Emily Dennis
05:54:05 PM
Welcome to the Columbia School of Social Work live stream information session for prospective MSW students, hosted by the Admissions Office.
Emily Dennis
05:54:24 PM
We are using the moderated chat function today. Please type any questions into the chat area below. We may share / address your questions live. If we cannot get to your question today, we will respond after the event.
Emily Dennis
05:55:18 PM
Ifyou experience any technical difficulties, please attempt to 1) refresh your web browser or 2) try to open the webinar in a different web browser (we recommend Chrome).
Emily Dennis
06:00:21 PM
We will get started in just a moment!
Hello, good evening everyone. Welcome to our MSW information session you've.
Hopefully been able to find a lot of grateful information on a website. That's how you found this event. And of course we're here to present on some key information to hopefully give you some insight into what makes our program works so well as well. As you know, some upcoming steps if you're interested in applying so you have a few things for you to keep in mind.
Uh, this information session is hosted by the office of admissions. We understand that some of you, of course, are recent admin. It's not all of your applicants, and so congratulations to you will be covering a few next steps. And of course, is admitted student. I'm sure you're probably already getting used to the volume of emails that were sending as we have additional updates.
Be sure to type any questions you have into the chat area. It might be below depending on your window dimensions, it might be to your left of the screen we're going to do our best to address your questions live. We may also choose to type R answers instead, so if you can't get to, your question will respond after the event. I'll also point out that if you may not see an answer to your question, make sure that you're scrolling through the full chat. There's a chance that we've already answered that question, just to keep things moving. It's probably for the best sitters. Make sure you.
See if that question is already been after their dressed. If you're experiencing any technical difficulties at all, make sure that you attempt to refresh your web browser, or even just try to open the web and are in a different web browser altogether. Generally speaking, we recommend Chrome and with that will make sure that we could start in just a few moments. Let's see if anyone else is chiming in to join us.
Anna L.
06:03:29 PM
Is any type of bachelors degree accepted for admission?
So I guess we can just get started. It looks like the participants list settled just a bit. My name is Natasha Stanislaus. I'm the assistant director of admissions here at Columbia school social work. I am joined this evening with my colleague Emily dentist. She's our lovely admissions counselor. If you've emailed or called our office, you've probably already familiarized yourself with Emily and how we think she is. So again, make sure that you ask your questions in the chat. I'll be answering some questions allowed, and Emily will also be typing up some responses, and so this presentation will cover.
Emily Dennis
06:04:18 PM
Hi Anna, as long as you hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, you can apply.
Christine P.
06:04:35 PM
Good evening; has the online full time Fall MSW program deadline passed? Is there an accelerated option?
Uh, you know what makes us so amazing as a University in of the city of New York? How that makes us stand out as well as provides really wonderful rich experience for our students as well as our scholars will talk about our groundbreaking faculty in what they do differently in the field of social work. Them anyways, we support our student. The difference resources as well as next steps. So as a admitted students will cover a few next steps, but also for her lovely perspective students, some of which have not applied yet.
Some of which are awaiting us some application decisions will kind of talk about next steps for all of you, including a brief overview of our admissions process.
So I usually like to start the presentation with a quote from the International Federation of social workers, the social work profession, promote social change, problem solving and human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. We've known this for quite some time. This is a quote that I've used for.
Well over two years now and there's several other quotes to talk to.
Be liberating nature of a social work, especially in this day and age.
Emily Dennis
06:05:32 PM
Hi Christine, the deadline to apply to our Two Year Program for fall 2020 has passed. There is an accelerated 16-Month Program that begins in the spring. We will discuss deadlines later in the presentation.
Jui A.
06:05:39 PM
Who can we speak to about the online/in person/part time options?
Between the gold pandemic between the rise in acknowledgment of them anyways, antiblack racism effects our country in society around the world. Obviously it's come a lot to the surface for a lot of people, and so we do want to make sure that students that are interested in our programs that are admitted to our program continue to understand that social work is place in a nice position to be able to address social justice concerns directly. We are going to be.
