Why Fordham University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by Fordham University prepares students for a social work career informed by the Jesuit educational tradition. Fordham University, a large private Jesuit research university in the Bronx, New York, accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject. However, applicants are expected to have completed at least eighteen undergraduate liberal arts credits.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.60 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Fordham University |
| Location | Bronx |
| State | New York |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Graduate School of Social Service |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $963.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $57,780 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.60 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | 18 undergraduate liberal arts credits |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 16-32 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring and Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Individuals and Families; Evaluation; Organizations and Community; Policy Practice and Advocacy |
| Synchronous Classes | Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Social work skills lab; Jesuit tradition |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | To develop a strong knowledge and skill base in generalist practice with a focus on and commitment to human rights and social justice; Develop specialist skills in advanced areas of the social work profession such as clinical, leadership and macro practice, research, community and organizations, that build on the generalist practice foundation Practice with and on behalf of diverse populations, in order to promote individual, familial, organizational, and community well-being; Critical and systematic examination, evaluation, and utilization of research and other sources of empirical evidence in order to refine practice knowledge, skills, and interventions Competent social work practice guided by a sense of professional identity, values and ethical standards, as well as by recognition of the need for ongoing professional development |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program grounded in the Jesuit tradition prepares students to be competent and ethical social work practitioners. Four concentrations are offered, including in the highly desired Evaluation focus area. All students must complete a practicum and a capstone Integrative Seminar. |
What will I Learn?
The emphasis throughout the program is to develop a strong knowledge and skill base in generalist practice with a focus on and commitment to human rights and social justice. Students develop specialist skills in advanced areas of the social work profession such as clinical, leadership and macro practice, research, community and organizations, that build on the generalist practice foundation. Fordham students learn to practice with and on behalf of diverse populations, in order to promote individual, familial, organizational, and community well-being. The curriculum is grounded in a critical and systematic examination, evaluation, and utilization of research and other sources of empirical evidence in order to refine practice knowledge, skills, and interventions. Graduates are expected to be guided by a sense of professional identity, values and ethical standards, as well as by recognition of the need for ongoing professional development.
Required courses in the program begin with Contemporary Social Welfare Policy and Integrating Human Rights and Justice in Practice. Students learn key professional skills in Social Work Practice With Individuals Across the Lifespan, Social Work Practice With Families and Groups Across the Lifespan, Social Work Skills Lab and Social Work Practice With Organizations and Communities. Key foundations of direct practice are covered in Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis and Applied Social Work Research and Evaluation. Practicum experiences are consolidated and discussed in a required Fieldwork course and Integrative Seminar.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Individuals and Families; Evaluation; Organizations and Community; Policy Practice and Advocacy
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 16-32 months and pay $963.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $57,780 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses are synchronous, meaning that students attend “live” class sessions online each week at a scheduled time. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 16-32 months. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring and Summer.
Summary
With a fairly low minimum GPA required for applicants, the online Master of Social Work program at Fordham University represents an accessible option for individuals who may have had a less successful undergraduate experience but who are now inspired to enter the social work profession. Live synchronous classes offer an opportunity for connection with instructors and classmates. The cost of the program skews higher than some similar degree options. However, the college’s Jesuit tradition may be very attractive for some applicants.
