Master of Social Work

Director - Renda Ross

Associate Professors - Renda Ross

Assistant Professor- Katie Gorman-Ezell

Field Director - Debbie Fournier

Social Work Department Mission

The Capital University Department of Social Work is committed to the provision of excellent educational preparation for generalist and advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Consistent with the mission of Capital University the Social Work program transforms the lives of students through an inclusive and supportive learning community. They learn the knowledge, skills, and practice behaviors that support their work with diverse populations, cultures, and practice settings.

MSW Mission

The Social Work Department Master of Social Work Program at Capital University mission is to provide a high quality advanced social work education that prepares students for multi-level practice informed by critical perspectives of theory and research. Faculty mentor students’ mastery of evidence-based and critical practices that empower and respect diversity within and among families, groups, communities, and organizations, and global societies. Graduates are champions of social work’s dedication to human rights, equity, systemic change, and the elimination of poverty.

Accreditation

The program operates under the vision, mission, and curricular practices of CSWE and is compliant with all standards.

Application and Admission Requirements

Admission criteria are set by CSWE and MSW Program Faculty in accordance with Capital University admissions policies. There are general admissions criteria, and specific admissions criteria for Advanced Standing. Council on Social Work Education (2022) requires that all MSW applicants hold a “…baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association” (CSWE, 2022, p. 70). Applicants will also need a minimum, institutional GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Advanced Standing

Applicants for the Advanced Standing option will need to meet three additional requirements. First, these applicants must have earned “…degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors…” (CSWE, 2022, p. 71). Second, they need a minimum, institutional GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. Third, they must have earned a grade of B or better in all undergraduate social work courses and research methods courses. Advanced Standing applicants with qualifications below these minimum requirements are eligible for admission into the two-year program.

Application Process

Potential applicants will access admissions guidelines and materials through our program website. They will need to complete an application packet that includes a demographic sheet, course load and specialization selection tool, personal and professional statements, and qualitative and quantitative reference sheets. Two reference sheets must be completed by professional contacts (e.g., professors, field instructors, supervisors, etc.) of the applicant. Program admission is contingent on submission of an official transcript from their undergraduate institution and final learning agreement evaluation (ASAP).

International Applicants

In addition to the requirements detailed above, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting the university’s TOEFL or IELTS requirements.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend adhering to the following schedules, though application review and admission will continue beyond these dates as space permits:

February 28^th - Application deadline for Advanced Standing Program (ASAP)

March 31st - Application deadline for Two-Year MSW Program

Academic Policies

The following Academic Policies apply to all students in the Master of Social Work programs. They are subject to revision by the Social Work Department and faculty.

Grading Policy

The grading scale for MSW courses is the following.

92.0-100% A (4.00)
90.0-91.9% A- (3.67)
88.0-89.9% B+ (3.33)
82.0-87.9% B (3.00)
80.0 - 81.9% B- (2.67)
78.0-79.9% C+ (2.33)
72.0-77.9% C (2.00)
70.0-71.9% C- (1.67)
< 70 F (0.00)

Graduation Requirements

Formal graduation ceremonies are scheduled once a year, at the end of the spring semester. To qualify for graduation, candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 after completing the requisite 64-credit hours. All candidates must complete an application for graduation, available online from the Registrar’s Office during the semester BEFORE the one in which they plan to complete their course work.

The application for graduation will prompt a program evaluation regarding eligibility for graduation. Details regarding the commencement exercises are sent to students in the early Spring. Diplomas are awarded at the end of each semester; however, formal graduation ceremonies are held only at the end of spring semester.

PLEASE NOTE: ONLY THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED ALL REQUIRED COURSE WORK MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.

Incompletes

A grade of Incomplete indicates that work has not been completed by the end of the semester or module due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. An Incomplete is student initiated. If the Professor thinks the situation warrants an Incomplete, an Incomplete form will be filed with the Registrar’s Office. To remove the “I” grade, the student must satisfy conditions set-up by the Professor within the specified time table and a new grade must be submitted to the Registrar no later than eight weeks after the last day of the semester or the Professor’s discretion in which the student enrolled in a full term course (15 weeks) or three weeks after the conclusion of a modular course (7 weeks). If an Incomplete grade is not removed on or before these dates, the student will receive an “F” (Failing Grade) for the course.

Leave of Absence

A student may find that it is not possible to participate in graduate course work for a period of time. In such cases, a Leave Status form must be filed through the Adult and Graduate Education Office for each term of leave including summer. A student can be on leave for two consecutive terms without penalty only if the appropriate forms have been completed and submitted to your advisor. By filing this leave form, the student continues to receive communications. This leave of absence does not apply to students with non-degree status.

If a student remains on leave for a third consecutive term, or if no “leave status” form is filed, the student must be readmitted to the University and the Education Department. The student readmitted to the University and Education Department will reenter under the current policies and procedures, which may differ from the original policies and procedures. Course work that is completed four or more years previous to readmission must be evaluated by the faculty at the time of readmission.

Readmission to the Program

Candidates, who officially withdraw from the program, have been on official leave for more than two consecutive terms and subsequently wish to return, or who fail to submit a leave form, must seek readmission through normal admission procedures. If a candidate does not register for any classes for three consecutive semesters, that candidate will be regarded as having withdrawn from the program, unless good cause can be shown. Readmission, after withdrawal, requires completion of a new application form, payment of the application fee and a current review as to whether the re-applicant meets current admissions standards. Thus, application for readmission does not guarantee acceptance.

Attendance and Participation

Students in the Capital University MSW Program are expected to attend, engage, and participate in all of their courses. In cases of emergency, family crisis, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances that fall within the acceptable excused absence requirement by the University, please notify the instructor before class and bring the proper documentation to the next class. Please note that if you miss 25% or more classes across the semester, then you will be unable to pass the course.

Plagiarism

Use, in part or in full, of the work, ideas, or writing of another without credit is considered plagiarism and is subject to disciplinary action.
Consulting material(s) in the preparation of a grading instrument that is (are) not allowed by the course instructor is considered a serious violation. In this situation, the instructor may assign a grade of F for the instrument and for the course.

Withdrawal from the University

To withdraw completely from the university, the student must complete and submit the appropriate form to the Office of Student Success. Students wanting to withdraw should set up an appointment by contacting success@capital.edu or by calling 614-236-6871. The student is requested to discuss withdrawal with their academic advisor prior to taking this action. If withdrawal is requested, the student should complete an Exit Interview with the MSW Dean or Associate Dean of the specific program the student is enrolled in. The date of withdrawal will be the date the forms are returned to the Student Success office. Refunds will follow the refund schedule published by the Finance / Student Accounts office. Failure to complete study agreements does not constitute an official withdrawal.

MSW Program Learning Outcomes

The accreditation policy from CSWE requires programs to also articulate program goals that derive from program mission. These goals are related to but distinct from program learning outcomes. The Social Work Department MSW Program Goals are:

To provide students a practice foundation that includes social work values and ethics, principles of justice, and cultural humility;
To prepare students with the knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice in service of individuals and families, groups and communities, and institutions and societies;
To further students’ generalist knowledge and skills for advanced practice with individuals and families, groups and communities, and institutions and societies; and
To make contributions through program graduates, collaborations, and scholarship.

MSW Schedule & Planning

Course Schedule

MSW courses will be delivered in a predominantly hybrid format on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, and Saturdays.