MSW Programs in Fort Collins CO

Searching for the best MSW Programs in Fort Collins CO?

You’re in the right place.

This guide highlights top programs that equip aspiring social workers with essential skills and field experience.

Get ready to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

Colorado State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

Colorado State University (CSU)’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers an innovative Advanced Generalist curriculum. This program is among the top 15% of public universities in the U.S. for Graduate Schools in Social Work, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report in 2023. Intelligent.com also recognized it as the Best Cohort Program and Best Online Advanced Generalist Program in 2022.

This program at CSU is noted for its exceptional student support, ensuring graduates possess the experience and professional connections necessary for a successful career. The curriculum seamlessly integrates coursework with field experience, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning. By the time they graduate, students would have completed over 600+ hours of field experience.

CSU’s MSW program offers six paths for specialization:

• Multi-disciplinary
• Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Nonprofit Administration
• Pre-K-12 School Social Work
• Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interaction

Such options provide the flexibility to tailor your education according to your interests and career goals. The program also emphasizes policy work, offering opportunities for visits to the state Capitol and participation in committee testimonies.

A recent $9.7 million grant has bolstered CSU’s commitment to mental health services in schools. This funding supports MSW student internships and post-graduate fellowships in collaboration with the Poudre School District.

Overall, CSU’s MSW program promises an enriching educational experience that equips students to advocate for social justice and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Colorado State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The Colorado State University (CSU) Graduate School’s MSW program in Fort Collins, CO, offers a robust Advanced Generalist curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It prepares students for diverse social work settings with different program formats including:

• A two-year program
• Advanced Standing for those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Part-time hybrid options
• MSW/MPH dual degree

This program is available in full-time on-campus and part-time hybrid formats through CSU Online. The hybrid model combines online learning with in-person class weekends, providing flexibility for working professionals. WICHE member state residents also benefit from paying resident tuition rates.

The program supports its distance students with extensive resources available on the CSU Online website. MSW students are encouraged to inquire about employment opportunities like Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), or Graduate Student Assistantships (GSA) by contacting advisors and departmental coordinators.

The MSW program ensures graduates leave with well-rounded experience and advanced knowledge necessary for career success. Detailed program requirements, coursework, and credit prerequisites can be found in the general catalog.

Colorado State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The CSU School of Social Work’s MSW program in Fort Collins, CO, is nationally recognized and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It is crafted for those who have a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The program uses a cohort model, fostering a supportive learning community. It emphasizes anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles, integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice throughout the curriculum. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure according to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) requirements, which may vary by state.

CSU offers multiple options to complete the MSW degree:

• Full-time in-person (two-year)
• Part-time online/hybrid (three years)
• Advanced Standing for part-time students (two years)

Part-time cohorts are available off-campus in locations like Boulder/Longmont and Denver. The program also features dual degree options such as:

• MSW/MPH
• MACP/MSW

These interdisciplinary opportunities enhance the educational experience, making CSU’s MSW program a top choice for aspiring social workers.

Colorado State University – MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program

The MSW/MPH dual degree program offered by Colorado State University (CSU) and the Colorado School of Public Health combines social work and public health perspectives. It addresses critical global and behavioral health issues, aiming to eliminate health disparities and promote social justice.

The MSW/MPH dual degree integrates the individualized focus of social work with the population-based approach of public health. It utilizes:

• Evidence-based practices drawn from current research
• Multi-method prevention and intervention tools including policy analysis, clinical intervention, and community-based approaches

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers, including clinical practice, health education, program planning, health policy analysis, system management, public health advocacy, and research. This program is exclusive to full-time, on-campus students.

For detailed admission requirements and application instructions, please refer to the CSU MSW program page.

CSU Online – Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

CSU Online’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program delivers a flexible and accessible education designed to prepare students for diverse social work careers. Following an Advanced Generalist approach, the program combines online asynchronous and synchronous learning with in-person class weekends.

The program uses a cohort model, fostering a community-learning environment. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, ensuring graduates are qualified for professional licensure.

Two program variations are available:

• Traditional three-year program
• Advanced Standing two-year program (for those with an accredited BSW degree within the past seven years)

The curriculum focuses on advanced generalist competencies, integrating research into practice and ethical decision-making. Students can choose electives or graduate certificates in specializations such as Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Nonprofit Administration, Pre-K-12 School Social Work, and Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interactions.

Students complete internships to gain practical experience:

• Traditional students: Two internships totaling 945 hours
• Advanced Standing students: One internship totaling 675 hours

Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 18 credits in liberal arts coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong application materials. GRE scores are not required.

This program offers a high-quality social work education in a flexible format ideal for those managing work and life commitments.

How to Choose the Right MSW Program in Fort Collins

Choosing the right MSW program in Fort Collins requires you to consider several key factors:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to guarantee it meets educational standards and prepares you for licensure.
• Faculty Expertise: Research faculty profiles to find experienced professors whose expertise aligns with your interests. Faculty mentorship and networking opportunities can significantly enhance your learning experience.
• Field Placements: Investigate the types and quality of field placements offered. These practical experiences are crucial for skill development. Programs like CSU’s emphasize extensive fieldwork, providing over 600+ hours of practice.
• Financial Aid: Examine the financial aid options available, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Understanding financial support can help you manage education costs effectively.
• Program Format: Decide between online and on-campus formats based on your lifestyle and commitments. Online programs provide flexibility, while on-campus programs offer more in-person interaction and networking.

By evaluating these aspects, you can find an MSW program in Fort Collins that aligns with your career objectives and personal needs.

Colorado State University – MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program

The MSW/MPH dual degree program offered through Colorado State University (CSU) and the Colorado School of Public Health uniquely integrates social work and public health perspectives. This program addresses global health and behavioral health issues, allowing you to tailor your MPH concentration to your individual interests. The program’s core mission emphasizes social justice, elimination of health disparities, and a holistic approach to community health and well-being.

This dual degree combines social work’s focus on individuals, groups, and communities with public health’s population-based, analytical approach. It is evidence-based, utilizing current research on effective programs to address contemporary behavioral health and health issues, health promotion, and disease prevention. The program is multi-method in nature, encompassing all prevention and intervention tools, including research, policy analysis, clinical intervention, and community-based approaches.

Graduates of CSU’s MSW/MPH program are prepared for careers in diverse fields such as:

• Clinical practice
• Health education
• Program planning and evaluation
• Health policy analysis
• System management
• Public health advocacy
• Research

However, the program is available only to full-time, on-campus students and is not offered part-time or online.

For more detailed information on admission requirements and application instructions, visit the CSU MSW program page.

CSU Online – Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

CSU Online offers a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program designed to prepare students for diverse career opportunities within the field. The program follows an Advanced Generalist approach, providing education that equips graduates with the skills to work across various practice settings. It combines online asynchronous and synchronous learning with in-person class weekends, offering flexibility and balance for students managing work and life.

The program follows a cohort model, fostering a community-learning environment where students progress together. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program ensures graduates are qualified for professional licensure.

Two variations of the program are offered:

• Traditional three-year program
• Advanced Standing two-year program

Advanced Standing is for those with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited institution within the past seven years. Advanced Standing students skip the first year and join the second year of the three-year cohort.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced generalist competencies, ethical decision-making, and integration of research into practice. Students can specialize through electives or pursue graduate certificates in areas such as:

• Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Nonprofit Administration
• PreK-12 School Social Work
• Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interactions

Students complete internships to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Traditional students undertake two internships totaling 945 hours, whereas Advanced Standing students complete one internship totaling 675 hours. The program is taught by experienced faculty who bring valuable, practice-based knowledge to the classroom.

Admissions require a bachelor’s degree, completion of 18 credits in liberal arts coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong application materials. GRE scores are not required. The program is designed to provide accessible, flexible, and high-quality social work education.

How to Choose the Right MSW Program in Fort Collins

Choosing the right MSW program in Fort Collins involves considering several key factors to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.

1. Accreditation:
Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This guarantees the program meets educational standards and prepares you for licensure. Programs like those at CSU are CSWE-accredited, ensuring a standardized and recognized educational experience.

2. Faculty Expertise:
Faculty expertise is crucial. Research faculty profiles, their areas of expertise, and publication records. Ensuring their expertise aligns with your academic and professional interests can significantly enhance your educational experience.

3. Field Placements:
Field placements are a cornerstone of social work education. Review the types of field placements offered and ensure they align with your interests. CSU’s MSW program emphasizes extensive fieldwork, with over 600+ hours of field experience.

4. Financial Aid:
Financial aid opportunities can significantly impact your decision. Look for programs that offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Understanding the financial commitment and available support will help you manage the cost of your education effectively.

5. Program Format:
Consider the program format—online vs. on-campus. Online programs offer greater flexibility, which can be beneficial for those balancing work and family commitments. However, on-campus programs provide more in-person interaction, which can be important for networking and community building. CSU offers both online and on-campus options, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your lifestyle.

By considering these factors—accreditation, faculty expertise, field placement opportunities, financial aid, and program format—you can make a well-informed decision about which MSW program in Fort Collins is right for you.

Conclusion: Explore Your Path to an MSW in Fort Collins

The MSW programs in Fort Collins CO are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to succeed in the field of social work. Colorado State University offers a range of high-quality, accredited programs that cater to various interests and career goals. Whether you choose an on-campus or online format, you can be confident that you’ll receive a robust education that meets professional standards.

Take the next step towards your MSW degree and explore the programs available to find the one that’s right for you. Invest in your future and start making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities today.