00:00:00
Virtual MSW Information Session
Emily Dennis
10:55:11 AM
Welcome to Columbia School of Social Work Virtual MSW Info Session! We are utilizing a chat feature so you can ask any questions you have at any time during today’s session. Please keep in mind that we may answer your question during the presentation.
Emily Dennis
10:56:02 AM
Please note that this chat is moderated. If time allows, we may share and address your question live if it would be helpful for a majority of attendees. If your questions are unique to you and your context we may choose to answer it post event. When you submit a comment or question, it will appear to you in grey and won’t be visible to the public. If we choose to publish your comment, it will re-post in black text in the chat room for all participants to see.
Emily Dennis
10:56:31 AM
If you experience any technical difficulties, please attempt to 1) Refresh your web browser or 2) try and open the webinar in a different web browser (we recommend Chrome).
Emily Dennis
11:00:25 AM
Hi all! We will get started shortly!
Emily Dennis
11:02:47 AM
We are about to get started
Hello everyone.
Hello and good morning, if you're out on the East Coast, welcome to our information session for the Masters of Social Work Program at Columbia School of Social Work.
Happy Saturday.
This information session is for perspective MSW students, so it provides a lot of great information. We've done our best to really make sure that we include what's needed as a perspective student looking to learn more about our programs and our upcoming application. But you know, of course where we're happy to have you to share information about the School of Social work. Now you may have already noticed this, but there is a chat area where you're able to type in your questions. We will do our best to share an address. Your questions live. Do note that there is.
Order to this presentation so we might pick and choose exactly when to answer your questions, so make sure that if you you're able to, that you're both listening and checking the chat for if your question has been answered. If we cannot get to your question today, we'll do our best to respond after the event. Of course, you're also welcome to just email us your question directly, especially if it's personal in nature. We don't want to get too personal in the chat area in public, and of course if you are experiencing any technical difficulties, make sure that you try to.
I refresh your web browser or just try to open the web and are in a different web browser altogether. Generally speaking, we do recommend Chrome. That's what we use in order to for this webinar to go off without a hitch. So with that we will get started. Just know that again, just because I'm seeing already something back in the chat, we will be approving your questions as we go, and we're going to do our best to keep it on track with the topic at hand.
As we get to different parts of the presentation, so if you're asking questions, just know that we see the answer. It just might be or we may see your question, it just may be grayed out until we approve it for the rest of our our public audience to see your question. So if you're still having technical issues, I'm so sorry but just know that this is also going to be recorded, so as long as the recording comes out well, you'll get an email with a copy of the recording so you can flip through the slides and learn more about.
Our program, that way, if it's really something that's that's difficult. But otherwise, as this moment we're going to get started, our slides are up. I'm getting feedback that you can hear my audio, and let's do this.
Jane M.
11:05:33 AM
Question: I cannot access essay prompts in application. Can you please give me guidance.
Emily Dennis
11:05:48 AM
Hi Jane, our application is designed to populate certain questions based on the answers you selected early in the application process. The essay questions are dictated by the selections you make on the "Personal Information" and "MSW Program of Study" pages of the application. You cannot view the essay prompts until you have entered your personal information and selected which program you are applying for.
Here's a quote from one of our esteemed faculty members, Doctor Courtney Kagor. What richer place to think about how to have a meaningful impact on the world. The world has changed quite dramatically in less than a year, and repeatedly, we always think about like what what's the value proposition of attending our program or or just pursuing social work. And you know, being able to be part of a strong research University, being able to be part of one of the oldest.
Samantha R.
11:06:05 AM
is there a different way to submit my transcript from my school? ie having the institution send directly to you?
Emily Dennis
11:06:25 AM
Hi Samantha, your school may send a digital copy of your transcript to us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu
Masters programs and social work, and certainly the first to teach social work in a formal setting, has really allowed us to build off of what we believe is integral to social work, education and to be able to join like minded individuals across disciplines across background within the program really adds to really the richness of the experience and so even now, as I'm sure some of you may have the question, a lot of our program.
Lizeth A.
11:06:54 AM
Hello! If we are interested in doing a dual degree program, can we still apply for the online MSW program or are the dual programs strictly for residential only students?
Is remote a lot of our program is online and I will say you know, typically for our information sessions we stress that this is an information session for both campuses. Both the online campus and the Imperson. Traditionally residential program. Even though things are currently remote due to to covid. But to be able to still have students comment on the positive interactions that are having with staff and with faculty and with one another because they really are surrounded by individuals that want to have a meaningful.
And positive impact on the world around them has really made the difference for for them. And so as challenging as it's been as as much as we've been doing work under the duress of a global pandemic, it really does feel like this is a rich, meaningful place to be able to put your ideas and your passions to work to enhance the well being of others.
Emily Dennis
11:07:33 AM
Hi Lizeth, you can apply to the online MSW and another program for a dual degree, but none of our partner schools offer online programs, so you'd be doing the MSW portion online and the other degree in-person
Israa E.
11:07:42 AM
I am able to submit my unofficial transcript since I am continuing Undergrad courses and then have the official one sent upon acceptance?
Emily Dennis
11:07:57 AM
Hi Israa, yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application
So for this presentation we're going to talk about our commitment to social justice and how globally respected our faculty are, but will also talk about the distinct resources we offer that make us a bit different from other MSW programs. We also will talk about what makes our MSW pathways and program options unique. I already see that there's some questions about different curricular paths and dual degree programs will get into it then and how student centered our support is along the way. As you navigate those different options we offer.
Sarah K.
11:08:20 AM
I have an MA from a school in England and they are able to send a copy of my official transcript. Do I still need an international course evaluation?
Field experience is obviously field is a very important part of the social work program experience. The outcomes of our students are alumni as well as some next steps. So if you have any questions about the application itself and the deadlines and how the processes that's towards the end of this presentation.
Emily Dennis
11:08:43 AM
Hi Sarah, you can send us the transcript from your school. If we need an evaluation, it would only be requested after you are admitted.
Namita D.
11:08:50 AM
Hi! I'm an international student and I'd like to know if missing the priority deadline lessens my chances of getting selected for the course or for scholarships.
So some very quick facts about us. We are able to boast the highest social work licensing password in New York. We do have some of this data also repeated on our website about the ability for you to just get a sense of how well our students do on the first try of the the these licensing exams. Several points above the national average. I believe this was 2019. the NIH awarded our one of our research centers at $86 million grant to study.
Opioid addiction in New York State. There's a lot of really exciting research and opportunities bound to happen out of that grant. The largest of its kind, and this 86 million was part of over a billion in grants awarded to our faculty at Columbia University that year for research purposes. Nabeela al Bacil, the faculty member who you know, kind of led the effort and was awarded the Grant, was actually recently quoted, I believe in the Daily News about the vaccination rollout.
Emily Dennis
11:09:40 AM
Hi Namita, regardless of when applicants apply, they are equally considered for aid. Applying early does not increase your chance of receiving aid. We are generally unable to provide aid to international students.
Yichuan Z.
11:09:51 AM
I'm an international student but I've studied in the U.S. for four years for my bachelor's degree, would I be exempted from language examinations such as TOEFL?
In the United States, with recommendations and ways to to kind of consider improving it. So these are faculty members that are very much in and of the current era in the news and are very much impacting the the day-to-day world around us. We are able to have both 19,000 alumni around the world. Our program in general has a little over 1000 or so students in total, and so to be able to have 19,000 alums around the world that are certainly involved, certainly.
Emily Dennis
11:10:21 AM
Hi Yichuan, international students from countries where English is not the official national language must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Active and part of your network within social work and social work related fields absolutely makes a difference in terms of the program experience. And again, the top ranked research University to to be able to have everything we do based in evidence and best practices and to contribute to that body of work as well. You know the reality is there are students who you know in general they decide to pursue, maybe social work or maybe even a different.
Josh P.
11:10:36 AM
Obviously Columbia is a research center for social work. How does this affect who teaches the classes? How often are classes taught by professors with PhDs?
Profession elsewhere and they're reading about our faculty instead of learning from them directly, and so as a research University, it is going to allow us to be able to offer opportunities at our innovative research centers. There are several multidisciplinary research centers, including our newest one, the Action Lab for social justice, that provide network of opportunities for innovative solutions. So whether that's ways as a professional that you can take workshops and earn your continuing education units.
Emily Dennis
11:11:12 AM
Hi Josh, our courses are taught by a wide range of faculty with PhDs, MSWs, and/or other advanced degrees
Whether that's research that's being done with organizations around the world, whether that's field education opportunities, maybe you're interested in independent study and working directly with the faculty member. I encourage you. If you have a strong interest in our program and in particular research area to just learn more about the research groups through our website. There's also a ton of information on YouTube and so to know that the faculty members that are teaching your courses are a range of you know.
Vanessa C.
11:11:43 AM
at the time of the application is an official transcript from our undergraduate university required? or will an un-official copy suffice?
Tenured faculty members that run the research labs or even adjunct faculty members that might work at the research labs, run the research labs or work very much in the real world around us. We're truly enhances the experience in the program.
Emily Dennis
11:12:01 AM
Hi Vanessa, unofficial is accepted for the application. If offered admission, then you will need to provide official copies.
Diana M.
11:12:12 AM
Is it necessary to have prior work experience in the social work field?
And so here's some of our lovely faculty members. Some of these faces might be familiar to you, some some simply not. You know everyone from Heidi Allen, Bob Hartley, Courtney Cogburn, I see Ellen Lukins Mincey, Ronald Quincy. There's so many faculty members who again have really contributed to the field of social work into the way social work is taught. And even on this slide, some of the most cited social workers in the field as well. And so I really do encourage you, especially if you're not quite done with those essays.
Emily Dennis
11:12:29 AM
Hi Diana, previous experience in social work is not required
Tristan B.
11:12:36 AM
Is it possible to apply to both the online and in-person MSW if attending either/or are options for the applicant, in order to present a more flexible application?
To really think about how is it that you can enhance your social work experience by learning from some of these faculty members? And certainly not all of 'em are fitted on this slide, but there's so much work that's happening from the China Policy Center to the mental health research that's happening to the research that's happening on federal programs in rural areas and health. Thinking about intergeneration.
Emily Dennis
11:12:57 AM
Hi Tristan, you can only submit one application. Our online and residential options are two paths within the same degree program.
Elena C.
11:13:02 AM
About when will we hear back about a decision?
I'm a trauma in the black community. Thinking about you know sexual health and in different regions of the world. Thinking about the refugee crisis, there's so much happening in this program that's in that absolutely would impact your experience here and provide you the opportunity to get involved as well. If you wanted to learn more about you, know different social issues of our day and the way that the School of Social Work focuses on that, and so. With that in mind, I will be playing a video well.
