MSW PROGRAM BULLETIN 2021-2022 - Change a Life. Start with Yours - FSU College of Social Work
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COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
MSW PROGRAM BULLETIN
2021-2022
Change a Life. Start with Yours.TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 ADMINISTRATION & STAFF 7 JOINT PATHWAY PROGRAMS 16 ACADEMIC POLICIES
2 CALENDAR 8 CURRICULUM 18 RESOURCES & SERVICES
3 DEAN’S WELCOME 10 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 20 SOCIAL WORK
3 THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY & 12 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICES
COMMUNITY 13 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM 21 FINANCIAL AID &
4 MSW PROGRAM DESCRIPTION OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIPS
6 MSW PROGRAM 14 FIELD EDUCATION 22 FACULTY
CONCENTRATIONS 15 GRADUATION 23 MSW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CALENDAR
2021-2022
FALL 2021
Classes Begin August 23
Semester Ends December 10
ADMINISTRATION Jennifer Farinella, Ed.D.
MSW Campus Academic Advisor
SPRING 2022
AND STAFF (850) 645-6932 Classes Begin January 5
jfarinella@fsu.edu Spring Break March 14-18
James J. Clark, Ph.D.
Dean Semester Ends April 29
jclark5@fsu.edu Sydney Smith
MSW Online Academic Advisor
Craig Stanley, Ph.D., LCSW
(850) 645-0773
SUMMER 2022
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Classes Begin May 9
cstanley@fsu.edu scsmith2@fsu.edu
Session A ends July 29
Fran Gomory, MSW
Director, MSW Program MSW PROGRAM
fgomory@fsu.edu
OFFICE
Katrina Boone, MSW For more information and program
Director, Field Education materials, contact us at:
kboone@fsu.edu
Rosalyn Deckerhoff, MSW MSW Program Office
Director, Online Field Education University Center, Building C, Room
rdeckerhoff@fsu.edu
C-2500
Neil Abell, Ph.D. College of Social Work This document is available in alternate
Florida State University formats upon request. The publisher
Professor and
has attempted to present information
Director of International Programs Tallahassee, FL 32306-2570 that at the time of preparation for
nabell@fsu.edu printing most accurately describes
(850) 644- 4751 /
the course offerings, faculty listings,
Dana DeBoer 1-800-378-9550 policies, procedures, regulations, and
MSW Admissions Coordinator Fax (850) 644-9750 requirements of the University. However,
(850) 644-9591 it does not establish contractual
Email: msw@csw.fsu.edu
ddeboer2@admin.fsu.edu relationships. The University reserves the
College of Social Work website: right to alter or change any statement
csw.fsu.edu contained herein without prior notice.
Facebook: facebook.com/fsucsw
2 | 2021-2022Just as important, you are joining one of the most diverse
student cohorts on FSU’s campus. This gives you the
DEAN’S opportunity to learn from your fellow students, who bring
WELCOME amazing professional experiences and life histories to your
student cohort. Building relationships with your student
Welcome to the colleagues will be one of the most enriching dimensions of your
Florida State education here. These friendships are frequently life-long!
University College
of Social Work! As the oldest program in Florida and one of the first programs
in the Southeast, we have well-established field placements
A
nd welcome to one of the Nation’s most crucial and and a strong alumni base that enable us to provide you
fastest-growing professions! We are committed to with meaningful educational experiences. A crucial part of
preparing you for the challenges you will face as a your education will be working with and learning from your
social work professional. Three important groups of people supervisors and clients as you move between the classroom
will help you achieve this: our faculty and staff, your fellow and the community as a social work student.
students, and our community agency field supervisors and
clients. Our College is conducting important work in many important
domains of social work research. I invite you to consider
Our professors are skilled practitioners, teachers, and joining these efforts as a way to develop as a graduate student
researchers who will help you prepare to become an effective, researcher. We are very proud to have you join our extraordinary
ethical, and committed social work professional. Our faculty community of professors, staff, practitioners, and scholars!
and staff are eager to get to know you as a person and
scholar, and strive to be accessible and responsive. James J. Clark, Ph.D.
Dean & Professor
THE COLLEGE, THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK THE UNIVERSITY
The College of Social Work’s tradition of excellence started
with the introduction of social welfare into FSU’s curriculum AND COMMUNITY
in 1926 by Dr. Raymond Bellamy, professor of sociology.
Our fully-accredited program was the first in Florida and The Florida State University is a major research and
remains one of the longest standing in the Southeast. U.S. teaching university comprised of 16 colleges, serving a
News and World Report ranks the FSU College of Social student population of more than 40,000 and the people
Work as among the top in the country. The College of Social of Florida. The University maintains an intellectual climate
Work adheres to accreditation standards established by the of learning and strives for excellence and distinction in all
Council on Social Work Education. pursuits. In the last few years, the University has reached a
high level of distinction, thanks to its dedication to graduate
study and research, and to its superior teaching faculty and
OUR MISSION student bodies.
It is the mission of the Florida State University College of
Social Work to provide quality educational services at the Nestled in Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital, the University
baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels that prepare enjoys the extraordinarily rich cultural climate created by
professional social workers to enhance human well-being the presence of state and local government, a community
and help meet the basic needs of diverse populations college and a second major university. Along with the beauty
with particular attention to the empowerment of people of the “Big Bend” area, Tallahassee is in close proximity to a
who are vulnerable or oppressed or living in poverty. The wealth of Florida’s resources including the Gulf of Mexico,
College of Social Work also has as its purpose to contribute the Apalachicola National Forest and natural recreation
to the knowledge base that supports social work practice areas.
and social policy development and to provide leadership
through community service at the local, state, national, and
international levels.
