Why University of North Dakota?
The online Master of Social Work at UND, or the University of North Dakota, provides students with the resources and opportunities of this larger public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Applicants are expected to have completed 30 credit hours of undergraduate liberal arts courses in fields such as biology, music, languages, anthropology, economics, political science, history, literature, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. A grade of C or higher in a statistics course is required prior to entering the Advanced Generalist Concentration (the second half) of the MSW program..
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of North Dakota |
| Location | Grand Forks |
| State | North Dakota |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Department of Social Work |
| Credits | 52 |
| Cost per credit | $558.73 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $29,053.96 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | At least 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses in such fields as biology, music, languages, anthropology, economics, political science, history, literature, sociology, psychology, and philosophy; A grade of C or higher in a statistics course prior to entering the Advanced Generalist Concentration portion of the MSW program. |
| Campus Visit Required? | Some Visits Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist |
| 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 | Financial support to qualified students who commit to working in an approved child welfare agency in North Dakota; strong student social work association; campus children and family services training center, with focus on rural communities and foster parents; participate in the web-based Leadership Academy for Supervisors |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | The Advanced Generalist emphasis prepares you for all practice settings, including clinical social work. You will be prepared to provide advanced social services and develop the skills needed for advanced positions |
| Program Description | Aimed primarily at students living and working in North Dakota’s rural areas, with limited access to other social work training, the online Master of Social Work program at UND focuses on the needs of rural communities and child welfare work in particular. 52 credits of coursework are required, as well as a capstone project and a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
The Advanced Generalist approach of this program prepares students for all practice settings, including clinical social work. Graduates will be prepared to provide advanced social services and develop the skills needed for advanced positions. Key concepts such as environmental, social and economic justice and evidence-based practice underlie the entire curriculum.
The curriculum is comprehensive. Introductory courses in Human Behavior and the Social Environment, as well as a course in Social Policy, lay the foundation. Students then follow a suite of courses in Generalist Practice, with Individuals and Families, with Treatment and Task Groups, and with Communities and Organizations. Students are also required to take Generalist Research Methods and Analysis, as well as Generalist Practice Field Education I and II to accompany the required practicum.
Courses in the second year, or Advanced Generalist year, mirror those of the first year. Students again focus on Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Research Methods and Analysis, and a suite of Practice courses. A course in Tools for Policy prepares students for leadership in this area, and the required Advanced Generalist Field Education Seminars help to consolidate concepts.
Students are required to complete either an Independent Study or Thesis.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $558.73 per credit for a total of 52 credits, or just over $29,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
All courses in this program are synchronous, meaning they are offered online at scheduled times. This model offers students greater predictability, more opportunities for communicating with professors and peers, and a more “traditional” feel. Some visits to campus are required. The program starts in the Fall and most students complete the program in 3 years. Funding is available for students who commit to working in an approved North Dakota child welfare agency.
Summary
This is a lower-cost program which offers several advantages to the student seeking a comprehensive generalist degree. UND provides financial support to qualified students who commit to working in an approved child welfare agency in North Dakota upon graduation. Students can get involved with an active Student Social Work Association, and/or seek opportunities with UND’s Children and Family Services Training Center, providing research and training with a strong rural focus. Internships are available in various agencies and focus especially on work in rural areas. Students can participate in the web-based Leadership Academy for Supervisors as part of their online education.