Emily Dennis
11:13:24 AM
Hi Elena, we aim to provide decisions within 8 weeks of the deadline, as long a your application was complete
Will share the link in the chat in case there's any issues and you would like to watch the video later but just a short video about our program. We miss being able to be in the building and give you all tours, another with the building looks like but this video kind of captures a little bit of what we're able to offer, so we'll take this moment just a few moments to watch the video, and then we'll continue on with the presentation.
Emily Dennis
11:13:52 AM
Video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bYCkYLYy1A&feature=youtu.be
Khalil M.
11:14:44 AM
Hi, I do not have access to my university and teachers for academic reference for my application. What could be an alternative way to proceed with my application?
Emily Dennis
11:15:09 AM
Hi Khalil, we accept professional and academic references. Natasha will discuss letters of recommendation later in the session.
Kate C.
11:15:38 AM
Hi! I am a transfer student and was wondering if transfer students often have to take summer courses to catch up?
Emily Dennis
11:16:18 AM
Hi Katherine, no, transfers do not take summer classes. You would be enrolled for just two semesters (fall and spring) and then you would graduate. Transfer students typically transfer 30 units to CSSW.
Lizeth A.
11:16:42 AM
If I apply for the online program and then decide to do in person, is it possible to switch from the online program to the residential program?
Emily Dennis
11:17:03 AM
Hi Lizeth, yes, admitted students can switch before enrolling. You can also switch between online and residential between academic years.
Angela A.
11:17:15 AM
For the personal statement asking about how we would address a social problem, do we need to include in text citation if we are stating research findings?
Emily Dennis
11:17:29 AM
Hi Angela, if you choose to cite sources, please include citations
Moriah H.
11:17:36 AM
What percentage of the in-person degree is online? How often would we need to be on campus?
Emily Dennis
11:17:50 AM
Hi Moriah, our online program can be completed 100% online without ever being on campus
OK.
Chelsea H.
11:18:13 AM
Good morning! If you start in the online MSW program can you later apply for the on-campus program?
I hope you were all able to enjoy that video. There are plenty of more videos on our YouTube channel if you're interested in catching up on some of our older social impact live episodes are getting a sense of different events or factors have led, but again, always lovely to see the campus on a sunny day.
Emily Dennis
11:18:27 AM
Hi Chelsea, admitted students can request to switch between the two platforms
So now we'll talk about some of our program pathways and options. Again, we do have both a residential program as well as an online program residential to us just means that you're attending the program in person. It doesn't mean that you're living in our building, or you let your living necessarily on campus, and so in terms of the differences between the two. Really, everything is the same at this time in terms of the admissions process. And you know how the.
Nadya R.
11:18:57 AM
On the application it says that we can use an unofficial copy of our transcript but it cannot be obtained from a school based website, does this include unofficial transcripts downloaded from CUNYfirst?
Emily Dennis
11:19:05 AM
Hi Nadya, a downloaded copy is fine
Program is intended to be carried out except for the nature in which your classes are taught. So for the online campus, all of your classes are online and that's available to students throughout the United States, and the idea would be that for field education you would do your field in person local to you where you are in the United States. This is open to US citizens and permanent residents, obviously in terms of visa sponsorship, so you are able to.
Diana D.
11:19:25 AM
How do you work with a faculty member who works with Center for Complicated Grief and/or military?
Emily Dennis
11:19:45 AM
Hi Diana, many of our students do research with faculty at our centers, including the Center for Complicated Grief
Since you don't need one, pursue the program online and then when it comes to students who are studying in New York City due to covid, quite a bit is currently remote or hybrid in nature. We don't have 100% classes that are meeting every single week in the building, but you know, just be mindful that as we continue to plan ahead for not just this academic year, but academic years to come when you're saying you're part of the online campus, you're saying I want 100% of my academic experience.
Chase M.
11:19:58 AM
Hello! Once the application is completed, when do applicants hear back with a decision?
Emily Dennis
11:20:16 AM
Hi Chase, we aim to provide decisions within 8 weeks of the deadline, as long as your application is complete
Regardless of where I am within the United States to be online and with the New York City campus, you're saying, well if some of my classes are remote or if some of my classes are hybrid due to covid, that's fine, but I'm still going to be somewhere within or near the greater New York area. Do mindful again when it comes to field education, you could do be online and be within the United States and carry out your field education and we'll talk a little bit more about how field works. But for the NYC program, the expectation is.
Ashley H.
11:20:26 AM
Hi, I have been living and working in the US for 10+ years. as a permanent resident, Would I still be required to take TOEFL?
Emily Dennis
11:20:40 AM
Hi Eun Jung, US Permanent Residents do not need to provide language test scores
Of course your field experience maybe somewhere within the greater New York area, you know. Obviously, we're connected to the tristate area and you know some of it's gonna depend on where you're willing to commute to, but will talk a little bit more about field in detail, but I do want to kind of give that distinction. 'cause I do see the questions already popping up in the chat. The most traditional way of experiencing our two year program. We are sorry our program is a two year program, being able to join us for two academic years.
Fall Spring and then fall. Spring those two years, which I think workout to be just about 20 or so months would be about two days a week in the classroom. In three days a week in field experience for a full five day a week more or less commitment, obligation experience of your MSW program. Very traditional.
Ama S.
11:21:20 AM
Is it possible to have on-campus housing if you applied for an online MSW?
Emily Dennis
11:21:30 AM
Hi Ama, all students can apply for housing
This offer to both campuses. Then we have our 16 month program which is similar to the two year and that it's four semesters. The difference is that those four semesters are back to back, so you join us starting in the spring, so the intake for the 16 month every year is in the spring.
Sara G.
11:21:39 AM
We send our unofficial transcript to cssw-admit@columbia.edu correct?
Emily Dennis
11:21:54 AM
Hi Sara, yes, that is correct. Transcripts can also be uploaded within the application portal.
Hallie A.
11:22:00 AM
Is there consideration for including the of Contemporary Social Issues field of practice to the online MSW program? If not, will there be opportunities for elective courses in that specializations (virtually)?
Spring summer fall, spring. So if you're interested in pursuing your MSW on a condensed track, maybe you have work experience and you don't want to take off too much time between work. Then you're able to pursue the 16 month program. But again, if you're joining us today because you're really excited to apply for the February 15th deadline, do you know that the 16 month program does not start in the fall? Only in the spring every year?
The next option we offer is our advanced standing. This should sound familiar to anyone who's earned a Bachelors of Social Work from a CSWE accredited school. And if you're wondering why Latosha do I qualify for advanced standing?
Emily Dennis
11:22:42 AM
Hi Hallie, our online program is relatively new, so we aren't able to offer all of our courses/fields of practice online yet. I do not know of any plans to add CSI to the online program but anything is possible for the future.
To be honest, you would know you would know what a CSWE accredited school is. You will be familiar with the course work you will be familiar with the field requirement. This is something that is very specific to BSW students so that they are able to pursue their MSW in with advanced standing so that they they come with to us with a B or better not to be minus beer. Better in all their social work classes. They've done the equivalent of when your field education and they're joining us for Year 2.
Ashley W.
11:22:58 AM
’m coming as a city college graduate - all I have to do is apply and because I’m a CUNY student i will automatically qualify ?
So they join us late July for our summer intensive for advanced training students. Make sure everyone's on the same page and then they dive into the program in the fall and at the end of the spring they graduate. So it's not a full summer commitment for advanced standing, but you do start late July, sometimes early August, depending on how the calendar works out. And again, it's a great opportunity for you to be able to pursue your graduate studies within five years of your undergraduate experience at.
Reduced I guess.
Academic requirement because you've already done the first half of it.
Emily Dennis
11:23:44 AM
Hi Ashley, all applicants are reviewed by our admissions committee, regardless of where you attended undergrad. If you are referring to the CUNY scholarship, you will automatically be considered for it if you are admitted to our MSW program.
Najah H.
11:23:58 AM
Will there be an interview for applicants?
Extended is our opportunity to offer as close as possible to a part time program. It is difficult to provide a part time program that provides the same rigor, the same required resources, the same or similar enough of an experience we don't want to offer a part time program if it's going to greatly dilute the outcome of a student, and so the extended off option allows us to have our cake and eat it too. It allows us to stretch out degree.
Emily Dennis
11:24:09 AM
Hi Najah, we only offer interviews to international applicants
Josh P.
11:24:17 AM
What is the average size for online classes? What percentage are live and in-person?
Requirements to stretch them out over 3, maybe four years, but the way we do so is that in your first year, maybe your second, depending on exactly what you need, you're really just chipping away at courses so that in your final years of the program as you add field education, you are technically a full time student, but you're doing so at a reduced course load. So again, in All in all, the extended is designed to stretch out degree requirements. Maybe you're nervous about grad school, maybe you have a family, maybe you.
Work a certain amount of hours and it's kind of flexible, but you're not sure about how to make it all work again. It's going to be.
Emily Dennis
11:24:49 AM
Hi Josh, all of our online courses are synchronous and take place via live stream. First-year classes can be up to 50 people and second-year classes are smaller, up to 25 people
Brian F.
11:25:03 AM
Regarding letters of reference, it has been over five years since I graduated with my BA, so I have received one letter of reference from my undergraduate advisor/professor and one from my most recent employer. I'm planning on the third letter coming from a supervisor at my most recent place of employment, but I'm wondering if receiving a letter from another previous employer or professor would make for a stronger application?
Challenging to manage a full time workload with also being a full time employee somewhere with any of our options, but extended at least allows you to kind of ease into it. Yeah, I don't. I wouldn't feel comfortable saying that. It allows you to always work full time and go full time student. We offer classes from throughout the day from, you know, early in the morning throughout the evening, but there's no guarantee that all your classes as an example would be offered at night, but at least the extended allows you if.
Emily Dennis
11:25:25 AM
Hi Brian, since you are more than 5 years out of your last degree program, it is up to you. Academic or professional is fine.
Diana M.
11:25:37 AM
Just to confirm, the references should be APA format
You're interested in that very specific situation to be able to start chipping away at classes before you are a full time student. The reduced residency works similarly in that you are stretching out your program requirements over 3, maybe four years, but what we're reducing for reduced residency is your residency in field education, and we're doing so because you're coming to us with over two years of full-time direct practice experience, so maybe you already report to a social worker. Maybe you're at a social organization, whatever it is.
Emily Dennis
11:25:45 AM
Diana, you can use whichever formatting you prefer
Claire M.
11:25:58 AM
How has COVID affected field placements and in-person learning?
