The Best MSW Programs Prepare you for a Career in Criminal Justice Social Work.
Gaylene S. Armstrong, PhD, and Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, recently sat down for an interview to talk about the new degree program, the advantages of offering it online and who might excel in this type of program.
Q. | Tell me about the dual masters in social work and criminal justice. Who is it for and what makes it one of the best MSW programs? |
A. | The dual masters in social work and criminal justice MSW program fills a substantial need within our communities for licensed clinical social workers who have specific knowledge in working with offender populations and individuals who have been victims of crime. Both those individuals involved in criminal behavior as well as those who are survivors of victimization have unmet needs that may include substance use, mental health issues, histories of abuse or other social issues. The optimal candidates for this MSW degree program are students interested in pursuing careers that will positively impact the lives of people who have officially or unofficially been labeled “criminal” as well as those who have been victimized by crime and assisting them to address their unmet needs. If you’ve been wondering, ‘what do social workers do in the criminal justice system?’ this MSW degree program will help provide answers. |
Q. | Who will teach the dual masters in social work and criminal justice online and what can students expect from Grace Abbott School of Social Work faculty? |
A. | The online Masters of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree is ranked third in the nation by US News and World report; part of what makes us one of the best schools for social work with attractive MSW dual degree programs is the expertise and professionalism of the faculty. Faculty members have expertise in a variety of areas, have been teaching online classes for years, and participate in learning new technology and pedagogy that benefits our students. Access to faculty is facilitated via email, telephone, office hours and Canvas exchanges. In the online master of social work program, students have the same access to faculty as students who study on campus. |
Q. | When students graduate from your masters of social work program, what type of career will they likely go after? What can you do with an MSW degree? |
A. | Common master of social work jobs include careers in criminal justice agencies and related community organizations. The criminal justice agencies may include police departments (local and federal agencies) corrections departments (i.e., prison, probation and parole), juvenile justice agencies (i.e., juvenile detention or probation), nonprofit organizations meant to address victimization (e.g., Project Harmony) or delinquent tendencies (e.g., Boys Town, Uta Holly, Boys and Girls Club), and religious-based organizations (e.g., Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Charities). Graduates from the program also find employment in schools as counselors, in health and human services agencies, and some students begin their own private practice counseling others. |
Q. | What issues might online master of social work students encounter that someone on campus wouldn’t? |
A. | With the availability of video lectures, active student interactions on Canvas, video conferencing with professors, and instant chat software, online MSW degree students have a similar experience to on-campus students. A help line is available to students 24/7 if they experience technical issues. |
Q. | Will any accommodations be made for online MSW degree students, or are they expected to meet the same requirements as on-campus students? |
A. | No significant distinction is made between on-campus and online MSW degree students. Online master of social work students share the same set of expectations as those on campus. |
Q. | What are the prerequisites for entering your MSW dual degree programs? |
A. | For the MSCRCJ component of the degree, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to be unconditionally admitted. The GRE is not required. |
Q. | How long will it take for someone to earn their dual masters in social work and criminal justice online? |
A. | Time to degree completion varies depending upon students’ educational background (i.e., the bachelor degree obtained). If students obtained a bachelor degree in social work, they can apply to the advanced program, which requires 57 hours of course work. This may allow students to earn an MSW degree in one year instead of two. If their background is in another field, they can be admitted to the foundation program, which requires 81 credit hours. |
If you’ve always thought of going back to school to earn a masters in social work and are currently in a field where you understand the importance of serving others, entering the Grace Abbott School of Social Work online master’s program might be just the program you’ve been looking for. |
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Contact the school today to learn more and begin the process of earning an MSW degree. |