Montana Social Work Masters (MSW) Programs
This article provides detailed information about MSW studies in Montana.
You will be informed about the type of MSW study, the available fields of study, tuition fees, the life of researchers on campus, the entry criteria of applicants, and much more.
Social Work Masters Programs in Montana
The fact that Montana universities give special attention to MSW studies is enough to consider studying in the province. Their MSW certificate is a way to get a Montana social worker permit.
On top of that, there are many job opportunities for graduates within the state. Therefore, you do not need to look elsewhere for work.
Learning Environment
A small classroom size, easy access to facilities, a strong sense of community, and a focus on direct student learning characterize Montana’s school environment.
In addition, their integrated learning approach encourages researchers to take leadership in designing and developing their educational experiences.
Program Type
Two lines of study are provided for researchers who want to obtain an MSW in Montana. These study routes are made up of traditional standing and advanced-standing studies.
You may enroll in either of these study lines full-time or part-time. However, you should be aware that each has unique features. Let us briefly take a look at these two study paths.
Traditional continuing education is intended for scholars lacking basic understanding and social work experience. We’re talking about undergrad certificates in fields other than social work.
For this reason, its study syllabus contains introductory courses that enlighten scholars about the foundations of social work.
The advanced standing study is intended for BSW or social work experience researchers. As a result, its study syllabus is limited to specialized classes.
Researchers who choose this study path can complete their MSW studies in 1-2 years.
Montana MSW Schools
Montana is fortunate to have institutions committed to excellence, creativity, and innovation in social work practice. These schools serve as premier resources for the latest research into policies and best practices.
You’ll need to read this article further to advance your social work career. More details have been provided concerning the best MSW studies in Montana.
Schools with the Best MSW Studies in Montana
Unfortunately, only two campuses offer social work masters in Montana. We refer to the University of Montana and Montana University System’s flagship academic and research institution.
However, Walla Walla University in Washington has two campuses in Montana. Those campuses are only delivering accelerated classes for BSW students.
Let’s cut to the chase and get into business.
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University of Montana
Do you want to succeed in creating change on interpersonal levels alongside underserved populations? Consider earning your social work masters in this school.
Their classes are structured toward integrated practice. You’ll learn to create and deliver successful and innovative programs. We mean schemes that honor the dignity and worth of each client you serve.
Furthermore, you’ll emerge as an ethical, collaborative practitioner, community leader, and researcher. Plus, you can tackle our society’s most pressing social justice concerns. Is that what you want?
You can sign up for their extended classes to make this dream come true. But that will be if you need to gain social work background. You need an undergrad certificate in social work.
The curriculum for such programs entails both foundational and specialization courses. As such, you’ll only cover 60 semester credits and 900 hours of field education. Within two or three years, you can finish your studies.
However, this school doesn’t have accelerated classes for those with social work backgrounds. As such, you’ll need to check for alternative options.
Otherwise, you’ll have to take the regular programs. There are morning and afternoon classes for those who want to study full-time. Evening classes are often for scholars on part-time studies.
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Walla Walla University
You’ll have a satisfying MSW study at this university. They offer learning opportunities for both learners with and without a BA in social work.
At present, this school is the only one offering accelerated MSW. It’s specially designed for candidates with undergrad certificates from other fields beside social work.
The study curriculum contains only areas of specialty.
As such, you’ll cover 49 quarter credits and 600 hours of field research. You can graduate within 12 months or two years, depending on your study option.
Meanwhile, you can opt for foundational programs if you don’t have a BSW. The course content features both introductory and specialization fields.
You’ll be demanded to cover 79 credits and 900 hours of field research. You’re to finish your fieldwork in an agency related to your specialty area.
Moreover, it must be under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Students who opt for this learning route finish their studies within two or three years.
As you can see, these are the only academic establishments in Montana that offer Master of Social Work studies. If you feel your chances of securing admission are slim to these institutions, alternative options exist.
You can acquire such credentials from other schools in neighboring states. In this case, consider going to South Dakota, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Idaho.
MSW Montana: Available Study Fields
Montana schools provide several MSW courses.
They include introductory and specialist classes. Scholars may choose any areas of interest to base their careers in social work.
Check out these classes below.
- Child, family, and school
- Social welfare
- Mental health and substance abuse
- Human Behavior and social environment
- Social work research methods
- Practice with families, groups, and communities
- Social Research and statistical principles
- Cultural Competence in social work practice
- Human Psychology and Behavior
- Clinical social work, etc.
Application Requirements
Scholars who want to further their careers in social work must satisfy some essentials for admission. These essentials include the following:
- Students will submit transcripts from their previous schools.
- Researchers interested in advanced standing studies must have a BSW from an authorized institution. At the same time, those interested in traditional standing studies may present any undergrad certificate in other fields besides social work.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for applicants interested in traditional MSDs will be required. Then an average of 3.5 for scholars who wish to enroll in advanced standing studies.
- Candidates must submit three reference letters from their previous workplace or school.
There’re more entry essentials besides those mentioned above. You can consult the official web page of your desired institution in Montana for further details.
Full-time MSW Studies in Montana
Advanced and regular standing education is available on a full-time basis.
Full-time fellows in advanced standing studies have two structured semesters with 30-38 credit courses. Within the year, you may be sure to finish your studies.
In contrast, traditional studies on a full-time basis consist of 4 semesters, with 60-65 credit courses. Fellows who choose this study option can complete their studies in two years.
Full-time studies will be for you if you want a faster way of obtaining an MSW in Montana. However, if you have other engaging affairs outside of school, you will have trouble coping with school.
Part-time MSW Studies in Montana
Here too, part-time researchers can offer advanced and traditional studies.
Part-time advanced studies consist of four semesters with an average of 30 to 38 credit courses. Scholars opt for this option are given two years to complete their studies.
Meanwhile, traditional part-time studies consist of 8 semesters with an average of 60-67 credit courses. If you select this study option, completing your studies takes approximately four years.
Part-time studies in Montana will be appropriate for scholars with off-school commitments. The reason for this is that classes are not offered every day.
As such, it’ll allow them to blend their studies with work. The only downside is that the study duration is longer than full-time studies.
Fieldwork Essentials For MSW Montana Schools
Most institutions in Montana require their MSW scholars to complete a minimum of 900 hours of field education during their two years of schooling.
They can take 450 hours in their first year and then another 450 in the second year, depending on your chosen study type.
Researchers who refuse to complete their field studies will not be permitted to complete them by the scheduled date.
Scholars Live on Campus
Living and studying in Montana is an enjoyable experience.
Plenty of bands to join, sports to play, and performances to participate in. On top of that, the state has cities you’ll love to visit.
Here are some of the fun things happening on campus:
- Event clubs put academics in touch with all events and resources.
- Campus restaurant where you can get fantastic student meal plans to satisfy the most selective palate.
- Their on-campus accommodation creates an environment that fosters a sense of community and nurtures your learning experience.
- All the universities in the state are committed to providing equal opportunities in training, employment, services, and so on to everyone, including scholars with disabilities.
Fees for MSW Fellows in Montana
The cost of MSW studies in Montana is dependent on several factors. These include your type of entry, number of credit courses, and residency status.
Researchers who are state residents pay about $13,600 a year for full-time studies, whereas those outside the state pay about $32,800.
Then, part-time resident students pay approximately $10,000 per year, while those living outside the state pay roughly $26,900.
Montana is one of the states in the US that provides not just quality schooling for academics but also fun activities on campus.
If you plan to join one of their universities to complete your MSW studies, visit the school’s website for more information.
Admissions are available to domestic and foreign researchers.