MSW BULLETIN | 3MSW PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The MSW program, nationally accredited by the Council on theories, research and practice with individuals, families,
Social Work Education (CSWE), offers a broad professional groups, and communities; or Social Leadership, which
education based on a systems perspective, which stresses focuses on the theory, research and practice of social work in
how individuals live in their environment and how the organizations, administrations, policy-making and program
environment affects them. evaluation. While the curriculum is structured in this two
concentration format, students are welcome to take courses
The goal of the MSW Program at Florida State University is in either concentration or customize their program of study
to provide quality preparation for advanced practitioners by applying for our joint pathway and certificate programs.
who will work with diverse client systems and problems. We The Tallahassee main campus offers students an opportunity
emphasize empirically-based practice which focuses on to pursue either the Clinical Concentration, Social Leadership
preventing problems as well as treating them. Our curriculum Concentration or a joint pathway program, while the online
is flexible so students can shape their own program to meet program solely offers the Clinical Concentration.
individual interests.
Note: Students must complete the MSW within seven years of
beginning the program.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Master of Social Work degree program is flexible and
TRADITIONAL MSW
designed to enable students to develop advanced professional
competence by providing a curriculum that includes five
CURRICULUM
sequence areas: social work practice; social policy; human The College offers full-time and part-time Master of Social
behavior and the social environment; social work research; Work programs comprised of sixty-one (61) credit hours of
and field education. The curriculum has been developed to required social work courses and electives. Students bring
emphasize the common elements in all social work practice to their graduate studies a liberal arts perspective and build
areas so that persons receiving the professional degree will on this background during the first year of the program
be able to practice in a variety of community agencies and which consists of a foundation curriculum that covers the
settings. professional body of knowledge required by the social work
profession. Courses are divided by sequence areas that
At the master’s level, students choose one of two advanced include: practice, policy, research, human behavior and
concentrations: Clinical Social Work, which focuses on a 10 credit hour field internship (approximately 432 field
4 | 2021-2022hours). A variety of elective courses are available and may
strengthen preparation in substantive areas of practice.
The second year of the curriculum focuses on advanced
courses in either the Clinical Social Work concentration or
Social Leadership concentration. The curriculum culminates
with a final 12 credit hour internship (approximately 512
field hours) along with a 3 credit hour Advanced Seminar
course that serves to integrate the curriculum with the
field experiences. These internship locations are available
in Tallahassee, around the state of Florida, throughout
the United States, and in specified international locations
where field faculty are employed and the Advanced
Seminar is available (either face-to-face or online).
Students are highly encouraged to track their program of
study by consulting with our MSW Graduate Advisors who
can assist in assuring that students will graduate in the
planned time frame. Faculty mentors are also available to
discuss career and academic decisions. Students should
follow the approved curriculum plan outlined in this bulletin
for the concentration selected in order to complete the
MSW degree in a timely manner. A listing and description of
graduate courses is found at the end of this bulletin.
ADVANCED STANDING
MSW PROGRAM
The College also offers an Advanced Standing Master of
Social Work program for applicants who have completed a
BSW degree from a program accredited by the Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE). Students in the Advanced
Standing program complete 39 credit hours of required
social work courses and electives, choosing either the
Clinical Social Work concentration or the Social Leadership College began offering the Traditional MSW Online program
concentration. At the completion of all course work, the as well. For both programs, most of the coursework is
curriculum concludes with a final internship of 12 credit hours asynchronous and uses a web-based format. The Traditional
(approximately 512 field hours) and an Advanced Integrative MSW Online program requires that students participate in
Seminar (3 credits). two face-to-face weekend sessions during their studies.
ONLINE MSW Additionally, beginning in spring 2022, all students
enrolled in SOW5807 Advanced Clinical Practice will be
CURRICULUM required to participate in a mandatory Zoom session.
Our program offers a flexible program for students who reside
outside the following counties: Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, and
PANAMA CITY MSW
Jefferson to complete a graduate degree through part-time, CURRICULUM
online study. The program is designed for those who cannot
set aside full-time jobs and family responsibilities for full-time Our Panama City campus offers face-to-face Advanced
graduate study, but who are willing to make the commitment Standing and Traditional MSW programs for individuals who
to a part-time program. Applicants to these programs must reside in the following counties: Walton, Holmes, Washington,
meet the same standards for admission as students in the full- Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, and Gulf.
time, main campus program and follow a structured schedule
of coursework, enrolling in two courses per semester.
Florida State University’s College of Social Work became the
first program to offer an online, CSWE accredited Advanced
Standing MSW program in the fall of 2002. In Spring 2015, the
MSW BULLETIN | 5MSW PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK SOCIAL LEADERSHIP
CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
This concentration prepares students for evidence-based
The goal of the Social Leadership concentration is to prepare
clinical social work practice with a variety of clients in
students for advanced, evidence-based social work practice
numerous community settings. Overall, this curriculum
in organizational and community settings to:
emphasizes professional services to clients experiencing
stressful situations which impair, or threaten to impair,
1. Provide leadership in organizations and communities
psychological and social functioning. Clinical social work
within the public and private sectors.
students develop knowledge and skills to enable them
2. Synthesize and apply theories and methods of policy
to assess, diagnose, and treat persons with emotional,
analysis to advance social and economic justice.
intellectual, and/or behavioral disorders. The curriculum
3. Synthesize and apply theories of change and
includes courses and seminars focusing on theory, research,
methods of program evaluation to assess
policy, practice knowledge and skills deemed essential for
the effectiveness of social programs.
clinical work with diverse populations of individuals, families,
4. Develop, provide, and assess effective
groups, and communities. Course work focuses on at risk and
administrative policies and practices.
vulnerable populations. Field education provides hands-on
5. Critically evaluate, synthesize, and articulate empirical
opportunities for the application and integration of knowledge
and conceptual literature related to practice in social
and skills.
policy, program, and administrative contexts.
