Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences offers an online extension of their top-ranked on-campus Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) program, which is equivalent to a Master of Social Work (MSW). The online program has both traditional standing and advanced standing tracks. The advanced standing program is designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited undergraduate program (other restrictions may apply). The online MSSA program is fully accredited by the CSWE. The master’s in social work program at Case Western Reserve University is currently ranked #9 in the country by US News and World Report.
“The Mandel School is fully accredited by the CSWE and has renowned research and practice faculty…” Read more
“…field education is the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the things that are talked about in the classroom.” Read more
The online master’s in social work program at Case Western Reserve University is designed for working professionals. While students are enrolled in the program full-time, we classify the program as part-time on OnlineMSWPrograms.com due to the length of the program. The traditional program can be completed in approximately two and a half years, while the advanced standing program can be completed in as little as two years. Courses are eight weeks long and the program starts in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Students have the option to choose from three different specializations that include:
- Direct Practice: Children, Youth & Families (Clinical)
- Direct Practice: Mental Health with Adults (Clinical)
- Community Practice for Social Change
Field Education at Case Western Reserve University
The field education experience for the online MSSA program is unique compared to many other online MSW programs. Advanced Standing (BSW) students start their field education at the same time they start classes, and Traditional (non-BSW) applicants will not need to secure their Field placement prior to starting the MSSA program. Once accepted their first semester will include working with our Field Faculty advisors to secure their Field placement. Therefore, students are only required to work 8 to 10 hours per week to meet their field education requirements. In contrast, many other online MSW programs require students to complete 16 to 20 hours of field education per week. The reduced number of hours per week can be especially helpful for students who have other professional or family responsibilities.
To apply to the online MSSA program at Case Western Reserve University, students must submit the following:
- Application form
- Transcript(s) from each institution the student has attended
- Personal Statement
- Current resume highlighting professional and volunteer experience
- Three letters of recommendation
Case Western Reserve University Online MSSA Programs: Overview
Department: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Community Practice for Social Change; Direct Practice with two specialization options: Children, Youth and Families (CYF) or Mental Health/Adult (MHA)
Program Structure: Online with field instruction (no campus visits required)
Instruction Methods: Program is designed for working professionals with eight week courses – program follows a cohort model (although students may enter or leave cohorts) with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction depending on the course and instructor.
Program Information – Traditional Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)
Phone Number: (877) 807-4740
Website: School of Social Work
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 1,050 hours
Number of Credits Required: 60 semester credits needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Part-Time Only (online students are categorized as full-time students)
Program Length: Program can be completed in approximately 3 years (eight semesters – two courses per semester)
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admissions
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.7 – otherwise students must take the MAT or GRE
GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7
Tuition: Inquire with school
Work Experience: Program is designed for students with at least one year of experience in the Human Services field, but work experience is not required for admission (the work experience requirement is waived for the online program)
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) – Advanced Standing
Phone Number: (877) 807-4740
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 900 hours
Number of Credits Required: 36 semester credits needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Part-Time Only (online students are categorized as full-time students)
Program Length: Program can be completed in as little as 2 years (six semesters – two courses per semester)
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admissions
Admission Requirements
BSW Requirement: Applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE accredited undergraduate program earned in the last seven years with grades of B or better in social work courses
GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.7 – otherwise students must take the MAT or GRE
GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7
Tuition: Inquire with school
Work Experience: Program is designed for students with at least one year of experience in the Human Services field, but work experience is not required for admission (the work experience requirement is waived for the online program)