Care for the Helping Professions
- SWK 250 Interpersonal Skills
- SWK 256 Development of Social Welfare
- SWK 330 Human Behavior & the Social Environment
- SWK 331 Family Dynamics
- SWK 340 Social Welfare Policy
- SWK 402 Native American Children & Adolescents
- SWK 428 Crisis Intervention
- SWK 430 Diversity, Oppression & Social Change
Q: How many field education hours do I need to complete for the BSW degree?
A: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires a 400 hour field experience. This is completed in SWK 490 Field Education offered in Spring Semester. All CSWE accredited Social Work programs require students to complete 400 hours.
Q: Can I complete field hours outside of North Dakota?
A: Yes - we allow students to complete field education in other states as long as the agency hosting the student has the ability to meet the requirements of the field education course.