The Clinical concentration curriculum enables
This concentration equips students to work in policy and/
students to meet the following objectives:
or administrative positions in governmental and non-
1. Assess and/or diagnose and intervene with
governmental social agencies serving diverse individuals,
client psychosocial problems through individual,
groups, and communities. In the first year, our Traditional
couple, family, and/or group modalities. Analyze
MSW Social Leadership students complete foundation
how policies impact clinical practice.
courses and an internship (which requires direct client
2. Conduct autonomous empirical evaluations of
contact). They then begin advanced practice courses
their own practice interventions, incorporating learning about organizational and community systems,
valid and reliable measures. advanced policy analysis, program evaluation, and personnel
3. Critically evaluate, synthesize, and articulate empirical administration. Advanced electives allow students to focus
and conceptual literature related to an applied clinical their studies on a substantive area of interest. In the final
context. semester, a policy/administration-advanced internship is
completed along with an Integrative Seminar. Advanced
Standing MSW Social Leadership students enter the
program with their BSW and begin with advanced courses
learning about organizational and community systems,
advanced policy analysis, program evaluation, and personnel
administration.
6 | 2021-2022JOINT PATHWAY PROGRAMS
JOINT MSW/JD PATHWAY JOINT MSW/MS IN
This program is for students interested in combining an
MSW with a degree in law. Persons graduating with this
CRIMINOLOGY AND
pathway go into areas such as family law, child advocacy, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
PATHWAY
domestic violence, public policy, and public defense.
Students interested in this joint pathway must be admitted
simultaneously and independently to both FSU’s College of The MSW/MS is a joint collaboration between the College
Social Work and College of Law. of Social Work and the School of Criminology & Criminal
Justice. The joint pathway will be for graduate students in
both programs who wish to expand their understanding of
JOINT MSW/MPA PATHWAY the connection between these two fields of study and gain
FSU’s Reuben O’D. Askew School of Public Administration expertise in work with forensic clients. Students must be
& Policy and the College of Social Work offer a joint pathway admitted to both graduate programs independently.
program leading to the degrees of Master of Social Work
and Master of Public Administration. This is one of the few
joint pathway programs in these fields offered in the U.S.
JOINT MSW/MBA
that prepares MSW Social Leadership and MPA students PATHWAY
for positions in public, private and nonprofit human service The MSW/MBA is a joint collaboration between the College of
organizations by gaining knowledge in social work and public Social Work and the College of Business. The joint graduate
administration. Students must be admitted to both graduate pathway is designed for students in both programs who wish
programs independently. to expand their understanding of the connection between
these two fields of study and gain expertise working in social
services agencies.
MSW BULLETIN | 7CURRICULUM
Specific programs of study for part-time and full-time students can be found on the College’s website: csw.fsu.edu.
Please note: all coursework must be completed the semester before beginning SOW5535 and SOW 5369.
TRADITIONAL MSW - SOCIAL LEADERSHIP CONCENTRATION (MAIN CAMPUS ONLY)
CORE CLASSES
SOW5034 The Social Work Profession 3 Credits
SOW5105 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Credits
SOW5308 Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5235 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 Credits
SOW5324 Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities 3 Credits
SOW5404 Introduction to Social Work Research 3 Credits
SOW5532 Graduate Field Instruction I 10 Credits
UPPER LEVEL CLASSES
SOW5334 Organizational and Community System Change 3 Credits
(Organizational Development)
SOW5238 Advanced Policy Analysis 3 Credits
SOW5377 Personnel Administration in the Social Services 3 Credits
(Social Work Administration)
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5369 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5535 Graduate Field Instruction II 12 Credits
TRADITIONAL MSW – CLINICAL CONCENTRATION
CORE CLASSES
SOW5034 The Social Work Profession 3 Credits
SOW5105 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Credits
SOW5308 Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5235 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 Credits
SOW5324 Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities 3 Credits
SOW5404 Introduction to Social Work Research 3 Credits
SOW5532 Graduate Field Instruction I 10 Credits
UPPER LEVEL CLASSES
SOW5125 Psychopathology in Clinical Practice 3 Credits
SOW5432 Evaluation of Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5807 Clinical Practice 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5369 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5535 Graduate Field Instruction II 12 Credits
8 | 2021-2022ADVANCED STANDING MSW - SOCIAL LEADERSHIP CONCENTRATION (MAIN CAMPUS ONLY)
SOW5334 Organizational and Community Systems Change 3 Credits
(Organizational Development)
SOW5238 Advanced Policy Analysis 3 Credits
SOW5377 Personnel Administration in the Social Services 3 Credits
(Social Work Administration)
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5369 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5535 Graduate Field Instruction II 12 Credits
ADVANCED STANDING MSW - CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK CONCENTRATION
SOW5807 Clinical Practice 3 Credits
SOW5125 Psychopathology in Clinical Practice 3 Credits
SOW5432 Evaluation of Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5XXX Elective 3 Credits
SOW5369 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice 3 Credits
SOW5535 Graduate Field Instruction II 12 Credits
MSW BULLETIN | 9ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
The Master’s Program in the College of Social Work seeks All offers of admission are conditional upon
to enroll students who are intellectually and emotionally the completion of these prerequisites.
capable of completing graduate education and practicing at 9. Evidence of paid social services work or volunteer
the advanced level in the profession of social work. Criteria experience may strengthen one’s application.
for admission are established in conformity with standards
derived from the National Association of Social Workers and
Meeting these requirements only assures consideration of an
the Council on Social Work Education. Assessment of this
application. There is no single factor, by itself, which will either
potential is made on the basis of academic achievement,
social service experience, personal strengths, references, test assure or bar admission. Untruthful or misleading responses
scores, and indications of the applicant’s commitment to the will disqualify an application and if detected after enrollment,
profession. Proper completion of admission requirements will automatically void an application and admission to
ensures consideration, but does not guarantee admission. the program along with being grounds for dismissal.