Emily Dennis
06:05:55 PM
Hi Jui, we will address this during tonight's presentation.
A passing along additional information to our admitted students as it becomes available about the upcoming fall semester. We imagine as of now, and we have announced today as well that we will likely be having somewhat of a hybrid approach and I'll talk a little bit about what makes that possible, but with a number of agencies and organizations to be conducting field education remotely as necessary, so as those organizations are going to be remote with their own staffing considerations were going to be able to continue with field education.
This is an ongoing conversation that we've started since the pandemic started around March, so of course if you have any questions, comments, concerns, be sure to reach out to the admissions office. We are here to help you, but this is such a unique time to be active in the social work profession, especially as everything from counseling to services or continually changing. I know our recent alarms or recent graduates and students have commented on its daunting in some ways, but actually provide so many different opportunities in other ways to be able to get involved now in the school does.
Have a COVID-19 action team and we've also expanded that to also increase kind of the visibility of the many ways our faculty are getting engaged with with common current issues and to provide opportunities for our students and staff to get involved as well. So hopefully you're reading all those emails that are coming out and checking your website for updates, but of course if you ever have any questions or concerns, make sure that you reach out to the admissions office.
Uh, so generally speaking, the Columbia University campuses just about 32,000 students in total. We are one of over, I think, about a dozen different graduate schools that are part of Columbia University. If you're familiar with the history of Columbia University, there's also a handful of affiliate programs as well that the University is affiliated with but isn't technically under the Columbia University umbrella at the school of Social Work. We do have both New York City campus. Traditionally, of course, pre covid students would join us in person for course work and then.
For fields would be it with a field education site for about three days a week, and then we have an online program. We're the only program at Columbia University to have their flagship Masters program available online, so all required components of the MSW under specific method areas, the fields of practices are able to have the coursework done online, and again traditionally the field was in person, but as a result of COVID-19 there are. There's a likelihood increased likelihood that a lot of fields placements.
Or at the very least, start remote, uh, as those organizations are operating fully remotely and so will talk a bit about these two campuses. But just know that this is a 100% in-house campus. This is separate from our program having to go remote as a result of Covid. This is something that, quite literally we've researched, and we've done the work to learn more about how to conduct social work education in an online atmosphere, and how to support not just students, but also faculty to make sure it's enriching environment. So the whole the student population is usually just.
Yan Tung L.
06:09:31 PM
Would you send us the slides after the presentation?
Around 900 students, it's usually under 1000, but as a private school, that number is set to fluctuate with the bulk of students generally joining us on campus and then somewhere around 100 or so students joining us every year online. Like the social work profession, most students joined our program, identify as female, although there are every year nonbinary or differing gender identities that are reported in the program, we also are generally able to boast students from not.
Just around the country, but also around the world pursuing our program to learn more about the social work profession. We're really hoping that COVID-19 doesn't.
Emily Dennis
06:10:07 PM
Hi Yan Tung, we can send you the recording of this presentation.
Hurt that possibility of being able to continue to have a diverse student population. We think this is not just enriching for different organizations to be able to have this insight, but also as social work is not just conducted in one way, shape or form to be able to have differing insight into these opportunities.
Uh and then about 20% of our silver students every year uh are part of an identity like identifies with being of color and of course again this all speaks it just us trying to do our very best despite a number of factors to make sure that we can have access and equity in our admissions process and that's the social work profession as much as possible starts to reflect the clients the organizations the communities that you would be serving in.
Joshua W.
06:11:07 PM
How do you define "students of color"?
As I said, We're pretty Columbia University, one of the oldest institutions in the United States. We have a stellar library system. One of the best and largest library systems in all of North America. One of the things that Covid has really shine a light on is the way that we conduct our programs and resources remotely. So we were lucky that the library services, especially for students, are graduating, still had online resources to have.
