Springfield College School of Social Work Hosts Open House
In the photo are members of the Springfield College School of Social Work Student Organization MSW Leaders Class of 2014.
The Springfield College School of Social Work, offering multiple pathways to the master of social work degree (MSW) and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), hosted an open house for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at both the Brennan Center located at 45 Island Pond Road in Springfield, and at Saint Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer Street in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Prospective graduate students met the dean, faculty members, staff and current students, to learn about program options. Information on graduate fellowships and assistantships were available. Representatives from the academic success center, admissions, and career service also were in attendance.
The Springfield College School of Social Work offers multiple program pathways to complete the MSW including a full-time, two-year, weekday master of social work program in Springfield, and a part-time, three-year, weekend master of social work program in Springfield and in Worcester at Saint Vincent Hospital. There are also options for graduates of Council on Social Work Education-accredited bachelor of social work programs to choose either a four-semester weekend or three-semester weekday advanced standing program. The dual master of social work/juris doctorate is a four-year, full-time program in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law. Students can also work toward a post-master’s certificate in advanced practice with children and adolescents.
The Springfield College School of Social Work’s cutting-edge advanced generalist curriculum provides skill-building in clinical practice, supervision and administration, evidence-informed research, social policy, and advocacy for social justice - and has for 26 years. An outstanding diverse faculty, comprised of active practitioners, scholars, and researchers, is in touch with the community and contributes to shaping current thinking and practice in social work.
With a diverse and international student body, the Springfield College School of Social Works takes pride in providing a low faculty-to-student ratio and on maintaining a strong alumni network of accomplished practitioners. Internships are available at a wide range of social work agencies across New England and New York State, and internships at students’ places of employment may be possible.
“Your decision to pursue a master of social work degree (MSW) is timely as Health Guide USA predicts that employment of social workers is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020,” said Springfield College School of Social Work Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla. “Our master of social work program offers a single concentration in advanced generalist practice, which is ideal preparation for direct practice, group work, community development and organization, and administration in a wide variety of settings including adoption agencies, schools, hospitals, veterans’ services, senior centers, prisons, mental health clinics, military support programs, public social agencies, hospice care and corporations. The school is student centered, community focused, and committed to diversity and cultural competence and to promoting continuous learning.”
Since 1989, the Springfield College School of Social Work has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the official accrediting body for social work programs in the United States. Graduates are eligible for professional social work licensure in all 50 states. The MSW/JD program is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Graduates are eligible for professional social work licensure and bar examination.
The home of the Springfield College School of Social Work, the Brennan Center, is a state-of-the-art teaching and conference facility that underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2002. The facility was again renovated in 2012 to include more classroom and office space. It includes technologically enhanced classrooms, a computer lab, a tiered auditorium, faculty offices, and a large, light filled atrium, which is the site of school events and also serves as a student lounge. Easily accessible, it is located just over a mile from the main campus, and has on-site parking.
