Why University of South Florida?
The online Master of Social Work offered by University of South Florida provides students with the opportunity to pursue licensure in social work. The University of South Florida, a very large public research university in Tampa, Florida, requests that applicants to the program hold an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts, including 12 credits of social sciences, humanities and fine arts, including 3 credits of biology addressing human biology, and a minimum of three credits of social and behavioral sciences. One statistics course may also be used in completing this requirement.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of South Florida |
| Location | Tampa |
| State | Florida |
| Niche.com Grade | A |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $877.17 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $52,630 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | 12 credits Liberal Arts including 3 credits of human biology and minimum 3 credits social and behavioral sciences |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 8 semesters |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist |
| Synchronous Classes | Some 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 | cohort model to build relationships – all students follow same course sequence; faculty expertise in Latino services, international partnerships with India and Haiti; indigenous studies |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | preparation of the graduate for professional social work practice through the acquisition of specialized knowledge and skills necessary for clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups. |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program uses a cohort model of instruction in which all students take the same courses in the same order, lending the program a feeling of community and predictability. With expertise in Latino and indigenous studies, faculty prepare students for work in a range of social work contexts. All students complete a practicum but no capstone is required. |
What will I Learn?
The emphasis throughout the program is preparation of the graduate for professional social work practice through the acquisition of specialized knowledge and skills necessary for clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups.
The required courses in the program begin with a suite of Foundation courses: Human Behavior, Social Work Macro Practice, Social Welfare Policy, Social Work Micro Practice, and Social Work Research and Statistics. Key issues are addressed in Diversity and Social Justice, while students address major challenges encountered by clients in courses in Psychopathology and Health, Illness, and Disability courses. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Social Work Practice with Couples and Families, and Social Work Practice with Groups lay the foundations for students to gain professional experience in the practicum. The practicum is accompanied by four required Field Instruction courses. Students learn key leadership skills in Social Welfare Policy Development & Analysis and Evaluation of Clinical Practice in Diverse Setting.
All students in the program follow the same course sequence, taking each required course with the same cohort of peers. Faculty at the school have expertise in Latino services and indigenous studies. Students can participate in international partnerships with India and Haiti.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 8 semesters or 3 years (including summers) and pay $877.17 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $52,630 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes in this program meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings for synchronous “live” class meetings. Students are expected to work 12-15 hours per week at their practicum placement. The program uses a cohort model to build relationships – all students follow the same course sequence. No visit to campus is required. Most students complete the program within 3 years.
Summary
Compared to many other Master of Social Work online programs, the program at the University of South Florida is higher cost, but it also allows students to finish in only 8 semesters, and therefore may be a better value for students wishing to earn their professional credentials on an accelerated schedule. The program is less flexible than some other programs, and students must be certain that the predictable synchronous course schedule fits in with their other obligations.
