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Overview | Curriculum | Faculty | Admissions | State Licensure | Fieldwork RequirementsOverview
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work online program prepares you to make a positive impact on social and economic justice, human rights and quality of life for diverse populations. In this program, you will develop valuable skills to promote physical, psychological and social well-being for clients in various settings and regions of practice.
The online MSW curriculum combines didactic and practical learning through coursework delivered in an online format. It provides a competency-based education, preparing you to work as an advanced social work practitioner capable of leading developmental efforts in both public and private social service arenas. This program is designed for a variety of students to include: traditional students, working professionals and adult learners, and is in candidacy with the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE)*.
FDU’s Master of Social Work online program includes extensive field practicum experience. You will have the opportunity to apply the theory, skills and approaches learned in the course work to real-world situations. Placement opportunities include those in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools, criminal justice settings, grassroots organizations, mental health services and more. You will work closely with a dedicated field coordinator to identify placements for your field experience hours.
In Accordance With CSWE, Our Online MSW Program Prepares You To:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Program’s Mission Statement
The mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work (FDU’s MSW) program is focused on producing competent professionals to serve diverse clients and systems while promoting social and economic justice and enhancing human rights for oppressed and vulnerable populations in various geographical locations. FDU’s MSW program strives to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for all individuals and communities through the application of evidence-based practices and scientific inquiry. The education and training provided will reflect the purpose and values of the social work profession.
Upcoming Events
Join us to learn more about the MSW program at one of our upcoming Virtual Open Houses. You’ll hear directly from and have the opportunity to interact with program faculty, including Program Director Dr. Zakia Clay. The Open House will include a presentation and program-specific Q&A session and is designed for interested students, families, and advisors.
- Saturday, November 12 at 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM EST (Register HERE)
- Saturday, December 3 at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST (Register HERE)
Courses and Requirements
The Master of Social Work online program provides a comprehensive learning experience that combines social work theory with practical application. The online MSW degree features two program options, advanced standing and traditional. These tracks allow you to choose the course of study that best aligns with your previous educational experience. If you have previously earned a BSW, you may qualify for Advanced Standing and complete 30 hours of concentration courses and 500 hours of fields experience The traditional program is ideal for students who have not previously studied social work, featuring 900 hours of field experience and a total of 60 credit hours.
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- MSW 6100 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
An overview of social work theories and knowledge associated with the bio-psycho-social approach to human development that includes the impact of social systems and environmental influences on individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program - MSW 6200 Practice 1
An introductory social work approaches course that enables students to learn, understand, and apply generalist social work practice methods to work with individuals and families. Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program - MSW 6220 Practice II
An introductory social work approaches course that enables students to learn, understand, and apply generalist social work practice methods to work with groups, communities, and organizations. Prerequisites: MSW Practice I & HBSE - MSW 6300 Research I
An introduction to research and methodological approaches generalist social workers utilize regarding general inquiry and programmatic/practice evaluation. Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program - MSW 6320 Research II
An overview of specific research approaches utilized by social workers to equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct research projects and evaluate data. Prerequisite: MSW Research I - MSW 6400 Social Policy I
An overview of the foundation, development, and current state of social welfare policy and services in the United States and abroad. Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program - MSW 6500 Diversity and Social Justice
An overview of the values, principles and ethics associated with social work practice with oppressed populations. Prerequisite: HBSE - MSW 6600 Field Internship I
An applied skills course requiring 200 hours of internship experience in a social work related agency/organization. Prerequisites: MSW Practice I, HBSE, MSW Research I, & Social Policy I - MSW 6620 Field Internship II
An applied skills course requiring 200 hours of internship experience in a social work related agency/organization that builds on what was learned in the Field Internship I course. Prerequisites: MSW Practice I, HBSE, MSW Research I, Social Policy I, and Field internship - MSW 7000 Advanced Micro Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individual clients. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7100 Advanced Mezzo Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with families and groups. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7200 Advanced Macro Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with communities and organizations. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7400 Social Policy II
An advanced study of the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policies and the associated influences on the social work profession. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7500 Empirical Practice (4 credits)
An integrative course that teaches the application of theory, research, and evidence-based interventions to advanced generalist social work populations and systems. Prerequisites: Advanced Micro Practice, Advanced Mezzo Practice, Advanced Macro Practice, & Social Policy II - MSW 7600 Field Internship III (4 credits)
An applied skills course requiring 250 hours of advanced internship experience in a social work related agency/organization. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7620 Field Internship IV (4 credits)
An applied skills course requiring 250 hours of advanced internship experience in a social work related agency/organization that builds on what was learned in the Field Internship III course. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - Elective
- Elective
- Elective
900 hours of field experience
- MSW 6100 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
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- MSW 7000 Advanced Micro Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individual clients. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7100 Advanced Mezzo Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with families and groups. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7200 Advanced Macro Practice
An advanced practice course that includes engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with communities and organizations. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7400 Social Policy II
An advanced study of the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policies and the associated influences on the social work profession. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7500 Empirical Practice (4 credits)
An integrative course that teaches the application of theory, research, and evidence-based interventions to advanced generalist social work populations and systems. Prerequisites: Advanced Micro Practice, Advanced Mezzo Practice, Advanced Macro Practice, & Social Policy II - MSW 7600 Field Internship III (4 credits)
An applied skills course requiring 250 hours of advanced internship experience in a social work related agency/organization. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - MSW 7620 Field Internship IV (4 credits)
An applied skills course requiring 250 hours of advanced internship experience in a social work related agency/organization that builds on what was learned in the Field Internship III course. Prerequisites: Field Internship I & II, OR admission into advanced standing - Elective
- Elective
500 hours of field experience
- MSW 7000 Advanced Micro Practice
Faculty
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Dr. Bucchio was the founding program director and is currently an associate professor for FDU’s MSW program. He obtained his PhD in 2012 and a Master’s in Social Work in 2009 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Bucchio’s research interests include: Child Welfare & LGBT Foster Youth, International Social Work, Online Education, and Interdisciplinary Education and Practice. Dr. Bucchio has taught across MSW and BSW curricula, and is experienced with programmatic accreditation processes.
Dr. Bucchio can be reached at jbucchio@fdu.edu
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Dr. Cole’s research agenda is focused on youth and young adult mental health including trauma and experiences with community violence, mental health services research, implementation science, and suicide prevention. She was a co-investigator for the National Institute of Mental Health grant examining the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a virtual training program to improve clinicians’ skills in suicide prevention. Beyond her teaching and research, she has over 12 years of clinical practice experience providing crisis services in a hospital setting, home-based foster care services, and therapy to youth, adults, as well as families.
Dr. Cole can be reached at a.cole@fdu.edu
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Dr. Kaiser has a passion for connecting social work instruction with engaged community research. In her career thus far, she has used her scholarly research and professional skills to enrich her approaches to teaching and developing pedagogical strategies. After earning her MSW, she worked as a researcher and development worker for a few years, conducting macro-level research on both structural barriers to providing services to disadvantaged children and adults in society. She has lived and worked in different countries among diverse populations, and feels these experiences have added a rich perspective to her own learning and academic practice. Additionally, the opportunity to work with and live within diverse global communities has instilled in her a deep appreciation for understanding the value of cultural competence and a dedication to teaching this important aspect of social work to students.
Dr. Kaiser can be reached at elma_kaiser@fdu.edu
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Dr. Kwon earned her BSW from Loyola University Chicago, her MSW from Columbia University, and her PhD from Seoul National University. Her research is focused on poverty, socioeconomic disparities in health, health policy, health insurance, health and well-being, and life-course perspective.
Dr. Kwon can be reached at ekwon@fdu.edu
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Dr. Zakia Clay earned her Masters and Doctorate degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. In addition, she completed her undergraduate studies at Kean University and obtained a Dual Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Clay also holds a certificate in Clinical Supervision, Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI), and Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Clay’s practice experience includes community mental health, crisis services, and private practice. She has also provided training and consultation services to community providers and mental health authorities. Dr. Clay began working in academia full time in 2012. She aims to cultivate collaborative learning communities where respectful dialogue, active learning, critical thinking, and reflection can take place.
Dr. Clay can be reached at zakiaclay@fdu.edu.
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Nicole Zmuda, PhD, LCSW, is an assistant professor of social work at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has a master’s in social work from Marywood University and a PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University. She is also a licensed clinical social worker, with over 15 years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders. Her research interests focus on the psychological and social influences on sexual behavior and intimate relationships, particularly within marginalized communities.
Dr. Zmuda can be reached at n.zmuda@fdu.edu.
Admission Requirements
Those applying for admission into the online MSW program will be required to complete the following items:
- A graduate application
- Resume
Traditional Track
In order to be eligible for admission into the traditional program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree inclusive of coursework from the liberal arts; and
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
Advanced Standing Track
In order to be eligible for admission into the advanced standing program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
FDU’s MSW Program is currently in candidacy with the sole provider of social work education accreditation in the United States, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). *Candidacy indicates that the social work program has made progress toward meeting criteria for the program quality assessment as evaluated via a peer review process. A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), but has not yet demonstrated full compliance.
Program Accreditation Process
Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program as long as the program attains Initial Accreditation. Candidacy is typically a three (3) year process and attaining Candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain Initial Accreditation. Candidacy applies to all program sites (i.e., locations) and delivery methods of the program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Programs in candidacy are issued a retroactive accreditation date which goes into effect once the program gains Initial Accreditation. This date is the academic year in which the program was granted candidacy status. For example, if a program was granted candidacy status in the academic year of 2020-2021, any student entering the program in the fall of 2020 and beyond will be considered to have graduated from an accredited social work program so long as the program receives its eventual Initial Accreditation.
https://www.cswe.org/getmedia/27da2d2d-034f-4632-853f-a96b884fdfa6/Accreditation-FAQs-3-16-22.pdf