Full application directions can be found on the College of Social
Work website: csw.fsu.edu.
EXCEPTION POLICY
All applicants for graduate admission must submit the Applicants with an upper division GPA below 3.0 must submit
following information to the FSU Graduate Admissions a “Petition for Exceptional Consideration” for their application
Office: to be evaluated. The outline for this petition is attached to
the application. A very limited number of exceptions to the
1. One official transcript of ALL undergraduate minimum GPA requirements can be made for applicants who
and graduate work courses. Applicants still in an demonstrate exceptional qualities or experience. The total
ongoing degree program must submit a second application process must be completed before exceptional
set of official transcripts with degree posted. consideration decisions can be made. Those admitted under
2. GRE scores*^ must be sent directly from the Educational the Exception Policy must meet the same performance
Testing Service to the Florida State University Office standards in the program as a student who meets regular
of Admissions. The FSU code is 5219 (ETS.org). The admission requirements.
requirement of a GRE score may be waived if the
applicant meets certain criteria.
* The requirement of a GRE score may be waived if
PROVISIONAL POLICY
Students admitted under provisional status are required to
the applicant meets certain criteria. Please see MSW
attain a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA with no grade below a
Admissions web page for more information.
^ The GRE requirement has been temporarily waived B-. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 credit
for the MSW program for Spring, Summer and Fall hours* of social work courses during their first semester and
2022 due to COVID-19 accommodations. must meet with an advisor. Upon successful completion of
the first semester, the student’s provisional status changes
In addition applicants must: to graduate status. Students who do not meet the provision
1. Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally will not be permitted to continue in the MSW program.
accredited college or university. *If a campus-based student selects to take more than 6 hours,
2. Be in good standing at the institution of higher the provisional requirement applies to all hours enrolled.
learning last attended (if applicable).
3. Complete the College of Social Work application. ADVANCED STANDING MSW
4. Submit a statement of purpose.
5. Provide the College of Social Work with three references: PROGRAM POLICY
a combination of employment and academic references. Students who have earned a BSW degree from a Council
6. Submit a current resume. on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program may
7. Present evidence of a grade point average of at least be eligible for the Advanced Standing MSW program. To be
3.0 for all hours earned past their first 60 semester considered they must have met all the general requirements
hours or 90 quarter hours for the baccalaureate listed above and have satisfactorily completed a minimum of
degree OR an earned graduate degree from a 400 hours of educationally based field education in generalist
regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities
degree from an international institution. under appropriate social work supervision. A complete copy of
8. Have a liberal arts foundation, demonstrated by a liberal the student’s final field evaluation or a recommendation from
arts degree or 36 hours of course work in the following their BSW field instructor must be submitted.
curriculum areas:
Area I: Mathematics (6 hours) Note: Students who have completed a course at the BSW level
Area II: English (6 hours) may not repeat that course at the graduate level and have it
Area III: History/ Social Sciences (6-12 hours) count for graduate credit.
Area IV: Humanities/ Fine Arts (5-11 hours)
Area V: Natural Science (7 hours)
10 | 2021-2022INTERNATIONAL STUDENT POLICY ADMISSION DATES
Please visit the College of Social Work website (csw.fsu.edu)
International students who wish to apply for admission
for application deadlines.
should contact the International Admissions Officer, Office of
Graduate Admissions, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
When considering applying, please note graduate school
32306-2400, for special information and application forms.
necessitates a tremendous commitment of time and energy.
Only degree-seeking international students are generally
Therefore, students need to be fully aware of sacrifices
recommended for admission. Foreign nationals are required
that may need to be made both personally and financially
to receive a satisfactory score of ‘80’ or higher on the Internet
before making such a commitment. It is the student’s
based TOEFL exam.
responsibility to remain flexible regarding class schedules
and internships. All students, even those attending part-time,
RETURNING STUDENT POLICY must be prepared to make adjustments to their schedule
Students in good standing who leave the FSU College of to successfully complete the degree requirements. MSW
Social Work before completing requirements for the MSW advisors are available for consultation.
may reapply and will be given consideration for readmission.
Readmission can only be considered if the student will be able
to complete all requirements of the MSW degree within seven
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All MSW applicants can apply to the College of Social Work
years from the date of the initial enrollment, as required by
and Graduate Admissions using the Florida State University’s
Florida State University.
Graduate Online Application admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/.
NON-DEGREE SEEKING TRANSFER STUDENTS
STUDENT POLICY The College of Social Work accepts transfer students into
The University allows non-degree-seeking students to enroll the program. These applicants must meet all the admission
in select courses IF they have not previously been denied requirements of the College described previously. A student
admission into the MSW Program. The primary purpose of who was enrolled as a degree-seeking student in another
this status is for continuing education or for students who
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited
are interested in obtaining a clearer understanding of a major.
