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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS & ACADEMIC POLICIES

Degree Requirements

The formal requirements for the M.S.W. degree are:

a

Satisfactory completion of the residence period, consisting of three academic sessions of full-time study (56 quarter-hours of course work),

b

Satisfactory completion of the field placement instruction requirement (56 quarter-hours),

c

Satisfactory completion of the Community Project (3 quarter-hours),

d

Satisfactory completion of a research project (16 quarter-hours).

The formal requirements for the M.S.W. degree for B.S.W. Advanced Standing students are:

a

Satisfactory completion of the residence period, consisting of two academic sessions of full-time study (36 quarter-hours of course work),

b

Satisfactory completion of the field placement instruction requirement (28 quarter-hours),

c

Satisfactory completion of a research project (16 quarter-hours).

Since each student matriculates with a different background and skill set, the Associate Dean will, in consultation with the Advanced Standing student and the appropriate Chair/s, create a recommended course of study for each of the student's two academic sessions. The student should follow the procedures outlined below if s/he would like to waive required courses or request transfer credit.

Grading

All academic work, including field internships, is graded on a Pass/Marginal Pass/Fail basis. Students are expected to maintain a high academic and professional standing in both classroom and field work. Regular classroom attendance, class participation, compliance with due dates for written assignments, and compliance with agency expectations are among these standards. The Smith College School for Social Work, through its various faculties and appropriate committees, reserves the discretionary right to dismiss any student from the School for failure to maintain satisfactory academic standing, personal conduct, or professional standards. Student records are subject to the regulations and all subsequent amendments of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The School complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Waivers

Some required courses may be waived if students can demonstrate that they have mastered the course content prior to enrollment. Students are encouraged to apply for waivers to avoid duplication of their previous educational experience. A waiver allows a student to move to a more advanced level in the same content area. For information, click here.

Transfer Credit

Up to twelve (12) transfer credits may be awarded for courses completed with a grade of B or above from an accredited graduate school of social work. For information, click here.

Accommodation-Religious Beliefs

Students in an educational institution who are unable, because of their religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement which they may have missed because of such absence on any particular day, provided, however, that such make-up examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon the School. No fee of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to said students such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to students availing themselves of the provision of this section.

Important Notice

Curricula, courses, degree requirements, tuition, fees, and policies are subject to constant review. Specific details are subject to change without additional notice.


last updated 4/15/08

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