You're coming to us with that work experience, and So what we're able to do is reduce the amount of hours you have to do for field education. Some of your classes are also around other professionals, such as yourself, so that you're able to feel like you're in a classroom setting where you're leveraging the most of your professional experience, and in a lot of cases reduce residency. Students are able to actually do their field education through their employer, so if you already work somewhere where there are MSW.
Emily Dennis
11:26:32 AM
Hi Claire, virtually all of our courses and field placements are taking place remotely at this time. We have never offered remote field placements before this year, and we are not yet sure what upcoming semesters will look like.
Available for supervision, maybe they already host field internships. The reduced residency program might be the best fit for you, so I know it's a little bit confusing to kind of have all these options thrown at you. But if it starts sounding like reduced rent, sees a good fit, feel free to reach out to us. Feel free to email us. We're happy to chat with you one on one over the phone, or answer questions by email so that we can help provide as much information at the nuances of our reduced residency program.
Samantha R.
11:26:45 AM
for the internship part, if you decide to move to a different state, how does the internship prpcess work for that student
The transfer program is a unique experience for those who started an MSW and for whatever reason have decided that that program is not a good fit, and so in the other, transferring into our program, it is not the same as transferring a handful of classes or 9 credits into our Graduate School program. It is specifically coming to us with about 30 credits, which would be the equivalent of 1 academic year of classes and that first year field experience and essentially you're joining us for year two of our program, so.
Emily Dennis
11:27:14 AM
Hi Samantha, our Office of Field Education finds field placements for all students, regardless of where they live
McKenzie K.
11:27:20 AM
Is there any differentiation on the actual degree obtained through the online program versus the in person program.
Emily Dennis
11:27:42 AM
Hi McKenzie, the online and residential programs are taught by the same faculty and have the same course work and field work requirements
You know, if you feel like maybe you've started a different type of graduate program, maybe you started psychology and it wasn't the best fit, or you feel like maybe you've taken some courses and you think they would transfer in. That is not the same as the transfer program. This is specifically for those coming from MSW programs. Masters of social work or Masters of Science and social work programs that are CSWE. That's the Council on Social Work Education accredited programs, the same rule, beer, better in all classes and coming in with the year.
Vanessa C.
11:27:46 AM
hi is it possible to apply to both the in person NYC and online program?
Emily Dennis
11:28:09 AM
Vanessa, you can only submit one application at a time. The online and residential options are part of the same degree program.
Field as a man standing but again if for whatever reason you find that the program that you're a part of isn't the best fit or is lacking in any way, we do it. Transfer students every year. You are welcome to apply as a transfer student to our program. Last but certainly not least, the five term international program if you are non US resident. If you do not have a green card. If you're not a citizen, you might have noticed our application.
Aaron J.
11:28:22 AM
How would financial aid work if I, say, started online then wanted to start the on-campus program in a second semester?
Kind of push you towards the five term program. I also just add an extra note if you cannot see the essay prompts skipping ahead a little bit, but if you can't see the essay prompts, go back to the beginning.
Emily Dennis
11:28:56 AM
Hi Aaron, it would not really change - we offer financial aid to online and residential students
All the way back and make sure you answer each and every one of the questions, including citizenship before you apply to or before you try to see the essay prompts. But for the five term international program, that's our way of making sure that our students, especially those who come from places where social work doesn't quite exist in the same way social work is a profession, might mean something totally different. This is our way of just kind of making sure that we're providing you the resources you need. So in the admissions process, we evaluate you.
For the five term international program, it's the only option we offer that has a short interview as part of the process. Specifically for English proficiency, an understanding of the social work profession out of that admissions process, you'd either be offered admission to the five term international or put into the two year program. So just know that as an international student, this is our way of making sure that you have everything you need to do well in our program, and so the five terms.
Juliana G.
11:29:28 AM
In an email I received, it said the application is due Friday, February 15. However, February 15th is a Monday. Can you tell me what day is the application due?
Emily Dennis
11:29:36 AM
Hi Juliana, the deadline is Monday, February 15
Katrin H.
11:29:47 AM
I assume that I can attend online states also outside the US, right? I understand that Field experience will be in NY or the US, that's fine. But online, I may be overseas at times.
Essentially, we're delaying the start of your field education and adding some additional courses to prepare you more background courses into the national social welfare system, so that before you start field education here as prepared as possible. So hope that answers a number of questions about the program options. I see Emily doing everything in the chat, so.
Emily Dennis
11:30:05 AM
Hi Katrin, our online program is only available within the US. It is also only available to US citizens and Permanent Residents.
Elena C.
11:30:15 AM
When should we start applying for financial aid? after we are accepted? Or while we wait to hear back if we are accepted?
So feel free to keep asking your questions, but I think that's that's it for this section. Just to reiterate, you know we are leader in online social work education. Some might say that we might have adjusted a little bit too quickly to teaching so many classes online, but that's because our online cab is has contributed to the research on online social work education, how to make it accessible, how to make it engaging, how to provide the same outcomes as saying in person class, and so there is a lot of work that goes into our online classes.
Faculty members staff have to be specifically trained for online classes to be able to provide assistance and resources to students, and thinking about how to make an engaging online space.
Emily Dennis
11:30:29 AM
Hi Elena, we encourage you to submit the FAFSA around the same time you submit your MSW application
A number of our faculty members already taught for our online campus because it's the same faculty. It's the same stuff.
Lehua B.
11:30:40 AM
On the Online Campus FAQ page it says that online classes are scheduled at a fixed time. Does this mean that if we are in a different time zone we will need to attend at the scheduled EST time?
Emily Dennis
11:30:58 AM
Hi Lehua, yes that is correct. Our online classes are synchronous and students attend class via live stream.
It's not a separate kind of entity, it's it, or a separate program. You're not getting a separate MSW, it's simply that you're studying on a different campus. So if you have any questions about our online program or online campus, just just email us. Let us know, but you can also find quite a bit of information online from people like Dean to Boccard, who's who's done quite a lot of work, research wise as a social worker into how to teach and train social workers online.
Mary Elizabeth S.
11:31:06 AM
When would advanced standings students expect to graduate?
Emily Dennis
11:31:22 AM
Hi Mary Elizabeth, Advanced Standing students are enrolled for one academic year and graduate in the spring
Caroline Z.
11:31:28 AM
Hello! Are students typically able to maintain part time employment while in the full time 2 year program? Thank you!
These online classes I should say are synchronous. They're happening live. You would have to have your camera on. You would have to, you know, sweat sweatshirts are fine, but maybe not pajamas. It is a very engaging online virtual experience, so it is not prerecorded classes. I think the only class that we have that would be considered asynchronous is a short five week kind of requirements that I'll talk about in a moment. But otherwise your classes are very much happening. Live right in front of you. An engagement is.
Absolutely required.
Emily Dennis
11:31:48 AM
Hi Caroline, yes, many of our full-time students work part-time while enrolled.
Timothy J.
11:31:59 AM
I imagine nothing is set in stone due to covid-19, but is there a tentative plan for in person education next fall?
If you've done some research into our program already, you might have found that one of the ways that we do stand out is that 4 by 7 model that option that we offer so that students are able to have a broad sense of understanding of social work and experiences in what would be traditionally your first year of the social work program, and then for your specialization year to really be able to dive into a specific way to to focus your social work as well as a population to focus on and so.
Emily Dennis
11:32:27 AM
Hi Timothy, the University has not yet made any decisions about the fall semester, but we will share information when it becomes available
Dani A.
11:32:34 AM
If you are accepted, is it possible to defer enrollment to the following academic year?
For method areas that how you would like to conduct your social work, practice fairly standard clinical social work practice in your first year, every student in their first year has a little bit of clinical. That's why your second year is advanced clinical so that you're able to really think about assessment like Gnosis treatment options, best practices for working in a clinical setting, generalist. Again, every student has a little bit of generalists in their first year, so if you're specializing in general, it's considered advance.
Emily Dennis
11:32:45 AM
Hi Dani, admitted students may request a one-time deferral of up to 2 year
Thinking of how to provide your practice, not just on the direct practice one to one level, but also how do I apply social work to a community at large?
Emily Dennis
11:33:03 AM
1* year, sorry for the typo! Deferrals are for ONE year max.
Ellen K.
11:33:18 AM
Greetings! Is it possible to arrange your field internship in New Jersey if you are enrolled in the two-year residential program?
The policy how do I advocate on behalf of a more just society policy changes implementation? How do I carry out policy and social enterprise administration if social work generalist practices, thinking of how do I carry out social work to the well being of the Community, Social Enterprise Administration or sea can often be thought of as how do I enhance the well, the function of an organization or enhance the organization that carries out these research so?
Emily Dennis
11:33:36 AM
Hi Ellen, yes, we have had students do that in the past. You would work with the field education team to find a placement in NJ.
Nadya R.
11:33:44 AM
How does field experience work while taking online courses?
There's a lot of additional details on our website to kind of understanding what you're taught in each of these method areas. There is some wiggle room for taking the occasional occasional election or elective on the other method areas, if you choose one, but we it is designed so that you are able to focus on one method area for your studies in the application, we ask what you're most interested in, what your intention is. We're not holding you to that. We don't show up at your house before registration and say.
Emily Dennis
11:34:16 AM
Hi Nadya, online students complete field placement in-person in their local area. Due to Covid, many of our students are completing field placements remotely at this time.
You promise us you were going to be a policy student. Don't change what we actually do is provide you in your first year, especially or even over the summer. Opportunities to really think about the different method areas and think about what makes the most sense for what your goals are in your professional pathways. That way, even as you gain those transferable skills, you're thinking of how to really focus them on a particular method area. But we know which students are welcome to change their minds. It happens your 7 fields of practice to be honest.
Erina G.
11:34:32 AM
which ones among the 7 program options are open for international students? I noticed not every program options are available to be chosen in the application portal
Emily Dennis
11:34:54 AM
Hi Erina, international students apply to the Five-Term International Students Program, unless they are eligible for Advanced Standing.
To be clear, to be transparent, the fields of practice are our way of organizing field placements. So if you feel like you're looking at this list and you don't even know what some of them mean, you don't even know how you would choose. I mean, what if you want to work with older immigrants and their mental health concerns and provide health resources as the units of their family? I where do you start? Honestly, it's how we organize our field placements along our different associate director of Field Education.
Jasmine B.
11:34:59 AM
When is the deadline for the 16 month program option?
There is some overlap, but I would stress at this point it is important to kind of get a sense of the way that different organizations and populations might need or typically receive their resources and so.
Emily Dennis
11:35:11 AM
Hi Jasmine, the deadline for all programs starting in fall 2021 is February 15
Melanie H.
11:35:26 AM
With the RR program, can the entirety of my field placement hours be completed at my place of work assuming it qualifies?
Emily Dennis
11:35:37 AM
Hi Melanie, yes, RR students complete all of their field at their current employer
What we offer as a program is not only the field experience that would focus on one of these seven fields of practice, but also a class that you would take as part of your field to practice requirement so that you're able to have an overview of what's happening throughout. Really the profession, so that if you are working in a hospital setting with health, mental health and disabilities, you can still hear from students and alums and get feedback in the research about like what's happening at the other. Parts are like this.
Richard H.
11:35:57 AM
Good Morning, for the reduced residency program if you have over 3 years of social work experience, but most were part time do you still qualify?
This mental health conversation so that you're as prepared as possible, regardless of where your field education ultimately is for your second year. So again, your method area really is dictating your your specialization year courses. For most students, this is their second year of the program. Obviously for advanced standing and transfer student, since you're only here in our program and then for extended and reduce stress to see students, it's your final year in a program. Depending on how you map things out and your fields of practice is really referring to one specific course that you're taking in your final year.
Emily Dennis
11:36:10 AM
Hi Richard, you need to have a minimum of 2 years full time or 4 years part time
Karmen B.
11:36:23 AM
Can you change program options once accepted to you desired choice?
Emily Dennis
11:36:35 AM
Hi Karmen, yes, we can accommodate certain program changes
Or I should say your specialization? Yes, every once in a little bit different pathway as well as what type of population your organization serves. But there is some overlap. There's a lot of information on our website on how these all work. We're also happy to answer questions but just know that we're just kind of getting a sense of what you're leading towards any admissions process you're not tethered to life for life from any of these method areas or fields of practice.
Josh P.
11:36:45 AM
How have current and past students managed the cost of the program? Are most students receiving some kind of aid (not including loans)?
And I also should stress that all the method areas are available online to students. So if you are set on only pursuing this program online as part of our online campus, all the method areas are available. And I believe our most popular fields of practice, family, youth and children, services and health, mental health and disabilities are available to all online students. It's a little bit different now that there's a pandemic. It so much is remote, but generally speaking, you know, say you delay your application for any reason and you come back to us.
In the distant future, do know that you should double check exactly what's available online. I would imagine quite a bit remains online for the foreseeable future, but just kind of putting that disclosure out there.
Emily Dennis
11:37:38 AM
Hi Josh, students typically cover the cost of attendance through a combination of loans, scholarships, fellowships, income from their current job, and/or individual savings. Last year over 90% of our students who completed the FAFSA received financial aid from CSSW.
And again, just to see the question in the chat, you are welcome to change your mind in terms of method area fields of practice to a certain point. The rule of thumb is that essentially before you register for those method area courses and before you rank your field placement opportunities or options for that specialization year, that's that's that's the deadline. Who are less for exactly when you're making that selection. So for advanced training students for transfer students, obviously they have less time to decide, but they also have.
More understanding of the different method areas 'cause they've already experienced, what would be the equivalent to the first year, but everyone else would likely have you know that their entire first year to really think about it until they're spring, it's really locked into those choices.
And just a little bit of a background into our dual degree programs because it has been mentioned. You are welcome to pursue a dual degree program at Columbia University. The ones that are listed are the only ones we have. You know, every once in awhile some students think you know what can I combine this one and that one? And these are the ones that have been approved on the University level, which means that they're not jointly administered. We're not both reading your applications and you know, chatting over lunch and coming up with admissions decision. There are two very separate programs, entities and admissions.
Shivani M.
11:38:43 AM
are field placements through a matching basis or do students get to choose? what are the type of field placements that Columbia offers?
Processes we each have our own ambitions, process, financial aid, tuition, academic requirements, but this allows you to more or less as a admitted student to both received the resources of each program that your matriculate it in and then be able to potentially make the most out of that. Then almost dual enrollment. Generally speaking, your group technically at each program at a time. You're not at both schools simultaneously.
Emily Dennis
11:39:35 AM
Hi Shivanu, students complete a field placement planning form and are matched with a placement site based on their geographic location and social work interests. First-year placements are foundational/generalist in nature, and second-year placements are more advanced.
Kate C.
11:39:42 AM
Will generalist method areas also be prepared for the clinical licensing exam?
But every once in awhile you know students want to take advantage of different resources. Or you know, maybe you pursue the MSW MBA and there's a class you really want to take at social work, but you're at the School of the Business School as a dual degree student. You have that that that full access as a student of each program, you're not really cross registering your student, but what I will say is that the dual degree programs are designed to take place in person. In our, you know, the what makes this whole social work unique.
Emily Dennis
11:40:09 AM
Hi Katherine, our clinical method area is the only method area that includes all of the clinical courses needed to pursue the clinical license
Jenna G.
11:40:12 AM
if you apply to a specific method area, can you switch areas before school begins?
Is that we have our flagship Masters program, the Masters program, the only one we offer, but the one that we are known for. We have it available to be earned 100% online. The other schools at Columbia do not, nor do our affiliates, but due to the pandemic some students are taking advantage and seeing what they can pursue. And so if you're if you're open to pursuing a dual degree, definitely chat with us. Let us know if you have any questions. We recently did a weapon or with.
Emily Dennis
11:40:24 AM
Hi Jenna, yes, the selections you make on your application are not set in stone
Lehua B.
11:40:28 AM
For those of us who are in a different time zone, what is the earliest time a synchronous online class typically starts?
Two of our popular dual degree options with the Mailman School of Public Health and Bank Street Graduate School of Education. So if you'd like the recording of that, you're actually welcome to just ask them. We could reach out directly to them for the recording of those webinars to learn more and to be clear, advanced standing and transfer students were not able to pursue dual degree opportunities. This is because you only are with us for two semesters. You need to. You would need to enroll in at least three to be, uh, I think actually technically for to be a dual degree student.
Emily Dennis
11:40:52 AM
Hi Lehua, classes are held on weekdays between 9am-9pm ET. Students can register for sections of classes that work for their schedules.
You need to enroll at least four semesters with the School of Social Work. You're already cutting that in half as an advance standing or transfer student, so you're already kind of get leveraging the kind of time differential. But for everyone else, especially for pursuing a two year program.
Vanessa C.
11:41:04 AM
are letters of recommendation due by Feb 15th? or is there a later deadline for supplemental documentation?
Emily Dennis
11:41:20 AM
Vanessa, all application materials should be received by the 2/15 deadline.
Richard H.
11:41:27 AM
When filling out your past institution, and you we’re a double major, do you submit it under as one institution or two separate institutions?
If you're strongly thinking of two programs that already have a dual degree option, this would be your way to save about an academic year between the two. So definitely consider it if you'd like to, but there are plenty of different ways to kind of customize your experience with us. They don't necessarily mean tacking on an additional Masters program here at the School of Social Work. We actually have unique programs here that you're able to pursue were probably very well known for our dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT program.
Emily Dennis
11:41:36 AM
Richard, please list it as one institution
Cat V.
11:41:42 AM
Does the 2year program only start in the fall?
Emily Dennis
11:41:57 AM
Hi Cat Hy, yes, our Two-Year Program only starts in the fall
Richard H.
11:42:02 AM
Can your social work experience for the reduced residency program be unpaid or volunteer positions?
Primarily because it's the first and only DBT program of its kind. Within a school of social work. So this really allows you to take on extra credits you take on an extra 15. So for May, I have your first year to may have your final year with us. You would be doing all things. See DBT, all things, mental health related. It would select your field placement for you and all be within the DBT training program. It's a great option if you see DBT being a key part of your professional.
Emily Dennis
11:42:31 AM
To be eligible for RR, you must have a minimum of two years of full-time, paid professional experience in social work. Internships and volunteer positions do not count.
Self in the future and you would like to pursue DBT accreditation in the future. This is kind of a great training program to be prepared for. You know further, DBT research opportunities and studies in the future. And they do have their own blog. I encourage you to reach out to them if you have any questions. It is something that you actually apply for it as a student, so it's not part of the admissions process. It's just as a current student in your first year. You apply for it, of course, as as they accept applications, it's not.
Moriah H.
11:42:36 AM
To clarify, if we do the in person degree, could we have a field placement in NJ?
Emily Dennis
11:42:42 AM
Hi Moriah, yes, that is correct
Quite feasible to add to advance standing or to transfer students or two extended students because it is very robust. Rigorous an takes place over three semesters and again that the kind of is outside the lines of.
Fiona N.
11:43:04 AM
Can you pursue a dual degree with the online MSW?
Those programs already required of you. That being said, I do believe that they are working on a DBT minor, so you can always take DBT electives. There are ways to take DVT electives as as any of our students can, but to be formally part of the program is quite rigorous, and so that is important to keep in mind. We also have an accelerated policy program, very unique for school of social work. We also are unique in that as a school social work we only offer could fir and instruct for the MSW.
Emily Dennis
11:43:31 AM
Hi Fiona, yes, you could but none of our partner schools offer online programs, so you would be completing the MSW portion online and the other degree in-person
McKenzie K.
11:43:42 AM
The 16-month program is not an option on the application? Is this application open at a different time?
And the PhD in social work we actually don't. We're not part of a larger policy or or health or public health kind of school. This we are only a school of social work, so we are able to provide a really in depth policy experience for students who are interested. Ascential E for our two year students over the summer, you're invited to apply directly with the policy faculty something again, some of the best in their field.
Emily Dennis
11:44:01 AM
Hi McKenzie, the 16-Month Program only starts in the spring, and we are not currently accepting applications for the spring term
Melanie H.
11:44:18 AM
For the RR program, does the applicant need to have the minimum amount of experience by the time the application is submitted or by the time the semester begins? Is there flexibility within that?
So that you're able to take more policy courses in your first year and have access to advanced policy courses in your second year. So again, as a social work program, we understand that most students are probably interested in clinical or more mental health applications, but for those students who have a very strong interest in policy, this might be a good option for free you in case you'd like to take even more classes throughout the school, social work and the larger Columbia University.
Emily Dennis
11:44:39 AM
Hi Melanie, to be eligible for RR, you must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience at the time of application
Ariana P.
11:44:50 AM
Do students have to research on their own to find and attain field placements, or does the school automatically place students into a position?
I did sneak a little bit of information about a potential new minor at this time, our newest minors, the emerging technology media and society minor. We offer seven different minors for our students. These are ways for you to just really add a feather to your cap, something additional to your experience and really for self gratification. To be able to experience additional courses or specific electives throughout the University, especially if you're not quite sure about.
AA.
Emily Dennis
11:45:15 AM
Hi Ariana, we provide students with field placements. We work with 900+ agenices in NYC and 300+ across the country.
Dual degree if you're not quite sure about a special program pathway away to really just make sure in tailor your minor so that they're within a particular or sorry you're elected so that they're within a particular subject area. I will say that from my understanding, international social welfare, public policy, criminal justice, emerging technology, very popular options there. Just about 9 credits and again for our full time students. There is generally speaking, no additional fees. If you're part of our block tuition rates.
Kate C.
11:45:34 AM
Can transfer students do the DBT program?
As a full time student at then you would be able to pursue these classes as long as it's in timely fashion without any additional fees or time required, so.
Emily Dennis
11:45:50 AM
Katherine, unfortunately the DBT Program is only designed to fit into the Two-Year Program
If you're thinking you know, how would I specialize my MSW experience so that I stand out compared to other MSW's or so that I can really make sure I'm prepared as possible for the clients I want to work with the Community I want to work with. The type of organization you know. Miners are an absolutely amazing way to do so.
Elena C.
11:46:07 AM
If i took college classes in high school do i need the transcripts from the community college that classes were taken through?
And here's a little bit information about this sample study plan. There is a full study plan on our website. It's a little bit much.
Emily Dennis
11:46:21 AM
Hi Elena, we do not need transcripts from classes you took in HS
Gabrielle T.
11:46:25 AM
Are all field placements typically unpaid positions?
Emily Dennis
11:46:33 AM
Hi Gabrielle, all field placements are unpaid
Just a little bit, it's several pages, but it's several pages because as you can tell, there's so many different pathways and options and and ways to experience our program. So this is this is kind of the Birds Eye view. Eagle's Eye view of kind of what most excuse of our students are experiencing. This is based on the two year full-time option. This is a snapshot of both the course requirements as well as where kind of electives and field education would would play as a student and so.
Elena C.
11:46:47 AM
For my previous quesstion about the transcripts from community college, do they need to be submitted before the 15th?
Um, you know, is obviously if your advance standing or transfer student, you're joining us for year two, and if your extended or reduced residency or international.
Program or the 16 month program? Exactly how your first year curriculum is stretched out or condensed might be a little bit different, but at its heart it's the same in terms of what classes you're required to take. I'll say right off the bat. Introduction to statistics definitely is a scary thought that we we force you to take statistics, but just know that statistics is a five week zero credit.
Emily Dennis
11:47:27 AM
Elena, all items should ideally be submitted by the deadline. If you submit any items late, we will accept them, but please be aware that we review applications in the order in which they're received and complete, so a delay in completing your application will delay our ability to review it.
Brooke H.
11:47:34 AM
Given that instruction is synchronous, what are the hours?
That pass fail option that is taught online to all students just to make sure that you have a proficiency in, not an expertise of statistics. It is important to the profession that you understand you know what are those numbers in front of you. What do they mean? And so it is not meant to be a barrier to your social work education. Most students are just relieved when it's over, but just now that happens in your first semester just for five weeks. Very quickly, the core of the social work practice is really understanding human behavior in the social environment which we break down into different courses that have their own different.
Emily Dennis
11:47:58 AM
Hi Brooke, classes are held on weekdays between 9am-9pm ET and it is up to each student to register for sections of courses that work for their schedules
Mary Elizabeth S.
11:48:07 AM
Is the accelerated policy program available for advanced standing students?
Options social welfare policy, social work research and of course, foundations of social work practice, which we've worked. We worked into a class that focuses on decolonizing social work and what it means to decolonize social work so that it's not just a metaphor that we throw in there that we're actively doing the work. And as the video puts it, as we think about power, race, oppression, and privilege, how do we make sure they're not just?
Emily Dennis
11:48:18 AM
Accelerated Policy Program is only open to Two-Year students
Aaron J.
11:48:23 AM
How do I declare the EMS minor on my application?
Emily Dennis
11:48:41 AM
Aaron, minors are not declared until after you have enrolled in the program.
As it stands, in one course that it's actually suffused into the rest of our curriculum, so this particular course is called decolonizing social work practice, but there is a constant revision of the curriculum to suffuse kind of on the back end, make sure that all of our classes are doing as much as possible to to colonize social practice, and to be mindful of how systemic the way that we interact with the world around us impacts the work that you're able to do as a social worker.
Lehua B.
11:48:52 AM
For those of us living in other states or in Washington D.C., will the CSSW help us find a field placement in our location, or is that up to us to find?
And then again, your second year is really what? Or again, your specialization. Your specialized training here is where you're going to really interact with their advanced method area as well as the relevant courses.
Emily Dennis
11:49:07 AM
Lehua, our field education team will work with you to find a placement in DC
So hopefully you took a little screenshots, but again the recording will go out shortly.
Gabrielle T.
11:49:22 AM
How many students are enrolled into the program in a given year?
We mentioned it at the beginning of this presentation. We really do focus on the success of our students, not just in the classroom, but also afterwards. There's a commitment so that to our alumni so that they are succeeding in their careers, that they're able to access resources. As one of the larger programs of social work, we are able to even boast our own social work library. So, as it stands, Columbia University is, I think the 5th largest library system in North America.
Emily Dennis
11:49:45 AM
Hi Gabrielle, we usually have 450-500 students join us each fall, and 50-60 join us in the spring.
Lela H.
11:50:03 AM
What percentage of accepted students come from an unrelated profession and are 30+ years of age?
But our program has its own social work library, so for those who do study on campus, whether it's hybrid or not, you for the most part, have access to the physical social work library. But there are electronic resources and texts and librarians at your disposal that have a background in the social Sciences. We have our own writing center that actually focuses on social work, writing computing services. I always joke that no one thinks about computing services as a student resource until things go.
Emily Dennis
11:50:36 AM
Hi Lela, I do not have exact numbers to share, but it is not at all uncommon to be over 30 and to have been working in an unrelated field. We welcome students of all ages and backgrounds to apply.
Horribly and terribly wrong, so there in the background there there making sure all this infrastructure keeps going. But we do appreciate the work that they do for our our students in our staff, and making sure that we have as accessible as as technology allows a program it to provide opportunities to students. They also maintain our computer lab in our building for our students, and so it allows opportunities for students to engage with one another using the technology around them. And we'll talk a little bit about some of these other.
Jordan D.
11:50:51 AM
Can Advanced Standing students add a minor?
Students support offices in depth, but I do know that many perspective students do just go ahead and sneak on our website and click around. They find the Career Services blog, they find, the DDI website, whatever they can do to add additional information. That's that's that's fine by us. A lot of this information is online. We do know that the website sometimes could be, you know, so much information that you don't know where to start, but it is out there and will go into depth with some of these additional student support offices.
We do provide individualized advising from licensed social workers. This is very unique for her school of. Honestly, it's kind of unique for any Graduate School, really to be able to provide this level of individualized attention to our students. Many programs that you'll you'll see and look into just have general academic advising you know someone that just make sure you're taking the classes you need to graduate. You sign you leave.
Emily Dennis
11:51:40 AM
Advanced Standing and Transfer students may be able to complete certain minors, depending on how many courses they are able to complete. Since students in these programs are only enrolled at CSSW for two semesters, it limits the number of electives you can fit into your schedule.
Dylan G.
11:51:51 AM
Can you do the DBT program in the reduced residency program?
Emily Dennis
11:52:05 AM
Hi Dylan, the DBT Program is only available for Two-Year students
You know, you might see that person at commencement graduation. You might not. I mean, so we're a little bit different. And now we actually have an advising office that is 100% social workers that are there to be able to assist you through the program. Anything that impacts your academics, your field, and a bit of bits in mentoring as well. So they do have different seminars. You're required to attend with your code word throughout the experience. This is on top of the.
Erika M.
11:52:34 AM
For Financial assistance do you offer Military Discounts for active duty or Veteran students?
Emily Dennis
11:52:43 AM
Hi Erika, you can read about benefits for veterans here: https://sfs.columbia.edu/departments/veterans-service
Still advising that you would get more through our career Services office as well as our field education Office so the Office of Advising really kind of pulls in all those resources. Anything that impacts you as an individual can be covered by the advising office, and so there's full time staff that work with a fleet of part time social workers that work with the school to provide additional advising to students so that you're able to have kind of that. That small units experience of kind of really getting to know your cohort and experiencing the program with them.
As well as that individualized attention if needed, and then also being.
Simone L.
11:52:58 AM
If I did statistics as an undergrad, do I have to do it at Columbia?
I'll be able to just as a function of the program to make sure all of our students are actively thinking about what it means to be a social worker in this day and age, and to have the.
Development that they need on an internal level as well.
Emily Dennis
11:53:21 AM
Hi Simone, you can apply for transfer credit for the stats class, or you can test out of the class
It did mention a bit on the side of the different support offices. Financial aid is one of those support offices. They provide a resources to students, but they also provide counseling for students to be able to understand different resources that are available to them. Different opportunities that are available to them. We are hoping fingers crossed I'm allows us to do another financial aid web and R4 applicants you know. Regardless, I think there's so much information available online into how to.
Dylan G.
11:53:44 AM
If you switch employers during reduced residency, how will that impact your placement in the program and your field placement?
Pursue external scholarships or how loan forgiveness programs work. And obviously I'd always recommend students be active in their local governments or federal governments to advocate for resources for those who are pursuing the social work profession. But we've also done our part. I'll have to say to you, even this slide is outdated already. Over 90% of our students who filed FAFSA for the 2018-2019 academic year received over a total of 12 million in institutional.
Emily Dennis
11:54:19 AM
Dylan, it depends. If you do RR and change employers, you will need to notify the Office of Field Education ASAP so that they can plan for your field placement accordingly.
Gift funding you know the type of funding you don't have to pay back for the 2019-2020 academic year. I believe that number was over 13 million and then I believe we're on track this year to be over 14 million. So this is an area that we pay a lot of attention to. How much aid we're able to provide our students. I do think that it's tricky because students have varying ideas about what it means to be.
Justine K.
11:54:33 AM
Can you do a minor in the RR program?
Emily Dennis
11:54:39 AM
Hi Justine, yes, you can
Felix K.
11:54:45 AM
Is there any consideration on application fee?
What affordable looks like or what's reasonable or what makes sense for their individual context and that's why the financial Aid Office is so important because they provide resources to students to be able to think actively about the bigger financial picture. Even Columbia University has also provided access to. I get grad resources so that students are able to focus and understand more about financial literacy, which is incredibly important. And so.
You know it is something that we continue to work on, but what I will say for you in this stage as an applicant, the most important thing is to put together your strongest application possible, because once you have the fastest submitted that that takes care of any need based aid we would award, but the stronger your application.
Emily Dennis
11:55:30 AM
Hi Felix, we offer application fee waivers to applicants who participated in a service organization like Americorps or Peace Corps, veterans and their family members, and to students experiencing financial distress. Email us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu to request a waiver.
The better your chances are of merit aid. We also recommend, of course, again, we send out emails about specific scholarship options that.
Nneka O.
11:55:53 AM
how many years am I looking at to complete the MSW program if I am full time?
You may qualify for or or that you might be interested in looking into, so some of you should have already gotten any emails as you've been in our system for quite some time about different scholarships, but you know, do the research. Don't wait for any school to give you a financial aid package. Think about what you can do to strengthen your financial situation prior to grad school, even if that means credit check. Look to see if you have any.
Undergraduate loans that you didn't know about. Whatever it is you know, think about that on your own, but just know that there is an office here with.
Emily Dennis
11:56:14 AM
Hi Nneka, most of our full-time students are in our Two-Year Program
Cumulatively, if you add up all their work experience over a century of experience here to really make sure that as much as possible students understand the financial aid process, how to make it work for them.
Ashley H.
11:56:25 AM
What is the avg. range of this FAFSA per applicant?
Emily Dennis
11:56:52 AM
Hi Eun Jung, in years past, students have received financial aid packages ranging from $5,000 per year to full-tuition scholarships.
We do offer several immersive field placements throughout the United States. I will say I don't know if this slide really does it justice, but we have over 800 field organizations that we work with throughout the greater New York area. I believe a few 100 more throughout the United States. It is a bit of of the field Education Office guiding our students through field education, providing them with the field dedication that's best for them. Assigning them places, especially in your first year, your second year, your specialized your.
Chelsea H.
11:56:58 AM
What does the admissions committee consider a competitive undergrad GPA?
Is where you're able to have a lot more of a specific set of interest in your field education so that we actually ranking different field placement sites. Again, your field placement is about three days a week, you know, 21 hours a week commitment and provides you with that experiential learning. I think sometimes students are excited and eager to do something very specific. Field Education is a way for you to experience a variety of tasks and resources.
Emily Dennis
11:57:34 AM
Hi Chelsea, we do not have a GPA minimum or cut off. That being said, we like to admit applicants who did well in their previous undergrad programs (usually a 3.0 GPA or higher). The average GPA of an incoming student is about 3.6.
Or or how those resources are being carried out into those communities. And then of course, when it comes to you know the different type of work that you're doing, it does vary from different field placement sites, but the idea is that you're getting really ground level experience in a number of different organizations that you know. Maybe they may function differently, but they are all looking for the same type of skills and as you go on in your career as you supervise others as you manage organizations as you manage centers, whatever it is, it is important to kind of get that wide range.
Experiences and so. That's why you do 2 separate one year field experiences as part of our program. Unless you're a man standing or transfer, then you know the deal, but it provides you with an opportunity to have kind of a really generalist foundational field experience and then dive into something specialized that pertains to your method area. Now, because of this pandemic.
Theresa R.
11:58:44 AM
Question. How does the scholarship process works. For example, if I finish my application and I haven't received a response from the scholorship do I have to come out of pocket for the semester. I am currently on SSD trying to get back into the work field, but am fearful that if I am not granted a scholarship I will be putting myself in a worse position of hardship
Because of this pandemic, quite a lot of field experiences are remote or hybrid in nature. It does depend on exactly what type of field placement site you're working with and what where you're pursuing field. Again, because we have so many students on the East Coast and the West Coast and anywhere in between pursuing their Arthur MSW, we are really working closely with students to get a sense of what the.
Community partners need out of a field in turn and what students are comfortable with. So we do have some students who have said, you know, I live with people that had pre existing conditions or I have one, or I don't feel comfortable or I'm not sure about commuting in this environment. Whatever it is, you are able to voice that at the beginning. Don't wait till your place to say wait a minute. I didn't think about this, Tasha told you now, so make sure you are advocating for yourself in any stage of the field education process. But just know that this is also this is unique.
Emily Dennis
11:59:26 AM
Hi Theresa, to be considered for financial aid, all you need to do is apply to the MSW program and complete your FAFSA. If admitted to the program, you will receive a fin aid package within approx. 2 weeks of admission.
Lehua B.
11:59:35 AM
It was mentioned that field experience has been online due to COVID. Will that 1) be the case starting in the fall, and 2) if it will be remote can you be placed in NYC if you live in another state?
To this current environment due to covid, even for online program students in their field, education in person, they also did not do simulated field as as some programs have nefariously but been known to do. But remote field education is is kind of our way of maintaining the safety and well being of our students while also making sure that we're keeping up with educational requirements. And again, it's actually for a lot of students have commented that it is a good opportunity.
Emily Dennis
11:59:58 AM
Hi Lehua, we do not yet know what the fall semester will look like, as the University has not yet made a decision.
Rachel G.
12:00:19 PM
Is there a financial aid option for field placements to be paid as part of work study?
To learn about how these organizations function on a virtual or remote platform. To understand but technology they're using, what challenges come up and be able to? Even in some cases provide insight feedback to to get training on these different opportunities and resources so it is different, but it's still very much live would be checking in online. You'd be having it have a field supervision the same way, but it's not the same as a simulated field where they are.
Emily Dennis
12:00:36 PM
Hi Rachel, no, you cannot use work study for your field placement. Field placements are unpaid.
Sonya L.
12:00:42 PM
Are students hired at some field placements after completion?
Kind of 100% artificial field experiences you may have also seen on that study that sample study plan, slide motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing is one of our labs. It's a modality. It's a way of being able to bring the best out of conversations and interactions with clients. That's kind of one of our trainings opportunities. I don't think any school in New York does it, but that's something that we might add to your experience before you start field.
We're kind of doing our best to be as as flexible as possible, given that the many different ways that our students are pursuing field at this time.
Emily Dennis
12:01:17 PM
Hi Sonya, that has happened to some graduates in the past, but our MSW program is not designed to be a feeder program.
Elena C.
12:01:22 PM
Does GPA play a big part in deciding whether to admit students? or are there other factors that are taken into consideration?
In terms of a field placements, I will say for the most part you should really expect that field placements are unpaid. They would not be part of works. Federal work study federal work study. If you're familiar with it from college, we do offer that as part of financial aid packages. That would be a part time role on campus, but your field placements are really tethered to your academic credits and most organizations are not able to provide some sort of financial compensation.
Emily Dennis
12:01:50 PM
We evaluate applications holistically, so while we do consider your GPA, we also strongly consider your essays, letters of rec, and resume.
This is an area of fund raising and growth at the school in particular has paid a lot of attention to two years ago. I think it was. We started a transportation funds to fund the transportation of students to different field placement sites so that they could get, you know, Metro cards without paying out of pocket, and this is specifically something that we are looking into the ways we can support our students as we know that they're working 21 hours a week. The organizations are largely unable to to fund support and so that is something that we are our mind.
Love, but you should not expect the field placement sites to be paid.
Ariana P.
12:02:20 PM
With the two years full-time program, apart from the method and field practice of choice, can students study the DBT program and a minor at the same time?
We also are able to post a very vibrant student life. Most of you should have gotten the email. You know. I send a lot of emails. I'm sorry about that. I hope you forgive me. You should have got an email about our Black History Month events that are put on by the Office of Diversity. Equity inclusion are Black Student Caucus as well as our professional development and self awareness for facilitators. We have over 25 student organizations at that we refer to as caucuses every year. The amount of caucuses increases. There's always something new and exciting for students to be able to engage in.
Emily Dennis
12:02:43 PM
Hi Ariana, in theory, yes you could do the DBT Program and a minor, but this would entail a very heavy course load
But there's also universitywide resources, amenities, events that you could take advantage of. It's a great way to really learn what is on the mind of faculty staff.
Erika M.
12:03:10 PM
I currently work in a DV shelter as a Case Manager but I do not have an undergraduate degree in Social Worker but in Criminal Justice. Will my experience be taking into consideration when I apply?
And students at the University, I believe. Just recently there was a movie night if I'm not mistaking. I know there's cooking competitions. There's a lot of public health campaigns to make sure our students are as healthy as possible during this pandemic and a lot of events really about the social issues of our day and time, and traditionally the year we put together over 225 students or sponsored students events. That number does not include events that we do.
Emily Dennis
12:03:25 PM
Hi Erika, yes, having relevant work experience is welcome
Just for you know our fun on our Facebook Live or YouTube page. These are specifically sponsored for students, and so there are so many ways to engage with the world around you. I think this pandemic has really shown us that it's a lot. It's a lot feeling like you have to be productive all the time. It's a lot feeling like there's there's no end insight to these social issues around us, but we have found that these virtual events that we've done over the years and and have really ramped up. Obviously for to be virtual at this day and age.
Theresa R.
12:04:08 PM
Can I meet with someone from admissions in person
It's really provided a sense of community for all of us to be able to actively think about what is it that we can do? What can we do to make sure that we get out of this? You know whether it's this, this public health crisis, or you know, more the social ills of racial justice. Even at, you know, I think it's really important to think about actively like what?
As much as sometimes we do need the time to retreat and to go inward and to really function, these events have just provided a really vibrant an amazing way to to reach out to one another and support. So these events as of now, you should expect all events, all happenings at Columbia University to be virtual an remote. OK, I am in my home. I'm not coming. I've been on campus for almost a year, so there are some opportunities on campus to our students, but.
Emily Dennis
12:04:58 PM
Hi Theresa, we are working remotely due to Covid and are not holding any in-person events. You can email us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu to connect or you can sign up for a phone appointment: https://apply.ssw.columbia.edu/portal/admissionsphonecall
Luc T.
12:05:06 PM
Is completing and submitting the FAFSA required for all financial aid, including merit based scholarships? Or is the FAFSA only required for need-based aid?
Obviously due to the global pandemic, we are not offering these events in person and generally speaking you know the general public is not able to enter any of our buildings because we want to make sure that the buildings are limited in terms of access so that this is a small amount of people at any given time that would be allowed in the building anyway, so that is something to just keep in mind.
Emily Dennis
12:05:17 PM
Hi Luc, to receive any aid from CSSW, you must submit the FAFSA
Melissa B.
12:05:32 PM
Hi Emily - thanks for fielding questions! Do field experiences end at the end of each semester (fall/spring)? Or do they extend across semesters & breaks?
And in case there's any lack of clarity on my part, I do apologize. The FAFSA is required to receive aid period. Just know that in terms of what makes your financial aid package, it is both the details of the Pfaff set and the strength of your application. But because some of our merit aid does also feature a need component, you would need a FASA in order for us to release the financial aid package at all. So do keep that in mind. Do you be mindful that as your.
You know, hopefully this. This presentation has been helpful. We've got a few slides left. Hopefully this presentation has been helpful. You're welcome to, of course. Reach out to us with any specific questions, but the hope is that you focus on your application focused on submitting the materials needed, and then you're able to prior to even getting your admissions decision. Finish your fax and send that into the school.
Emily Dennis
12:06:06 PM
Hi Melissa, students complete one field placement of 600 hours per academic year. If you do the Two-Year Program, you'll do two separate placements of 600 hours each.
Luke S.
12:06:17 PM
As a student considering transfer, would my graduate experience impact my application even if it is not social work?
So a little bit about our commitment to inclusion. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was founded in 2017 to provide schoolwide programming and services. To be Frank, it was, it was demanded by students at the time. The school had recently provided an opportunity for a multicultural student life officer, but the feeling was that there needed to be someone at the Dean level focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and always.
Emily Dennis
12:06:46 PM
Hi Luke, in order to apply to our Transfer Program, you must have completed a year of course work and field work at another CSWE-accredited MSW program.
Brooke H.
12:06:57 PM
Do any students (who support their families) work full time whilst taking the two year program?
And you know who better than Carmelo, who is now the associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and inclusion, among other things, as part of the school for for quite some time, and is really made the school better for it. And so to be able to really engage with students that are very mindful of the social issues of our day and time. And you'll see, that's even why we we have the essays that we do. We want to really be sure that wherever you are in terms of your beliefs in terms of your experiences.
That you understand what it means to be.
A social worker in this day and age.
Emily Dennis
12:07:32 PM
Hi Brooke, the Two-Year Program is not designed to accommodate a full-time work schedule. Our classes are field placements take place during standard business hours. I have never known a student to work full-time while enrolled full-time.
Juliana G.
12:07:39 PM
Is it required to have unofficial transcripts on the application or is it required to get official transcripts to you by February 15th?
That you're prepared for the self reflective part of the profession that you're thinking of. How can I be a self aware as possible and how can I engage with others and that starts in the program as you engage with your peers as you engage with faculty, how can I treat them with the respect and honor the ways that we're different? We're the same while also understanding the systemic kind of ways that ways of thinking about different social and personal identities have been.
Emily Dennis
12:08:00 PM
Juliana, unofficial transcript are accepted for the application. Official copies are only required once offered admission to the program.
A socialized on us that without even specifically thinking about it without actively being aware of it. There are systems. There are actions that we all take that are not mindful of the way that power an and privilege in our playoff of each other. So it is important to us to build this into the experience. And again, that's why we have our.
Elena C.
12:08:31 PM
what is the cost of attendance?
Emily Dennis
12:08:41 PM
Hi Elena, you can read about the cost of attendance here: https://socialwork.columbia.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/
Our courses within the human behavior in the social environment kind of mandate thinking about like how do power, race, oppression and privilege interplay with one another? How is that in a lot of ways the foundation of our social ills? How they carry themselves out into other ways of discrimination and judging each other. Who gets resources in the world? Who doesn't? How? How are we marginalizing different voices even within?
Theresa R.
12:08:46 PM
This question may have already been asked so I apologies in advance. Due to Covid, will we be able to attend class in person or will it all be on line?
Emily Dennis
12:09:09 PM
Hi Theresa, the University has not yet made a decision about what the fall 2021 semester will look like
Academia and then as starting with all students before they enter field education. Being able to do professional development and self awareness training. This is actually facilitated by members of the school social work community. So there's two current students every year that come up with the curriculum for professional development and self awareness training and then in smaller groups, you're led by staff members or current students or alumni or faculty, sometimes faculty, but.
Diana D.
12:09:15 PM
Do you have overseas placements?
Quite purposefully, it's designed so that there are people who are not necessarily that you'll see.
In the classroom later, except for the peers that you're working with, really think about like what's going on in the world around us. We this particular fall, we watched a different documentaries. We read pieces on decolonizing social work practice and just an opportunity to really engage with with the thought process behind these identities and how you feel challenged or supported in different ideas. So wonderful opportunity. I hope you take the time to learn more, and again, we did email about certain events happening through the diversity equity Inclusion Office. I really do hope that you can join as important as it is for.
Are social workers in the 21st century to be able to engage with these topics quite comfortably?
Emily Dennis
12:09:57 PM
Diana, in rare circumstances, students have completed block policy-focused placements abroad, but we generally do not have placements outside of the US. Due to Covid, we do not have any international opportunities at this time.
Shivani M.
12:10:04 PM
How do we go about getting a fee waiver?
Emily Dennis
12:10:23 PM
Shivanu, we offer application fee waivers to applicants who participated in a service organization like Americorps or Peace Corps, veterans and their family members, and to students experiencing financial distress. Email us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu to request a waiver.
Career services separate from field education. Career services really focuses on the career counseling resources of our program. Again, they have a stellar blog. Check the blog out. It's a lot of great information, but it is really important for you as a social worker. As a professional to think about. How do I market myself on the job market? How do I find opportunities we have found, statistically speaking, that most students find their positions?
Through their field education, but not necessarily at the same field placement site. So maybe their supervisor puts them in touch with someone else at a different organization or.
Maybe they are able to to work with a different organization and part and in partnership, and that's how they're able to find their post MSW employment. But to be able to access different job opportunities as a student and as an alarm so that whether it's something you're looking for part time or over your summer, or just an internship, you would have access to this as as soon as you cross the threshold of orientation for your lifetime as an alarm. And so this is really important. A lot of graduate schools these days are not able to provide.
Career services for your lifetime maximum. But we have found that it's it's made the difference of our for our students to be able to come back and say it's five years. It's 10 years out. I need to make sure my resume is where it needs to be. I want to be able to do a mock interview. I have questions about licensing and certification. Maybe there's a workshop I can attend and recruiting recruiting doesn't work the same way as it does is for other disciplines for other fields, but to even have the opportunity for different workshops.
And networking events put together by organizations that want to meet with our students so that they can have some insight into what to expect for the year ahead. It really does make the difference in terms of how actually excited students are for their post MSW roles.
And again look the whole point of this MSW is to really be in hindsight a small part of a very meaningful career ahead of you. And so there are so many alums around the world that work for such amazing organizations. Somebody even create their own organizations end up running completely new endeavors, all because they really care about the people around them to care about the communities around them. They want to do something meaningful in the world they want to do something.
Enhances the well being of others, and so this in the grand scheme of things at most, this program is 2 or so years and then you go on to be an alarm and to do so many exciting and wonderful things. So this is all designed to be that that launchpad into all sorts of different directions. We also hear all the time from soon to say.
Justine K.
12:13:13 PM
Is PDSA an actual training or more of mindset? If it's a training, is it part of the curriculum for all students or something we opt into?
I had no idea that I was as prepared as I was. I had I took for granted the things that I may be, the class that I wasn't as comfortable with, just to know what you're good at. What you're not good at, to have your network bill, you know, start from the classroom really does make the difference. And and again, these are just some of the organizations were recent graduates and alums are employed. But we do have a career in the Snapshot survey on our website of our 2019 graduates went.
Emily Dennis
12:13:29 PM
Hi Justine, it is a training all students complete as part of orientation
That we were happy to provide two to learn a little bit more about our our outcomes as a program.
Nicole I.
12:13:34 PM
Hi Emily, are we able to submit more than three recommendation letters? Thank you so much!
Now to the application.
Emily Dennis
12:13:44 PM
Hi Nicole, please do not submit more than 3
Lauren T.
12:13:50 PM
Hi Emily, I noticed that you are not accepting non-degree applications at this time; however, do you anticipate accepting applications for the non-degree program at any point?
Some of you have already started your application. The online application is completely online now more than ever. There is no need for anything to be put in the Mail in sent to our office. If you want to support the US Postal system, please do. I encourage that not with this admissions process. We are not in the building. We cannot check the Mail frequently. I do understand that there are a lot of concerns about transcripts. There are some schools that offer unofficial transcripts.
Emily Dennis
12:14:14 PM
Hi Lauren, I am unsure whether we will offer nondegree courses again soon. We are not offering them at this time due to Covid and the needs of our current student body.
Brooke H.
12:14:24 PM
Is it possible to take all classes between 8am-12pm?
Some of you might have a copy of your transcript. You're going to copy to you mailed. That's fine, you can upload any of that to the application. It's considered unofficial, but if you have to stick or request a transcript to come to us in the Mail, know that there will be a delay of weeks if not months were to be processed. So again, in the admissions process, it is totally fine for anything you send to be unofficial, so if it's low fee or no fee for you to get a transcript mailed to you.
Emily Dennis
12:14:39 PM
Hi Brooke, we cannot guarantee any particular schedule
And you upload, it will count it as an unofficial transcript for the admissions process, which is more than fine.
Diana M.
12:14:54 PM
I have graduated from high school in the United States, earned an Associate degree from a credited college, and about to graduate with a Bachelors degree from a credited university, and have been in the United States for 16 years. I am still considered an "international student" Do I still need to take an English test?
Emily Dennis
12:15:07 PM
Diana, please email us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu for assistance
There is an application fee. I think Emily has provided some information in the chat about application fees, the resume or CV that you submit. We would like it to be one to two pages, past one to two pages. It's really a judgement call on your behalf. It really should be some relevant information. Be mindful of the formatting of course, to kind of as well make sure that we have the details that anyone reviewing a resume would like to see so they build more about the experience in your.
Marina G.
12:15:13 PM
Are students who are admitted for a Two-Year program able to change their track to an Extended program before beginning their studies?
Academically, professionally, research wise, maybe you've been published? Whatever it is that we we can, we can get that information. Part of the missions process. We do require 3 letters of recommendation, only three.
Emily Dennis
12:15:26 PM
Hi Marina, yes, that is possible
Asset 1/2 and then the three. We would like those references to be academic or professional in nature.
They should not be personal. They should not be people that you're friends with. They should not be appears. They should not be your next door neighbor. They should not be a local bartender. Unless of course you are a server or bartender and you report to the bartender. Then that's fine with me, but they should be professional or academic in nature. If you are within five years of undergrad, we expect at least one, if not two of those letters to be academic. But again, part of the reason we might expect academic versus.
Professional references really has to do with your individual Contacts. If you have been working for more than five years, it makes all the sense in the world that your references are professional. We also have students who go out and volunteer. There are some very innovative ways to volunteer completely remotely. Because of the pandemic, those volunteer supervisors those that you work with. They also can provide a strong references as well. Three essays. BSS are similar across the applications, but there are some nuances, which is why.
Again, you have to go to the very beginning of the application. Beginning is the very best place to start. Fill out each and every question you might feel like I can go back and do my address. No, do it now. That way you can see the essay prompts when he gets in the essay from. So if you feel like well, Natasha, I put my name in my address and I don't see my my essays go back. You missed something you missed the program, you miss your citizenship. You missed something, but that's what triggers in the the appropriate essays.
We don't have any specific requirements on with the formatting look like because the entire Graduate School admissions process is an exercise of discretion and judgment so.
Cat V.
12:17:24 PM
Do you recommend for undergrad students to apply in their junior year or their senior year?
Emily Dennis
12:17:40 PM
You will need to apply during your senior year.
Do your best. I mentioned about the trips. We were the most part we need all in every transcripts of a degree granting program you've enrolled in. But if you have any specific questions you studied abroad and the only way to get that transcript is to physically go back to Madrid and to go in person to get the transcript, we'd like to avoid that too. Just email us if you have a very specific situation and we're happy to provide guidance as to whether or not we still need a specific transfer, but just by and large. Generally speaking, we would.
Elena C.
12:17:49 PM
what is the soonest we will find out? (what if we have other school acceptances that want a decision before we hear back from this program?)
But again, if there's some some difficulty there just just let us know. For non native English speaking applicants we would require the toll for the IELTS or dual LINGO scores. The score requirements are listed on our website as well as in the application. There's a link to our application requirements that kind of goes into further details.
And for advanced standing and transfer applicants, we would require a field evaluation. Some of you are already in field education and have had to complete some sort of field education evaluation or our report for the schools that you're in the Member of the University that fills out your evaluation is welcome to include that as well, but there is a specific form with very specific questions that we expect to be addressed in some way. And of course, if your field evaluation is written by.
Emily Dennis
12:18:39 PM
It usually takes 8 weeks from the deadline to provide a decision, as long as your application is complete. We recommend that you ask the other schools for an extension on the deadline, if needed. Most admissions teams can accommodate these requests, especially during difficult times like these.
Cat V.
12:18:47 PM
Is there a GRE requirement?
Professor that you also have taken classes with and you also want them to provide feedback on your your your, your.
Emily Dennis
12:18:56 PM
The GRE is NOT required
Capacity for graduate study. They can both do the field evaluation and a reference. Just know that those are two different things, so there's probably not a reason for them to upload the same thing in both places. And as you can tell.
There is no JRE requirement, there's there's no jiggery suggestion. There's no place to put a grem score. I don't know where Jerry scores go. There are some schools that are able to actually say some subjects that are able to make a connection between the scores that you would get on a GRE and the preparation you're in your proficiency in. How well you do in your first year Graduate School. That connection doesn't so much exist for social work, so we don't require we have not required it for several years. We, of course, in terms of your academic preparedness.
Pay attention to those transcripts. Pay very close attention to those transcripts, but if there's anything in your work experience in your academic background that you feel like needs additional context, you think we're going to look at that resume and have further questions, we're going to look at the transcript and have further questions. You're welcome to work that into your essay so that we have the context we need to understand. You know, maybe why there was a.
Chelsea H.
12:20:16 PM
Are the recommendation letters in letter form or are they emails sent from you to the recommenders that are more like surveys that go straight back to you?
Long a gap of employment, or maybe why you didn't do so great in one particular semester. Now as an example, you know maybe I might see I might see that you were pre measure first year. You didn't do so great and then you decided that was a horrible idea to do premed, because what business did you have doing organic chemistry and then all of a sudden your grades changed because you were in the subject matter that you feel comfortable with? Maybe I might craft a narrative for you, but it will be best for it to be in your own words. Whatever reason you might feel like there is something that doesn't fully.
Emily Dennis
12:20:36 PM
Chelsea, your references are asked to fill out a short form and submit a separate letter.
Represents how prepared you are for grad school. Make sure you, in your own words for that into your essays, and then again in terms of the reference letters, just in case this question does come up in our application system, we do ask that you put in their details and it triggers an email to them.
Immediately, that email has a link that they'll see some very quick, short questions. You know they don't have to straightforward questions. Any reference would be able to answer and then they're able to upload their letter right then and there to our platform. So few things one.
Give your reference the heads up that there are reference for you. This is not they should not. You should not fill out that portion of the application and then ask them to submit a reference on your behalf. Now have the conversation first. 2 if they don't get the email immediately.
You're welcome to resend it, or you can reach out to our office of admissions and we can send it on. You know the systems we have every once in awhile it goes to a spam folder or something where it happens, but they should get it fairly immediately. So if they're not getting it, it could be.
Jane M.
12:21:50 PM
Can I have a letter of recommendation written by a college student that I mentored in the college application process.
A multitude of specific reasons just just give us that the heads up and let us know. And three you are able to submit your application before your references are submitted. So if you feel like your reference promised you that on February 16th, first thing in the morning, they're going to upload their letters. That is fine. You submit by the 15th. Everything will be OK. We can wait a few days for the rest of your your references to come in within reason. Just know that we won't be able to review your application until it's 100% complete, so.
Emily Dennis
12:22:22 PM
Hi Jane, we recommend steering clear of having references from people you supervised or are in a position of power over.
Just yeah, we consider that if you wanted to submit right after this information session, if you wanted to, you could, and your references could come a few days later. That's that's fine. Just know that it's one we're not going to review your application until it's 100% complete in our system, but there's no penalty or reason for waiting for your references in order to click submit. If you're done with your portion.
And I guess there there are some questions in the chat about, you know references and you know who can provide a reference as as strong as a reference might be from someone that you've supervised, or someone that has been mentored by you or someone that has, you know, had got dying to see what your leadership looks like from.
Different perspective, it is considered a bit of a conflict of interest because you know, if they report to you then of course they have. I hope wonderful things to say about you were kind of trying to get a sense of the people who are in a position to evaluate you and how you've grown and you've reported to kind of feel about you, but any other questions about that just just let us know.
In our application deadlines, obviously you're mostly here because of that, February 15th deadline, February 15th. Again is a Monday this year. It's not a Friday, it's a Monday, but that deadline is technically 11:59 PM. I always encourage applicants to do your best to work on the application you know between you know during normal business hours. Don't leave your questions for 11:58 PM because I.
Lizeth A.
12:24:12 PM
I didn't get a confirmation email from one of references once they submitted a reference letter, but on the application it says they have submitted it. Is this still okay or should I reach out to double check that they filled out every portion of the reference letter form?
Will be answering your emails then I'll answer them the next day. We're actually a fairly nice place, will give you Grace if you need some. You know some additional time and we can troubleshoot things, but it is for your own mental well being that you do not wait till the absolute last moment to apply. We did have a priority deadline. That means that those who applied by December 1st. We are currently letting them know their admissions decisions. We are reading their applications but there are still plenty of spots available in the program. All it means is that they're getting their decisions faster 'cause they submitted their applications earlier.
Emily Dennis
12:24:34 PM
Hi Lizeth, if it is checked off on your checklist, you should be all set. We will email you if any materials are missing.
For those of you who are strongly considering the 16 month program or would prefer to start the program in the spring that deadline every year is October 15th. I don't see that changing, but the application for.
Oh fall 20, I said fall 2022 and spring 2022 entry would come out sometime in August so be mindful of that.
So again, these are our deadlines. The deadlines are always 11:59 PM, not not at the end of Business Day, but I always just, you know, put it out there. Don't don't panic and call us at 10:00 PM the last day of the application is due because you all of a sudden have a question. Take the time now to think about what your questions are. That's why we had this event. That's why we're here to help you.
Chiamaka A.
12:25:25 PM
I understand there is a different form for the evaluation. How do I get the form across to my professor to fill out
And with that I do want to thank you all for joining us. My name is Natasha Sansone, assistant director of admissions in the chat, Emily Dennis, our admissions counselor. We are here to help, so we're going to stick around in the chat for a few moments to answer a few additional questions. But if you have questions during normal business hours, you can call us at 2128512400 or send us an email. You should know this email address because all we do is send emails, so hopefully you have our email address.
Emily Dennis
12:25:50 PM
Hi Chiamaka, are you referring to the field evaluation form? It can be found within your application portal.
In your email clients and you could just shoot us an email as you have any specific questions, but we are here to help. I do know there's a lot of information even built into the application to guide you, but as specific questions come up, that's what we're here for it to help clarify and to make sure that you are as confident as possible and submitting your application, you know it's a bit daunting. The advice I would give is as cliche as it sounds, Emily knows I don't like to say it, but I say it every time. You're the only you there is, so be yourself.
Let us get to know the wonderful you so that we get a sense of how we might be able to assist you on your professional an academic journey. So with that, that's the end of our presentation. You can go on and you know, enjoy your brunch from home or you know whatever you have plans, continue proofreading your essays, but we are going to stick around for a few more moments to answer some additional questions.
Take care all the best and stay safe.
Chelsea H.
12:26:54 PM
Do you ever consider military experience instead of volunteer experience when reviewing resumes?
Emily Dennis
12:27:07 PM
Hi Chelsea, military experience would be considered work experience
Cat V.
12:27:10 PM
Are the essays prompts the same every year?
Emily Dennis
12:27:25 PM
Essay prompts are subject to change from year to year, and they vary by program
Natasha W.
12:29:01 PM
I am a transfer student and recently started my field placement this month. Should I still submit the Field Evaluation Form even though I have not completed an entire semester of field yet?
Emily Dennis
12:29:06 PM
Hi Natasha, yes please!
Lela H.
12:29:20 PM
There is a max word limit for the personal statement essays. Is it beneficial for the applicant to be specific about career goals and reasons for pursuing a MSW? Or would the admission comittee rather get an overall impression of the applicant?
Emily Dennis
12:29:45 PM
Hi Lela, you should respond to each specific prompt (500 words per prompt)
Mwamba M.
12:30:02 PM
I work at an agency that hosts Columbia students, is there any consideration afforded to such candidates?
Natasha Stanislas
12:30:44 PM
Hi Mwamba, you may qualify for our Reduced Residency Scholarship!
Angelina T.
12:31:08 PM
if a student was taking classes up until the first summer session in order to fulfill their bsw, would they still qualify for advanced standing?
Natasha Stanislas
12:31:47 PM
Technically, your degree should be conferred before the program starts. You also need to be mindful of how aid may be limited if you are technically enrolled at a different school. Send us an email!
Gabrielle T.
12:31:59 PM
Hi! For the in-person program, will classes be online for the fall semester due to COVID? Or is that still unknown?
Natasha Stanislas
12:32:50 PM
Hi Gabrielle, it is unknown at this time but most experts expect continued need for hybrid learning. Fingers crossed we can have more in person options over time!
Natasha Stanislas
12:33:25 PM
Thank you so much everyone for joining! If we missed your question or ran out of time please email cssw-admit@columbia.edu for further assistance!
Video
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