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Exploring a Career in Affecting Change

 

FAQ

Why choose the Columbia University School of Social Work?
The Columbia University School of Social Work has been the leader in social work education for more than 110 years. Our world-renowned faculty is the nation’s most productive in terms of research and education. The CUSSW curriculum offers breadth, depth and diversity and meets the educational needs of our students to help prepare them to become social work leaders.

Columbia features a strong student body with diverse interests and backgrounds, groundbreaking computer technology in the classrooms, and more than 600 social service agencies in the New York City area. Plus, you can take advantage of all the recreational activities that are available — cafes, parks, theatres, and much more!

For more information, visit the Columbia University School of Social Work main site.
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Can I get a bachelor's at CUSSW?
No. Columbia University School of Social Work only offers a Masters Program and a PhD Program.
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Is the MS in Social Work the same as an MSW? Will the Master of Science degree at Columbia qualify me for licensing?
Columbia School of Social Work confers the Master of Science in Social Work degree. Many schools call their equivalents Master of Social Work degrees. It’s simply a matter of history and language — not of vastly different requirements or qualifications.

The Columbia social work degree, recognized by the national accrediting organizations, qualifies you for the ASWB and CA licensing examinations.
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Does CUSSW offer a clinical social work program?
Sixty-five percent of our students select the Advanced Clinical Social Work practice method area. This clinical concentration emphasizes assessment, intervention, and evaluation within a field of practice, using individual, family, group, and case management strategies. An ecological perspective — the assessment of individuals, families, and groups in relation to their environments — enables students to conceptualize and develop clinical practice interventions. Faculty have expertise in, and teach from a variety of perspectives, including, but not limited to, feminist, social, constructionist, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and family systems theories. Faculty may specialize in one theoretical framework but they teach techniques and interventions developed from multiple theories.
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How long does it take to earn the MS Degree in social work?
The regular program at Columbia is a two-year full-time course of study comprising class and field work. You will take required courses and electives and spend three days a week in the field each year. We offer a limited number of courses during the Summer Session. The 16-Month, Advanced Standing, Reduced Residency and Extended programs have their own timelines, which are specified in the next two questions.
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I have a BSW. Do you offer an Advanced Standing Program?
Through the Advanced Standing Program, those with an undergraduate degree in social work can complete the Master of Science in Social Work degree requirements in one year. It is open to a limited number of qualified students with undergraduate degrees from U.S. programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students may be granted up to one year’s advanced standing for previous study (a maximum of 27 credits). The student concentrates in a method and a field of practice during the year in residence and has one field education placement for both terms, spending three days a week at the field agency for a total of 600 field hours. This program begins in August and ends in May of the subsequent year.
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Does CUSSW offer a part-time program?
We do not offer a part-time evening program. However, we offer the Reduced Residency and Extended programs for qualified applicants.

In the Reduced Residency program, those who have been employed for at least two years in a human service organization may work toward the Master of Science in Social Work degree part time while they remain employed by their organization for the first two years of the program. Students take at least two courses each term. In the third year, the students attend school on a full-time basis, enrolling in course work and field instruction, completing the necessary 900 field hours.

In the Extended Program, students pursue social work education in a flexible manner, combining part-time and full-time study over three or four years. They require the same 60 credits and meet all the course and field instruction requirements of the full-time M.S. Program.
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Does CUSSW offer a dual-degree program?
Yes, we offer 9 dual degree programs. For more information regarding our dual degree programs, visit the dual degrees page
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What if I am interested in working with a specific population?
The Columbia University School of Social Work program offers many fields of practice, which allow students to specialize in a specific population.For more information, visit the Innovative Curriculum page.
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When is your application deadline?
Spring application deadline for 16-Month, Extended and Reduced Residency Programs: October 15
Decisions rendered after November 1

Fall application deadline for all programs: January 3
Decisions rendered after March 1

Application deadline for fall financial aid: February 1

Meeting these deadlines is highly encouraged. Earlier applicants often have better access to financial aid and housing resources. Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a space available basis.
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What are the requirements for admission into the Columbia University School of Social Work?
Our admissions requirements are listed on the admissions requirements page.
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Are TOEFL and TSE required?
In addition to the General Requirements, international applicants from non-English speaking countries must have a working knowledge of English and meet the following minimum score requirements on the TOEFL exam:

Applicants taking the Paper-Based TOEFL exam must also submit the following individual tests:

Should you have difficulty in arranging to take the TWE or TSE tests because they are not offered at a location accessible to you, or for more information, please contact the Office of Admissions. Official copies of your TOEFL scores may be sent to CUSSW by using our ETS institution code 2158.
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Can I transfer credits from other graduate schools to the social work program?
Graduate academic credit earned elsewhere prior to matriculation at CUSSW may be applied toward
the MS degree. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for such transfer credit at the beginning of the first semester of matriculation. Transfer credittoward the MS degree must have been earned within five (5) years of matriculation. A maximum of6 elective credits may be transferred. A maximum of 9 transfer credits can be granted if thecombination consists of elective and required course credit. You must have earned a grade of B orbetter in the courses for which you wish to receive credit.
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How long do I have to wait for a decision regarding my application?
Applicants for spring admission will receive a decision after November 1

Applicants for fall admission will receive a decision after March 1
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Can I visit the School before I apply?
You may attend our regularly scheduled information sessions for prospective students. For more information visit the Meet Us page.
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Are GRE scores required to get into CUSSW?
CUSSW does not require GRE scores, however, they are accepted.
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Is housing available at CUSSW?
Columbia University housing is available to students in full-time degree programs at the Morningside Campus. You are eligible to apply for Columbia University Housing once you have been accepted to CUSSW. The School of Social Work gives priority to entering students who live the farthest from campus. Applicants living closer are generally placed on the waiting list. Units are usually available for occupancy after August 1.

University Apartment Housing consists of apartments designated for students and dormitory-style rooms located within walking distance of the campus. Couples’ housing is available but limited. Another Columbia resource is an up-to-date listing of apartments and shares available in the area. The Columbia Housing Office requests that if you are interested in either of these options, you submit your program application as soon as possible after you are accepted. For additional information please visit the Housing office Web site.
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How is financial aid awarded?
Almost 90 percent of social work students receive some form of tuition assistance. Funding sources include federal loan programs, school loans, institutional grants, partial tuition scholarships, federal work-study funds, and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Annually, CUSSW students receive more than $2 million in institutional grants. Eligibility for many of these funds is usually based on an applicant’s demonstrated financial need, determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

Read more about Financial Aid via the Student Resources page >>

Office of Financial Aid
Columbia University School of Social Work
1255 Amsterdam Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10027

212-851-2293 (main)
212-851-2298 (fax)

Email: swfinaid@columbia.edu
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Can I have a job while I am at school full time?
We recommend that a student not work more than 20 hours a week in a paid position.
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May I choose my own field placement?
We use different procedures to place first-year and second-year students. The Field Education Department is responsible for assigning first-year students to their field placements. First-year students complete a “First Year Summary Form,” which includes student’s background and interests. Every effort is made to ensure a match between the student’s educational needs and the agency’s needs and learning opportunities.

The Field Education Department actively engages second-year students in planning their Field Education placement. The Department holds a Placement Fair each Spring which the agencies present the placement opportunities they have for second-year students. Students have a chance to meet with agency representatives and other students currently placed in those agencies. Students submit four placement choices to their field advisors. The Field Education Department in turn notifies students and agencies in May.
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Does the School have a career center?
The School has an Office of Career & Leadership Development with a full-time director. The office funds a seminar series and produces educational materials to prepare you for a satisfying professional career. Surveyed graduates indicated that more than 90% accept employment within three months of graduation. Salaries differ across the country, but range roughly from about $32,000-$60,000 depending on location, nature of employment, and prior experience. Resources of the Office of Career & Leadership Development are also available to dues-paying alumni.
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How can I tell if I have to take the TOEFL?
All international students whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL exam. Applicants are not automatically exempt from this requirement if they have received a prior degree from an institution whose language of instruction is English. If you are uncertain of whether or not you need to take these tests, please contact the Office of Admissions.
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What finanical aid is available to students?

The master's in science in social work offers scholarships and federal aid to qualify students. Prospective students must complete the FASFA to be evaluated.
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