graduate social work program may transfer up to twenty-
Up to twelve (12) elective credit hours (with a grade of B or
better) may be accepted toward the degree if a student is later nine (29) credits towards the Traditional MSW Program
accepted into the graduate program. (61 credit hours) or up to seven (7) credits toward the
Advanced Standing MSW program (39 credit hours). A
Students on the Tallahassee main campus must apply for non- student must receive a grade of B or better in courses taken
degree-seeking status via admissions.fsu.edu/nondegreeapp within the past seven years to petition for transfer credit
and notify main campus advisor Jennifer Farinella (jfarinella@ consideration. Courses will be reviewed on a course-by-
fsu.edu). Online non-degree students should contact Sydney course basis. Transfer students are expected to provide the
Smith (scsmith2@fsu.edu). following information for each course they wish to transfer:
A. Course outline or syllabus
Non-degree seeking students can ONLY register for program
B. Official transcript with course grade(s) posted
approved courses. Courses taken as a non-degree seeking
student do not automatically carry graduate credit nor does
this status constitute acceptance into the graduate program, REGISTRATION FOR SOCIAL
even if a student excels in course work. Non-degree seeking
students must still apply for the graduate program and meet WORK CLASSES
the standard admissions criteria. Performance in non-degree All Social Work courses and their availability are viewable
seeking coursework will be a consideration in the evaluation of online from the Registrar’s website. When classes are full,
applications. however, or there are “holds” that prevent students from
registering, they are encouraged to contact an MSW Advisor
Non-degree seeking students may be eligible for financial aid; for assistance.
however, College of Social Work policy requires a non-degree
seeking student to have an active MSW application on file with
all supplemental documents submitted. Please consult the TUITION AND FEES
FSU Graduate Bulletin for further information regarding non- Tuition per graduate credit hour varies for Florida residents
degree seeking student status. and non-residents. Please visit studentbusiness.fsu.edu/
tuition-fees for the most current tuition rates.
ADMISSIONS APPEALS PROCESS **THERE ARE ADDITIONAL FEES FOR ALL ONLINE
Any student who meets the minimum requirements and is
COURSES.
denied admission to the College of Social Work has the right
to appeal this decision by contacting the Graduate School.
Decisions made after this appeal are final. Please refer to the
appeals process in the FSU Graduate Bulletin MSW BULLETIN | 11
(registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/grad/).CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
CHILD WELFARE PRACTICE LEAD IN SOCIAL WORK
CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE
This certificate program offers both undergraduate and
graduate students an opportunity to focus their curriculum
(Leadership in Executive and
on issues related to child welfare. Course work addresses: Administrative Development)
prevention of neglect, abuse, exploitation, or delinquency of The mission of this leadership certificate is to educate
children; protection of homeless, dependent, or maltreated students about leadership theories and practices and
children; strengthening families to maintain children in their provide students with leadership experience. Learning about
own homes; development of advocacy groups, and analysis leadership will give these students the skills that they will
of social policies and mental health issues related to this need for middle and executive positions in social service
population. Child welfare practitioners provide a continuum of organizations. An in-depth curriculum emphasizing leadership,
services in both public and private settings. decision-making, client-centered management, team
building, negotiating, budget and finance, and the successful
management of grants will guide our students in the direction
GERONTOLOGY/AGING of being able to successfully manage social service agencies.
STUDIES CERTIFICATE Please consult your MSW advisor to determine how a
This certificate offers an opportunity for concentrated
education in aging studies by providing an educational certificate impacts your program of studies.
credential for students with an interest in aging and old age.
STUDENTS INTERESTED IN CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE
CERTIFICATE APPLICATION. THIS APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER
THAN COMPLETION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE QUALIFYING COURSE.
Visit csw.fsu.edu for the applications and details.
12 | 2021-2022INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
STUDY ABROAD ALTERNATE SPRING BREAK
The CSW offers study abroad programs each summer. In Each March, students may participate in a week-long service,
Prague, Czech Republic, students earn 6 credits focused on learning, and cultural exchange experience with local partners
human rights in a Central European context, with visits to and agencies in St. George’s, Grenada. This trip includes
numerous social welfare and criminal justice agencies, and lodging with easy access to beautiful beaches and the
access to the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage city. Fees vibrant capital city. Students complete a 3-credit hour course
include course credit, lodging, and amazing cultural excursions. beginning in January. The application opens each Fall before
The program application is available at international.fsu.edu, travel and is available on the CSW website.
and students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as the
program application opens in early September in order to avoid Note: In the time of COVID-19, the health and safety of
being placed on the waitlist. Scholarships are available; see students and faculty are our primary concern. Please stay
CSW website for application and details. in touch with CSW IP administrators to learn the latest
information regarding the status of available International
SOCIAL WORK FIELD Programs. We are eager to work with MSW students to find
pathways to these great opportunities.
PLACEMENTS
International internships are available in the Eastern
Caribbean (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago), The United
Kingdom (London, England, and Belfast, Northern Ireland) LEARN MORE AT: csw.fsu.edu/ip
and Canada (Vancouver, B.C.). Students take advanced, full-
time placements in a wide range of settings, including HIV/ OR CONTACT:
AIDS service organizations, child welfare agencies, criminal Dr. Neil Abell, International Programs Director
justice settings and homelessness service teams. New agency nabell@fsu.edu
partnerships are constantly in development. Living options
range from the comforts of the FSU Study Centre in London, Emily Joyce, Academic Program Specialist
to independent living arrangements in Belfast. Considerable ejoyce2@fsu.edu
advance planning is required, and interested students should
contact International Programs Director, Dr. Neil Abell nine
months prior to placement. Scholarships are available.
