Master of Social Work FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When are classes offered? Courses are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Field practicum hours are typically completed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during regular business hours. A limited number of fully online classes are offered during the summer and occasionally during the fall and spring semesters.

When can I expect to hear from you about acceptance to the program? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once an application is completed, an applicant will typically hear from the department within two weeks.

Are there scholarships or fellowships available? Please view the Graduate Scholarships webpage for more information.

Is Clarke’s MSW program accredited through CSWE? Clarke University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in March 2017 and was reaffirmed in February 2023.

Can I work while pursuing my MSW? We highly discourage students from working full-time while pursuing a MSW full-time. Even part-time employment can be a challenge due to the program’s demands and rigorous expectations. The full-time track requires 15 credit hours (5 courses) per semester plus 205-250 hours in a field placement. Federal guidelines require an additional 3 hours of independent work for every credit hour enrolled. For a full-time student this is roughly 65-70 hours of class, field, and independent work per week.

For students who are working full- or part-time positions, we encourage an extended enrollment. Please note: field practicum hours are typically completed during regular business hours, regardless of pathway.