Books and databases that are electronic that you would have access to as a student to be able to meet with research librarians again earlier in the spring that would have happened in person, but now we can continue to have those remotely, and so that his students are able to pursue their coursework and research.
Interest that they have a source, not just in the social work building that's focused on social work, but also throughout the other libraries that are interdisciplinary, and so they're just about 14 or so libraries that you would have access to as a student under the larger Columbia University Library system. There's the arts initiative at Columbia. Traditionally, this arts initiative provided opportunities for students to be able to take advantage of the culture of New York City, either for free or at a reduced rate so.
Emily Dennis
06:12:07 PM
Hi Joshua, in the statistics Natasha just shared, we are referring to the percentage of our student body who have self-identified as people of color.
Janitza B.
06:12:19 PM
Good Evening, Can your internship can be associated with your job?
Everything from performances, two screenings to even being able to offer them on campus. There's a grants that students can apply for. The arts initiative is a way of being able to step outside of the classroom and really think about the culture around the campus. I know the arts initiative also spearheaded a number of different efforts to make sure that we would be able to as much as possible to share the opportunities that exist in a remote or virtual space. So the Arts is still working, so things are able to really think about the ways that culture reflects.
In the arts so that students could still take advantage of whatever is available, the Office of University life is a University wide.
Emily Dennis
06:13:06 PM
Hi Janitza, yes, in some cases. Students in our Reduced Residency Program use their jobs as their field placements. We will discuss this later.
Office for providing events, support and resources for not just all graduate students. We even undergraduate students to great way to get involved and to really meet people from other parts of the University. I myself and part of the task force for inclusion and belonging and being able to work as a staff member that's consistently thinking about the ways within our institution, as well as throughout our University that we make sure that we're mindful of the ways that we create spaces of blogging on our campus.
Judlyne V.
06:13:32 PM
Hi! Is psychotherapy part of the curriculum regarding the advanced clinical social work practice track? And when one is admitted do they have to have had a BSW to pursue the advanced clinical social work practice track?
There's also a number of more virtual events that they've created this this past spring. I know there was a cooking competition. I know there was different fitness classes, so it's really just a University wide resource. I know that there were some additional great webinars that they kind of play in the last couple of weeks, so if you are interested I would absolutely encourage you to check out their website just to get a sense of like the more universitywide student life conversations, student health services. You know, I always say that the student health services, one of those resources that you never really think about using until you have to you.
Emily Dennis
06:14:11 PM
Hi Judlyne, our clinical method area prepares students to become therapists and practice clinically. This method area is available to all of our students; a BSW is not required in order to pursue the clinical method area during the MSW.
Is it, uh, there are a number of resources that are still available remotely to our students? Whether it's counseling, whether it's health services, but also just being able to have an office that thinks about the public help of our students, that shares information, tips, insight into all things, physical well being or mental well being, you cannot pour from an empty Cup. It is so important that you constantly think about how you are handling the pressures or the commitments that you make.
The social worker in various capacities and part of that is being able to lean on student health services as needed. As a student, the Columbia global centers, I believe, celebrated a decade of operation they have put together a number of research centers and resources throughout 10 different global sites around the world, so oftentimes students are thinking about How do I work in this city, or How do I meet alarms that are censored elsewhere? What conversations are happening?
Kylie D.
06:15:18 PM
Hi! Is it a separate application for the online program or can I apply for both and then decide later? I am not sure yet which I would want to do.
Uh, in the global centers are a great way of being able, especially if you're thinking about more globally minded presence to get involved. I know we've partnered with them in part as we've had our own classes that may include, of course, pre covid the opportunity to travel during spring break and the Dodge Fitness center. The Dodge Fitness Center again is part of like being able to make sure that we're providing space for students to be thoughtful of their well being. In the past, we've also had students.