MSW BULLETIN | 13FIELD EDUCATION
Field education is an essential component of the program and welfare, health, mental health, family counseling, aging, and
is designed to provide students with an educationally sound, corrections. Traditional MSW program students complete
supervised agency internship offering learning experiences that: a generalist internship while enrolled in academic courses
1. Enhance the ability to integrate theory into during the first portion of their program. These internships
effective evidence-based social work practice, require an average 27 hours per week at the agency (totaling
2. Broaden students’ range of skills for performing 432 hours for the semester). Students in both the Traditional
high quality social work functions, and Advanced Standing MSW programs complete a final
3. Strengthen awareness of attitudes, motivations, and internship (totaling 512 hours) in advanced practice during
judgments identified with the profession of social work. the last semester of the program. All placements offer
excellent experiences for students as well as potential
The Office of Field Education is responsible for assigning employment opportunities.
internships after collaboration with students and prospective
field agency representatives. Internships are planned on A student must have successfully completed SOW5308
an individual basis with information gathered from the and have a 3.0 GPA to begin a first, generalist internship.
field applications. This process offers the opportunity to
share interests, location preferences, and other important Final internships can ONLY begin once ALL course
facts. The College of Social Work cannot guarantee night or work is satisfactorily completed, which includes
weekend field placements. If a student is able to be placed the resolution of all “Incomplete” grades, a 3.0
at an internship that has evening and weekend hours, the GPA and a completed field application.
student will need to make plans to complete at least some of
those hours each week during normal daytime hours. AS PER CSWE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL
PREVIOUS WORK OR LIFE EXPERIENCE BE CREDITED
If a student has a criminal record, he or she may be ineligible OR USED IN PLACE OF A FIELD PLACEMENT.
for certain internships due to agency requirements. Field
education agencies are carefully selected to provide Students are required to follow the procedures established by
experiences in professional practice, a range of educationally the Office of Field Education for all internship arrangements.
appropriate activities, and to make personnel and resources Failure to meet deadlines and/or to follow policies may delay
available. an internship. Students are responsible for being aware of
posted deadlines and meetings. The Office of Field Education
Agencies affiliated with the College of Social Work represent reserves the right to terminate any interns who violate
the diversity found in social services. The College offers a policies and practice standards. For further information, field
wide array of internships in both public and private agencies, education policies and procedures are available from the
and with diverse populations of clients in areas such as child College of Social Work’s website: csw.fsu.edu.
14 | 2021-2022GRADUATION
APPLICATION is distributed by the Graduation section of the Office of
Admissions and Records after application for graduation.
Application for a degree must be made to the Office of the
If a student wishes to participate in graduation ceremonies one
University Registrar by the date stated in the academic
term prior to actual graduation, he or she must speak with an
calendar in the General Bulletin during the first two weeks
MSW Graduate Advisor. Certain restrictions apply.
of the term of expected graduation. If a student is unable to
graduate at the end of the term for which the application was
In the spring semester only, the College of Social Work holds
made and the diploma was ordered, he or she must again make
a graduation ceremony for social work students, distinct from
application for degree no later than the deadline for the next
the larger University ceremonies. This ceremony is held on the
term of expected graduation.
afternoon before University Commencement in order to honor
our graduates and award recipients. Students are required to
Students may check application deadlines and commencement
wear a cap and gown, and friends and families are invited to
dates at registrar.fsu.edu.
attend a reception that is held immediately after the ceremony.
GRADUATION AND During both the summer and fall semesters, the College
of Social Work hosts a reception and pinning ceremony for
COMMENCEMENT graduates and their guests. To learn more about College of
University Commencement is held at the end of every Social Work specific graduation celebrations, visit the College of
semester: fall, spring, and summer. The ceremonies are Social Work’s “News & Events” on csw.fsu.edu.
held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Information
about graduation tickets, invitations, and caps and gowns
MSW BULLETIN | 15ACADEMIC POLICIES
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK AND the cumulative grade point average is at least 3.0.
No course with a grade below “C” will be credited toward the
THE UNIVERSITY POLICY ON graduate degree (effective for students with an initial start
date in the MSW program of Fall 2018). Grades in all courses
STUDENT CONDUCT (except those for which grades of “S” or “U” are given) will be
It is the University’s policy to expect students to conduct included in the computation of the grade point average.
themselves as responsible members of the community. If
a student’s conduct is a violation of federal, state, or local
law, the appropriate authorities may charge the student. In ACADEMIC ADVISING
addition, any students whose words or acts demonstrate The Master’s program has advisors who work with each
disrespect for laws; rules or policies; the rights of others; or student on issues related to coordinating a program of
the health, safety, or welfare of members of the community studies, graduation requirements, and general University
shall be subject to disciplinary action by the University. issues. Each student may also select a faculty mentor who
can meet and discuss questions about social work careers,
The nature of social work is based on ethical behavior, sound transitioning from student to professional, and specifics about
professional judgment, and competence. Therefore, students areas of specialization in the field. The graduate advisors and
are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the faculty mentors are available to students by appointment,
standards of the College, the University, and the National telephone or email.
Association of Social Workers. The College of Social Work uses
the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of
Ethics as its guide. To be retained within the program, students
COURSE WAIVERS
The College provides a waiver exam for those with prior
must adhere to the practice standards of this Code of Ethics.
knowledge/experience in Human Behavior and the Social
The code is available by going to the web site of the National
Environment and Introduction to Social Work Research. If a
Association of Social Workers: socialworkers.org.
student successfully passes any waiver examination he or she
must substitute a social work elective in place of the waived
ACADEMIC HONOR POLICY course. Waiver exams may be scheduled through graduate
Guided by the principles found at academichonor.fsu.edu, the advisors.
Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations
for students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving
alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE CREDIT
Students who have completed a course at the BSW level may
responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process.
not repeat that course, regardless of the instructor, at the
graduate level and have it count for graduate credit.
ACADEMIC LOAD
The MSW Program offers significant flexibility in course The Social Work Profession (SOW 3203/SOW 5034), if taken
progression. Online students adhere to a part-time program of as a Social Welfare Minor at FSU, can be substituted with a
two courses per semester. Students on the main Tallahassee social work elective class if a B or better was attained. Please
campus may progress at a part-time or full-time pace. consult your MSW advisor to determine how this will affect
Please consult the various programs of study on csw.fsu. your program of study.
edu. Additionally, if you are a main campus student wishing
to change your pace during your program, contact the main
campus advisor. The Director of the MSW Program must
COURSE WITHDRAWAL
The deadline for students to withdraw from the
approve an overload of credits above 18 hours (to a maximum
University without grade liability is the end of the
load of 21 semester hours).
