Westfield State to host virtual information session for Master of Social Work program

WESTFIELD, Mass.—Westfield State University will host a virtual information session for the Master of Social Work program on Wednesday, December 7, at 6 p.m., on Zoom. 

Westfield State University offers two MSW program options. The Westfield Ongrounds Program and the Online Program. 

The Westfield Ongrounds MSW Program: is one of only four programs located in western Massachusetts and within commuting distance of the Berkshires. Students attend classes in person on the Westfield Campus on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with coursework online (Hybrid model). Some courses are fully asynchronous, online. Approximately 20 percent of the program curriculum is completely asynchronous online. The required field internships are completed in person within a 60-mile radius of Westfield. 

The Online MSW Program: is now accepting applications for students in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New York. Please note that for the 2023-2024 academic year, Advanced full-time and full-time traditional programs of study internships are to be completed in Massachusetts. For the 2024-2025 academic year, internships can be completed in Massachusetts and within a 50-mile radius from Massachusetts in the following states, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, all internships can be completed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. 

 In the Online MSW Program students attend classes on Zoom on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with asynchronous coursework (Hybrid model).  Some courses are fully asynchronous, online. Approximately 20% of the program curriculum is completely asynchronous online.  

The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and prepares students to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and to work in a variety of positions in the human services field. The program aims to prepare advanced-level social work practitioners who have specialized knowledge and skills for clinical practice that is based on a firm generalist foundation.  

In Westfield State University’s MSW program individuals can select courses specializing in one of four areas: 1. Children, Youth & Family; 2. Health Social Work; 3. Latinx Community Health (courses for this specialization are in Spanish and English); and 4. Substance Use and Addictions.  

“The MSW Program at Westfield State University provides students with a competitive, accessible and affordable social work education. As future social work professionals, students will be exceptionally well prepared to meet the increasingly complex needs of the diverse communities served by our profession,” said Program Director Maria del Mar Farina, Ph.D.  

With full or part-time options—and the consistency of having all classes on Monday and Thursday evenings—the MSW Ongrounds and Online Programs offer flexibility and affordability. In addition, to financial aid, students in their advanced year of their program of study can apply to the Integrative Behavioral Health Fellowship which provides training focused on health equity and addressing the social determinants of health and a $10,000 stipend. 

Information session attendees will have an opportunity to speak with faculty and members of the Outreach Team about the program and its application process. The $50 application fee will be waived for all attendees. To RSVP, please visit www.GoBackNow.com. For more information, call 413-572-8461 or email graduate@westfield.ma.edu.