Teach classes at the Dodge fitness center as well. It's a great way to work on campus. I'm not sure what the Dodge fitness center will look like in the upcoming fall semester, but it is good to at least be mindful if not for this upcoming semester than for future semester that it may be a great opportunity to get involved and to teach, especially to work within the Dodge Fitness Center to whether it's yoga or Zumba or some other class so that you have an opportunity to engage with your peers, but also for again.
Emily Dennis
06:16:10 PM
Hi Kylie, the application is the same for the residential and online platforms. They are the same program! When you apply to CSSW, you are applying to our MSW degree program, not the online or residential option.
Your own well being to know that I believe there's a number of things that might be virtual. They also might be fixing the space so that it's a little bit more possible to physically distance. I think there's a lot of considerations there, but it is a resource that you may be interested in taking advantage of in the future.
Joshua B.
06:16:44 PM
What financial aid options are available?
And so I mentioned before our faculty. We are a lead as a school buy deed. Melissa beg Melissa bag has had quite some time and some years of experience at Columbia University. Previously working with the school of public health and the Provost Office, it has a lot of experience as a scientist herself, and so she brings a wonderful perspective and her role is really more administrative in being able to make sure that as much as possible were functioning well as a school.
Emily Dennis
06:17:24 PM
Hi Joshua, most of our financial aid is need-based, and merit-based aid is also available. Most students receive financial aid packages that contain a combination of loans, scholarship, and Federal Work Study.
And so, uh, there are a lot of great faculty that are consistently among the most cited in the field of Social Work. If you're thinking about what sets Columbia University part to study social work, there are a lot of reasons. Faculties, absolutely a big one, not just in terms of the academics, but also to really get the insight into how social work is changing. The many ways you can conduct your social work. I think most people find social work by having experiences with social workers, and that's great. But there's so many other disciplines that can really use the social work perspective.
Samuel B.
06:17:33 PM
If I want to apply for the two year program, can I do so in the Spring or is that route only available for a Fall application?
Emily Dennis
06:17:46 PM
Hi Samuel, the Two Year Program is only available for fall entry.
Understanding not just human behavior but also the social environment, so hopefully some of the faces on the slide look familiar, but if not I always encourage students to learn more about Desmond Patton and the safe lab. Understand how he's using social media as predictive models as well as artificial intelligence through the lens of Social Work. Courtney Cogburn works a lot with being able to use virtual reality and to think about specifically race.
Ava-Celeste D.
06:17:58 PM
Hi! Do most students come straight from undergrad, or are many working professionals?
And how it impacts not just the experience of others, but also the health and well being of others. Heidi Allen does such amazing work with understanding how healthcare, especially as a, refers to Medicaid and Medicare, affect rural America. So again, if you have an interest in a particular area, please use our website. Slow more about the work our faculty or up to you could also look over different Social Research Centers. These research centers are helmed by different faculty members.
I believe there are actually a few missing from this list because there is so much research that happens out of the social work. They also provide a lot of not just opportunity to.
Emily Dennis
06:18:43 PM
Hi Ava-Celeste, it depends. The average age of an incoming student is 27, but this does not reflect the number of students who enter CSSW straight from undergrad, nor the number of career-changing students who have 10-20+ years of work experience.
Learn about the faculty are up too. They. They also provide opportunities for students sometimes to do their field placements at the research centers. They may have research fellowships available that may have different workshops. Students can participate in there also, different ways. As a student that you could work for these research centers in the future, and so sometimes you'll see social worker called upon to speak.
For something happening on a global or maybe on a wider scale like I know, sorry, Kathy Shearer, the Center for complicated grief gets called upon to speak. Unfortunately, when there's a national tragedy or a widespread strategy, it's sometimes she gets called upon to do an interview with the television station to talk about the ways that you can mention grief to your children or to talk about it as a family, or how to process it. Such a wide scale, but to be able to have the more direct access to Kathy Share or.
