Why University of New Hampshire?
Two years of full-time experience in the field is strongly recommended for applicants to the online Master of Social Work offered by the University of New Hampshire. UNH is a large public research university in Durham, New Hampshire. Graduation from an accredited undergraduate institution with a broad liberal arts background is required..
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of none is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of New Hampshire |
| Location | Durham |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Department of Social Work |
| Credits | 62 |
| Cost per credit | $1,370.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $84,940 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | none |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Two years of full-time experience in the field is strongly recommended. Graduation from an accredited undergraduate institution with a broad liberal arts background is required. |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 28 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist with Electives: Health and Mental Health; Addictions and Substance Abuse; Children, Youth, and Families; Disabilities |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | smaller program; opportunity for credit through learning trips to Northern Ireland and the Dominican Republic; required course in data analysis and statistics |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Student demonstrates ethical and professional behavior; Student engages diversity and difference in practice; Student advances human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice informed research and research-informed practice; Engages in policy practice; Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; Intervenes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; Evaluates practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. |
| Program Description | A smaller program with higher cost, the online MSW from the University of New Hampshire trains students to be engaged social work practitioners with an emphasis on cultural competence, social justice and research-based practice. 62 credits of coursework are required, as is a practicum. Students can choose to follow an Advanced Generalist pathway, or they can concentrate in health and mental health, addictions and substance abuse, children, youth and families, or disabilities. |
What will I Learn?
Human rights, environmental justice, and social justice are important foundations of the curriculum of this program. As with all schools that are accredited by the Council on Social Work education, the University of New Hampshire prepares students to use research and evaluation throughout their social work practice. Students learn to intervene with and serve individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to be active in shaping policy and research.
The program begins with introductory courses in Social Welfare Policy and Social Work Practice. Students learn more in-depth theory and practice in Social Work Practice II: Practice in Small Groups and Community Organizations, and in Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice. Background knowledge of social structures is taught in two courses in Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Research Methods in Social Work is also required. Students take Field Internship courses to accompany their required practicum. They learn specific approaches in Advanced General Practice III: Clinical Assessment and Intervention and Advanced Generalist Practice IV: Community and Administrative Practice. In-depth theory is developed in Social Welfare Policy II and Human Behavior and the Social Environment III, whereas tenets of evaluation are covered in Data Analysis and Statistics and Program and Practice Evaluation.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 28 months and pay $1,370.00 per credit for a total of 62 credits, or just under $85,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
This program is offered with three start times per year: Fall, Spring or Summer. The full program typically takes 28 months to complete. All courses are asynchronous, meaning that students attend prerecorded lectures on their own schedule, and complete coursework and discussion on a flexible model. No visit to campus is required.
Summary
The University of New Hampshire online MSW program is distinctive in terms of its small size and personalized approach. Students are given opportunities to study abroad in the Dominican Republic and/or Northern Ireland. Unlike some other programs, a course in data analysis and statistics is required. The program is higher in cost than many comparable programs.
