The University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Department of Social Work offers a full-time advanced generalist online MSW program that focuses on preparing students for advanced interventions and working with clients in a variety of social work settings. Students can choose from electives that include health and mental health, addictions and substance abuse, children, youth, and families, and working with people with disabilities. UNH’s online MSW program can be completed in 28-29 months. Students must complete 20 courses, or 62 academic credits. At this time, UNH does not offer an advanced standing online MSW program.
Learn More: Interview with Dr. Patrick Shannon – Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Online MSW Program at UNH
“We have a great infrastructure here at UNH to support us. Our program is small and focused on quality…” Read more
For students who live in New Hampshire and who wish to pursue licensing post-graduation, the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requires students to have completed a portion of their MSW program with face-to-face instruction. To meet this requirement, UNH offers a hybrid program for students in New Hampshire that allows them to take classes with MSW students in the Durham campus program (14 weeks semesters) or with MSW students in the Manchester Executive program (6 week classes that meet on the weekends).
The majority of the classes that comprise UNH’s online MSW program are asynchronous, allowing students to complete readings, modules, discussion boards, and assignments on their own time, as long as they meet assignment deadlines. However, some courses use synchronous instruction and require students to meet course faculty and fellow students for live, real-time classes. For courses with synchronous instruction, faculty survey students to determine what times work best to meet in order to optimize flexibility.
Students must complete two field education internships while enrolled in the program for a total of 1,160 hours of field education. During their first year internship, students must complete 16 hours of field per week. In their second year, students must spend 24 hours per week at their field placement. Students are generally expected to work weekdays during normal working hours. Students who work full-time should therefore work with their current employer to arrange time off to fulfill their field placement hours.
Once accepted into the program, students are responsible for submitting their registration for field placement, along with their agency preferences. The field coordinator at the University of New Hampshire’s School of Social Work assigns students to agencies near their residence, and students complete several interviews to determine the best match. During their field placement, students work under the supervision of field seminar instructors, who in turn communicate regularly with the faculty advisor and the field coordinator to ensure that students receive the support they need during their internships.
UNH’s School of Social Work requires students to have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a personal statement, transcripts of all college coursework, and three letters of recommendation.
UNH’s School of Social Work’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). UNH is also regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
University of New Hampshire Online MSW Program: Overview
Department: Department of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Concentrations: Advanced Generalist with Electives: Health and Mental Health; Addictions and Substance Abuse; Children, Youth, and Families; Disabilities
Program Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model, but since the program accepts three cohorts per year, there is some flexibility for students in the program if needed. The majority of courses will have asynchronous instruction, however, some courses (particulary the practice courses) may require students to attend in real-time to interact with instructors and classmates (synchronous instruction).
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Disclaimer: For students who wish to pursue licensing in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requires a portion of the MSW program to be completed with face-to-face instruction. Therefore, the program has a hybrid option where New Hampshire students can attend classes in the Durham program (traditional 14 weeks semesters) or the Manchester Executive program (6 week classes that meet on the weekends) to meet the requirements for licensure.
Program Information – Traditional Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: Master of Social Work Online
Website: online.unh.edu/master-of-social-work
Phone Number: (855) 250-6699
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: 62 credit hours needed to graduate
Number of Credits Required: A total of 1,160 hours (two field placements)
Program Length
Program Options: Full-Time Only
Program Length: Program takes 28-29 months to complete
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
GRE Information: Not Required
Tuition: In-State: ~$46,500 + fees ($750 per credit); Out-of-state: ~$51,150 + fees ($825 per credit)
Work Experience: Work experience in the field is strongly recommended, but is not required