San Jose State University Accepts Applications for First Online MSW Cohort

In the fall of 2016, San Jose State University will offer their new online MSW program.

Since it is often difficult for students to attend a full-time program for a number of reasons—and technology is advancing rapidly—online programs are becoming more popular.

Dr. Jack Wall, Director of the School of Social Work, says, “Students now and increasingly, in the future, expect technology to be more integrated into their education. Higher education has to address this demand whether face-to face or online.”​

The accredited program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who desire a flexible online program. The 60-unit, 14-course program is designed to be two years and includes one summer so that it can be completed in a timely manner. The course work is offered in 10-week sessions and in evenings and on weekends to cater to those working.

“There is a growing segment of adult/working professionals that want programs to be more accessible and tailored for them,” adds Dr. Wall. “The design of the program permits them to access coursework ​in a structure that fits their schedules.”

For their internship hours, students will attend their placements twice a week for two years and will complete at total of 1,200 hours of field internship hours. Course work includes four internship practicum courses.

Students will have a field advisor/liaison that is responsible for “facilitating the identification, development and liaison functions between agencies and students. The difference is that these processes will occur virtually rather than face-to-face,” explains Dr. Wall.

With the overall employment of social workers projected to rise substantially, online programs are helping to fill the void in social work education.

“In addition to accessibility​ and student demand for such programs, it also allows the school to train more social workers for the profession,” he says.

Regarding what is most exciting about the new program, Dr, Walls says it’s, “moving the school into online education in a creative way that meets the needs of an ever-growing working professional population who expect a different kind of access to higher education.​”

The deadline for applying for fall entry is May 1, 2016.  2015 Other deadlines may apply. Please click on the following link for more information about applying to the program: http://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/prospectivestudents/msw-online/index.html

Jolene Hui, LCSW, is NASW-CA’s Director of Membership and can be reached at jhui@naswca.org.