Social Work

An MSW qualifies you to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and work in roles like clinical therapy, case management, medical and hospital social work, school social work, child and family services, and substance abuse counseling. It also opens doors to non-clinical paths such as policy advocacy, program administration, community organizing, and nonprofit or healthcare leadership.

Read why clinical social work is so important. 

The CSWE-accredited, clinically focused MSW curriculum prepares graduates to pursue social work licensure after completing the program. Graduates may apply for LMSW licensure by completing the required ASWB exam and, with supervised post-graduate experience, pursue LCSW licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state, so students should review the requirements where they plan to practice.

The Two-Year track (60 credits) is for students without a social work bachelor's degree. The Advanced Standing track (30 credits) is for graduates of a CSWE-accredited BSW program and takes about half the time and cost. Both complete the same fully CSWE-accredited MSW.

The MSW is delivered online in a low-residency format. Coursework is online, with two required on-campus visits and one optional visit per term. Because it is low-residency, the program cannot issue the I-20 required for an F-1 student visa, so it cannot enroll international students needing that visa.

Field education is a cornerstone of Fairfield's MSW program, allowing students to apply classroom learning through supervised practice in a community agency aligned with social work values. Two-Year MSW students complete 900 field education hours through two internship placements, one during each academic year.

Advanced Standing students complete one field internship and typically need 450–500 additional hours, depending on the number of qualifying hours completed during their BSW program.

• A professional resume. Applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes employment and education history (submit online).

• A personal statement. Students should submit a 1–2-page statement describing why they want to undertake graduate studies in social work (submit online).  

  • What is your understanding of the role of social work in producing a more equitable world for all?
  • What is your personal commitment to ensuring equity and inclusion? Please be specific and identify observable behaviors you’ve taken, or intend to take.
  • What personal and professional factors have influenced your decision to pursue a career in clinical social work, at this time? How will you balance the demands of academic and field requirements while also managing personal responsibilities?
  • How will a social work education from Fairfield University, specifically, help you meet your professional goals?
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service.
• Two recommendation forms and letters, one of which is preferably from a current employer or supervisor. Recommendations are completed online. At the time of application, candidates must provide the email addresses and names of their two recommenders.

Full-time is typically 5 courses per semester plus a 16-hour/week internship.

Part-time is typically 2-3 courses per semester plus a 16-hour/week internship (during the final 2 years of the program).

The Master of Social Work is a low residency program and cannot support international students seeking an I-20, which is needed to receive an F1 student visa.