DIRECTOR, PROGRAM NAME

Dr. Katharine A. Dill, PhD, LMSW
845-575-3000 ext. 2129 
Katharine.Dill@marist.edu

MSW Program Mission Statement

The Marist University Master of Social Work (MSW) program aligns with the Marist University mission of helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. The MSW program prepares trauma-informed social work professionals to address complex social issues with a foundation in cultural humility, equity, and social justice.

The program is rooted in the principles of the person-in-environment perspective and trauma-informed practice, equipping students to serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at local, national, and global levels.

Program Objectives:

• Train students in advanced trauma-informed practice and evidence-based interventions.
• Develop leaders who advocate for social justice and equity.
• Foster respect for diversity and inclusion in professional practice.
• Prepare graduates to engage in scientific inquiry and policy advocacy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for the MSW program include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Submission of an online application with:
  • Personal statement.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Résumé.
• Official transcripts from all prior academic institutions.
• For Advanced Standing: A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

Degree Requirements

The MSW program offers two options:

• Two-Year Program: 64 credits, including a foundation year and an advanced year.
• Advanced Standing: 32 credits, tailored for BSW graduates entering directly into the specialized year.

Transfer Credits

The MSW Program will transfer up to 9 credits from a CSWE accredited social work program toward the Generalist/first year of the MSW Program. Credits will be evaluated for meeting the content provided in the curriculum. Students will not be required to repeat any content for which they are receiving the 9 transfer credits if they have successfully completed these courses with a grade of B or better.

Advisement

Students are assigned an academic advisor upon enrollment. Advisors guide students through course selection, field practicum placements, and professional development.

Review of Student Performance: Retention, Remediation, and Dismissal

Student performance is regularly evaluated to ensure alignment with academic and professional standards. Policies regarding retention, remediation, and dismissal are detailed in the student handbook.

Accreditation

Marist University has achieved candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it has made progress toward meeting standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. A program that has attained candidacy status has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) but has not yet demonstrated full compliance. Students that are admitted to candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain initial accreditation. Candidacy applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation:CSWE Accreditation

Curriculum Summary

Program Overview:
The curriculum incorporates foundational social work concepts, trauma-informed practice, and advanced skills to address systemic issues of social, economic, and environmental injustice.

Total Credits:

• Two-Year Program: 64 credits
• Advanced Standing: 32 credits