Walden University Announces New Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

MINNEAPOLIS, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Because of an increase in demand for healthcare and social services, employment of social workers is expected to grow by 25% through 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To help meet this demand, Walden University is offering a new online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, the first one by a fully online university. The program is designed to help students expand their career opportunities in the growing field of social work.

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"Walden's MSW program can help prepare students for fulfilling social work careers," said Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, associate dean of the School of Social Work and Human Services. "Students will work closely with experienced social work and human services practitioners to gain the skills needed to help improve the quality of life for all populations."

With an emphasis on advanced clinical practice, the program is designed to prepare students to apply social work theory and methods to assess and intervene in situations involving individuals, families and communities. Graduates may apply their knowledge and skills in settings that include schools, hospitals, private practice, social service agencies and mental health clinics.

The innovative MSW coursework features customized video case studies and online learning tools that allow students to observe and respond to situations faced by social workers every day. In addition, the program is complemented by two in-person residencies to give students an opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty and classmates. Online courses in the MSW program are taught by faculty members who are scholar-practitioners with diverse experience working in the field.

Walden's online MSW program offers the opportunity to learn more about the needs of specific populations with six optional elective clusters. Additionally, students can choose from three degree completion tracks, which will allow them to complete their program on their schedule. The Walden MSW program has applied for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education and expects to complete its candidacy requirements and achieve candidacy status during the 2013–2014 academic year.

Enrollment is now open and classes begin in September 2013. Students who start in September will pay no tuition in their first term and receive a 50% tuition reduction for the life of their program.

The MSW program is housed in Walden's new School of Social Work and Human Services, which provides students with the skills needed to take the next step in their careers as professional practitioners and change agents in social work and human services. Other degree programs in the school include the B.S. in Human Services, M.S. in Human Services and Ph.D. in Human Services.

For more information about the MSW program, visit www.WaldenU.edu/msw.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and more than 145 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 70 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 75 degree programs with more than 385 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University