7th week of the semester. Students should contact
their graduate advisor for further information.
During the summer semester, College of Social Work classes
1. Student withdraws during first 4 days of
on the main Tallahassee campus are offered during the 8th
classes - no grade or tuition liability.
week Summer F session. All internships and online classes are
2. Student withdraws during 2nd to 4th week of classes
taught during the full Summer A session.
- no grade liability and 25% adjustment in tuition.
3. Student withdraws during 5th to 7th week of
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE classes - no grade liability and full tuition liability.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point
average (GPA) of 3.0 to remain in the program. If the GPA
falls below 3.0, students will be placed on probation for
DROP/ADD
The deadline for students to drop a course without Dean’s
one semester with the expectation that they improve
permission or grade liability is the end of the 7th week of
the GPA. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from
classes. Courses may be dropped through the 7th week of
the University. Students are not eligible to enter a field
classes with the exception of mandated college-preparatory
placement unless they have a 3.0 GPA. Degrees will not
courses, freshman composition and courses involved in
be conferred unless all course work is completed and
allegations of academic dishonesty. Students are financially
16 | 2021-2022liable for tuition for all courses that appear on their schedule via the Dean of the Faculties. For further information, please
after the 4th day of classes (the end of the official drop/add contact Dr. Jennifer Buchanan in the Office of Faculty
period). Development and Advancement at 850-644-6876.
SUSPENSION, DISMISSAL, AND FACULTY SENATE COMMITTEE ON
REINSTATEMENT STUDENT ACADEMIC RELATIONS
The University reserves the right to exclude, at any time, a The Faculty Senate committee on student academic relations
student whose conduct is deemed improper or prejudicial to hears appeals from students concerning decisions about
the interest of the University community or whose academic
their academic work in which they believe to have been
performance is substandard.
arrived at improperly or unprofessionally in departments,
A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average schools, or colleges. The committee comprises five faculty
for courses taken at The Florida State University falls below members, appointed annually by the faculty Senate
3.0 at the end of term (not counting courses for which “S” steering committee with the advice and consent of the
or “U” grades may be given) will be considered not in good senate for staggered two-year terms, and two students, one
standing by the University and will be placed on academic undergraduate and one graduate, appointed annually by the
probation. If a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is not University President. The committee elects its chair annually
attained by the end of the next full term of enrollment, the from the faculty representatives and reports its findings
student will not be permitted to register for graduate study and recommendations to the Vice President for Academic
– including registering as a non-degree seeking student. Affairs. Students wishing to make appeals to the committee
Owing to the differential uses of the designation, “academic
on student academic relations should consult the Dean of the
probation” shall not appear on permanent records of regular
Faculties. Appeals to this committee are made after all other
graduate students. After one probationary period, however,
a student whose average falls within the probationary available remedies have been exhausted.
range (below a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA) will receive
automatic dismissal. Transcripts will reflect the designation
“academically dismissed.”
POLICY FOR STUDENT SANCTIONS
FOR ACADEMIC AND
The University reserves the right to terminate enrollment in
an academic program and dismiss a student whose academic PROFESSIONAL REASONS
performance is below the standards of the program, The primary objective of the College of Social Work is to
regardless of GPA, or whose conduct is deemed improper prepare students for social work practice. The College is
or prejudicial to the interest of the University community. responsible for the educational preparation of students for
Dismissed students will not be permitted to register for this role and for the evaluation of students’ achievement of
graduate study, including registering as a non-degree student. our academic standards. Moreover, as a professional school,
we are responsible for ensuring that students meet standards
RETENTION POLICY of behavior that are congruent with expectations of the social
Professional responsibility, ethics, and integrity are major work profession, as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics
parts of the social work profession. Those who violate the (socialworkers.org/About/Ethics) and in standards for
academic standards through plagiarism and other forms Licensed Clinical Social Workers in the state of Florida. Such
of cheating will be disciplined according to the procedures professional schools have the ability to set consequences
noted in the FSU Graduate Bulletin for behavior that go beyond those for other departments on
(registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/graduate/). campus. Our students are also expected to comply with the
FSU Academic Honor Policy and the FSU Student Conduct
Code.
GRADE APPEALS SYSTEM
The purpose of the grade appeals system is to afford
students an opportunity to appeal a final course grade under
certain circumstances. Faculty judgment of student academic
performance is inherent in the grading process and hence
should not be overturned except when the student can show
that the grade awarded represents a gross violation of the
instructor’s own specified evaluation (grading) statement
and therefore was awarded in an arbitrary, capricious, or
discriminatory manner. The evaluation (grading) statement
utilized during the grade appeals process is the one contained
in the instructor’s syllabus at the beginning of the semester.
This system does not apply to preliminary or comprehensive
exams or to thesis or dissertation defenses; these issues
are reviewed by the Student Academic Relations Committee
MSW BULLETIN | 17ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL Activities that are expressly prohibited under this policy
include:
STANDARDS
A student is expected to: 1. Giving or selling e-mail addresses and/or other personal
1. Maintain required grades for his or information regarding students, instructors, staff,
her academic program. or faculty to any outside person or organization;
2. Correct any deficiencies related to academic 2. Using e-mail lists for students, instructors, staff, or
probation within one semester. faculty for commercial and/or solicitation purposes;
3. Meet the generally accepted standards of social work 3. Enabling anyone who is not registered for a particular
conduct, ethics, personal integrity, and emotional course to access the system without permission
stability required for practice. This includes, but is not and consent from the instructor for the course;
limited to, the following: appropriate and respectful 4. Enabling anyone who is not authorized to use the
behavior with peers, faculty, clients, and staff. University or College database to access the system
4. Consistently demonstrate effective interpersonal skills without permission and consent from the supervisor;
necessary for forming social work helping relationships. 5. Utilizing the College’s electronic system for
5. Consistently demonstrate respect and responsibility activities or purposes which do not pertain to
in matters of punctuality and presentation of self. course content and/or official school business,
6. Fully meet the standards set by the College illegal activities, or for other activities not
of Social Work, FSU’s Academic Honor Policy authorized by the College of Social Work; and,
and Student Code of Conduct, NASW Code of 6. Installing (or allowing to be installed) “pirated”,
Ethics (socialworkers.org/About/Ethics), and i.e. copied unlawfully, software on any College
the policies of the field education agency. computer or distributing software purchased
7. Consistently demonstrate abilities at an expected level with College (including grant) resources to
in the areas of verbal and written communication skills. persons for non-College-related purposes.
Any person found in violation of this policy will be sanctioned
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK by the College of Social Work according to the appropriate
ELECTRONIC POLICY University policies.
It is the policy of the College of Social Work that
technology applied to or used for a course and/or
official College business cannot be used for any other
purposes than those that directly relate to the
curriculum and/or official College business.
Technology includes but is not limited to electronic
mail services (including electronic mailing lists), the
Internet, software, and course web site programs.
Furthermore, this policy applies to the use of all
computer equipment owned by the College of Social
Work.
18 | 2021-2022RESOURCES & SERVICES
ADULT LEARNING transcript the actual number of community service hours
worked. Social work internships can be recorded in the hours
EVALUATION CENTER documented on SERVSCRIPT.
education.fsu.edu/centers-institutes/
adult-learning-evaluation-center-alec FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND
(850) 644-3611
The Adult Learning Evaluation Center (A.L.E.C.) is a not-
MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY/
for-profit assessment center under the administration of FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
Systems of Florida State University. The Center provides low A full-time student at FAMU or FSU may enroll for course
cost psycho-educational evaluations for college students credit at the other institution with prior approval. (See the
and other adults who may be experiencing scholastic FSU General Bulletin.) Social work majors who have had at
difficulties due to a possible learning disability or attention least six credit hours of social work and nine credit hours in
deficit hyperactivity disorder. The clinic staff consists of a given term at FSU may take advantage of this opportunity.
faculty members, licensed psychologists, a clinical director, However, FSU students may not enroll in courses at FAMU
during a semester in which those same courses are offered at
and graduate students in the specialties of school and
FSU.
counseling psychology. In addition to evaluation services,
the center provides educational workshops, individual client
coaching, ongoing research, and training. Workshop topics FSU CAREER CENTER
include study skills enhancement and anxiety reduction. The career.fsu.edu
(850) 644-6431
Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00, and is
The Career Center, located in the Dunlap Success Center,
located in Room 214 of the Stone Building.
helps students in all phases of career development. The
Center’s Curricular-Career Information Service unit helps
CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND explore skills, interests, and values and select appropriate
academic programs and occupations to reach career goals.
SOCIAL CHANGE The Career Experience Opportunities Program helps students
thecenter.fsu.edu explore career choices through various pre-professional
(850) 644-3342 internships and cooperative education work experiences.
FSU’s Center for Leadership and Social Change offers Students nearing the end of their academic programs
numerous volunteer experiences. The Center also offers may find help in the Career Placement Services unit that
SERVSCRIPT, a mechanism to add to a student’s official administers the on-campus recruitment program. The Career
MSW BULLETIN | 19Center also has developed a state-of-the-art online Career
Portfolio that enables students to document skills throughout
their academic career.
FSU READING/WRITING CENTER
wr.english.fsu.edu/reading-writing-center
(850) 644-6495
Located in Room 222-C Williams Building. Students can
receive individual tutoring, feedback on papers, and special
assistance with writing skills by contacting the center.
OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY
SERVICES (OAS)
dsst.fsu.edu/oas
(850) 644-9566
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), located in the
Student Services Building, Room 108, serves as an advocate
for students with disabilities. The staff monitors academic,
social, and environmental conditions affecting students with
disabilities and seeks to influence administrative decisions
affecting them. Students may obtain information on the
University’s implementation of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) may receive information and guidance from the
staff of this office. This office often assists in coordinating
academic accommodations for disabled students.
UNIVERSITY COUNSELING
SERVICES
counseling.fsu.edu
(850) 644-2003
On-campus counseling services are available to students and
their families, primarily through the University Counseling UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Center in the Student Life Center. Services that are covered lib.fsu.edu
through student activity fees include crisis counseling and (850) 644-2706
short-term treatment for personal, social, and psychological There are three major libraries on campus: Strozier
problems. The Counseling Center sponsors a peer program Library, Dirac Library, and the Law Library. More than a
called RENEW (Realizing Everyone’s Need for Emotional million volumes are available on open shelves, for easy
Wellness) that provides presentations and resources on browsing. Every month, 9,000 new journals and periodicals
stress & time management, study skills, healthy relationships, are added to the collection. A sophisticated library data
and conflict resolution. search computer system and inter-library loan are also
available. Additional resources include computers,
reading rooms, calculators, and copying machines.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES
uhs.fsu.edu
(850) 644-6230 VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM
Florida State University’s fully accredited primary care dsst.fsu.edu/vap
facility, provides medical care and outreach programs (850) 644-7161
through a team of dedicated professionals. As a student- The Victim Advocate Program provides advocacy to victims
focused, student-friendly center, its mission is to advance of crime. An advocate is on call twenty-four hours a day to
the quality of life for university students, improving academic respond to FSU students who are victimized, or any other
performance and increasing retention. person who is victimized on our campus. Services offered
include emotional support, instructor notification, referrals,
and educational programming for our campus community.
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