Master of Social Work

PART-TIME ENROLLMENT

The Regional and Evening Program of the College of Social Work is designed to meet the needs of the student who, because of financial, family or work commitments cannot enroll on a full-time basis.  It provides an opportunity for students to take 30 hours of the 60-hour M.S.W. degree program on a planned part-time basis.  For most students, this mean that the foundation year of the program (the first 30 hours) is completed over two academic years.  One must complete the advanced curriculum as a full-time student.

The College offers many of its required M.S.W. courses in the evening and on the weekends.  Four of the foundation courses are regularly made available at all USC campuses and most technical colleges through the use of interactive closed-circuit television.  Thus, students residing in many areas of the state can complete most of the required foundation courses in their own communities. See Distance Education's website (http://www.sc.edu/uis/de) for the Course Guide and Viewing Sites.

Students pursuing the M.S.W. degree on a part-time basis are subject to the same admission criteria and other policies as other degree candidates.  The University's residence requirement must be met at some point during enrollment in the M.S.W. program.  Students must also enroll for at least two consecutive semesters per year.

Because part-time students must comply with The Graduate School and college policies when scheduling courses, they are strongly advised to work closely with their academic advisors in planning their course of study.  The part-time schedule lists the times for the four foundation courses designated as "J" - those offered on the interactive television network.  These courses must all be taken either prior to or concurrent with the foundation methods courses and the field courses.  Typically, students choosing to take these courses over television can take two courses in the fall, two courses in the spring, and a classroom-based course on the Columbia campus in the summer.  In the following year, they enroll for the methods courses (taught in Columbia on Saturdays) and the field courses which entail two days of supervised practice experience in a human service organization.  After successful completion of the 30 foundation hours, they enter advanced course work.

PLAN OF STUDY

60 HOURS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS