To ensure a successful educational experience, we ask that you review and acknowledge the technology requirements for graduate student learning and engagement in a holistic and multifaceted educational environment.
I understand that choosing to complete my Master of Science in Social Work degree at Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) involves technology requirements that I am responsible for meeting, and meeting the technology requirements will put me in a strong position to succeed in my role as a student learner, peer/colleague, and student leader.
The basic requirements to participate in the Master of Science in Social Work program, which includes online courses, virtual meetings and completing course related requirements, include the following:
● computer
● webcam
● headset with microphone
● Internet connection
Please read each statement below and enter your initials to acknowledge that you read and understand the basic requirements.(1) Computer – I understand that, based on the online platform requirements, students are required to use a desktop or laptop computer to participate in a range of educational program activities including, but not limited to online and/or residential courses, virtual meetings, course related assignments, practicum learning, and extracurricular hybrid events.
Note: Tablets, Chromebooks, Kindles, smartphones, and other devices do not offer the full functionality needed for the CSSW program. For detailed computer configuration recommendations, please see the
Student Instructional Technology Resources page.
(2) Webcam – I understand that webcams are required to participate in a range of educational program activities including but not limited to online and/or residential courses, virtual meetings, course related assignments, field education, and extra-curricula hybrid events.
Note: Webcams are typically a standard integrated feature with most laptops. If your computer/laptop does not have a webcam, webcams can be purchased separately from numerous vendors.
(3) Headset with microphone – I understand that the optimum set-up includes the use of a headset with a microphone that plugs into my computer (wireless headsets may not work consistently).
Note: A wired headset with microphone will maximize the quality of the audio connection for use in online courses by reducing echos and ambient noise.
(4) Internet connection – I understand that my computer needs to be able to connect to the Internet at a reliable speed to participate in a range of educational program activities including but not limited to online and/or residential courses, virtual meetings, course related assignments, practicum learning, and extracurricular hybrid events.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a hard-wired Internet connection be used when taking online classes in order to reduce connectivity issues and disruption, and to maximize the learning experience. The most reliable Internet connection is through a hard-wired (Ethernet) cable from the modem directly to the computer (
for example). A Wi-Fi Internet connection may be adequate, but is not as reliable as a hard-wired connection.
A high-speed Internet connection can be obtained via cable modem or fiber optic broadband; dial-up Internet will not work with the technology required for online coursework, and digital subscriber line (DSL) or satellite may or may not work, so they are not recommended. Depending on the high-speed Internet service provider, time of day and other factors, the minimum high-speed Internet package may not be adequate.
For suggestions and tips for optimizing your Internet connection, please see "Getting the most out of your Internet connection" on the
Student Instructional Technology Resources page.