The center of complicated grief as a social work student, you may be able to get more involved with research opportunities or fellowship opportunities directly, and so definitely keep that in mind. Again, is your thinking about social work to not just go through the motions of Graduate School to be able to think about specifically? How do I get acclimated to the community? How do I get more involved with a specific area, as well as being able to take advantage of the wide array of academic experiences?
Right and so now for this stage of our presentation, I'll talk about our MSW program there going to be some similarities to other MSW programs as we are accredited by the Council of social work education. So CSWE, some of you are familiar with that organization, no worries, but there are things that are important to every MSW degree. But we have several different pathways, formats, method areas, fields of practice, unique program, still degrees in minors that set us apart.
Eliza C.
06:20:50 PM
Hello there! If accepted into the program, is there an option to defer starting for one year?
Academically, in the way that you conduct your MSW studies in the future. So this is the part where I'll be explaining all of that, and I see Emily's already doing a great job of answering questions in the chat, and so hopefully my presentation will even answer a number of these questions as well.
Emily Dennis
06:21:10 PM
Hi Eliza, yes, admitted students may request a one-time deferral of no more than one academic year.
Itzamna P.
06:21:17 PM
Hi, will we be going over the advance standing program in this session?
So as I said, there are a number of different paths to the MSW degree, so the MSW degree again focused on being able to give you insight into human behavior and the social environment there are set of course work that all students have to complete in some way shape of form, but the path was agree kind of layout what to expect in terms of enrollment. So the most traditional option would be our two year program. You join us for two academic years. I'm sorry. Yes for two academic years.
Emily Dennis
06:21:28 PM
Hi Itzamna, yes!
Judlyne V.
06:21:35 PM
Are there any programs that start in the spring?
Uh, which ends up being the fall spring, summer and fall, and then the spring. Your first year is general in nature, it's the basics of Social Work, social work policy, social work research you haven't general kind of field placement, experience, so you are expected to do coursework Anfield education and you're able to just really get your feet wet, get acclimated to what it means to be a social worker. Just get general information. Your two is where you specialize, and so that's really the breakdown.
Emily Dennis
06:21:59 PM
Judlyne, our Extended, 16-Month, and Reduced Residency Programs can start in the spring.
Jasmine A.
06:22:11 PM
Good Evening! Have merit-based full tuition (or close to full tuition) scholarships been given to students in the past?
Of the program, and as you indicated, on the slide, it is available to students to join us residentially as we put it or in New York City for in person course work. Again, this is removed from COVID-19. Is that me a causes to be remote for some time, but generally speaking there is a difference between the New York City campus and the online campus. What really makes us lucky is that it's 100% in house, so we do have students that join us on campus, take occasional classes online.
And vice versa. So there is that possibility. But the differences as an online soon you are guaranteed that from the start finish of the program, all of your course work can be done online. I should also specify that online coursework generally speaking again pre covid online coursework are not live streams of New York City classes, their their own separate online environments. And generally speaking there are not prerecorded. They're not asynchronous, they're alive classes that you are engaged with. So definitely keep that in mind as as we move.
Emily Dennis
06:23:19 PM
Hi Jasmine, yes, in some cases students have received full tuition scholarships, but such large funding packages are pretty rare. They are available in limited quantities each year. Most of our funding is need-based.
We do the separate program that we refer to as our five term program. It's our international students program in the admissions process. We do that international students for whether or not the two year program is a good fit, or if they'll need a little bit more assistance in learning more about social welfare. In the United States and the different systems here, and so as the name of the program suggests, we actually tack on an additional semester so that students don't start field education right away, and that way when they do start field education in these subsequent.
Michaela P.
06:23:34 PM
How are we assigned field placements? Do we get to choose the placement or are we assigned?
Spring other starting with the fall they have a little bit more insight and experience before they start working with clients and agencies, and so that is all determined through the admissions process. If you have already applied or if you have questions about it, you're welcome to reach out to the office of admissions, but that is something that you are stepped through in the admissions process. The 16 month program. It's similar to the two year program in that you still have the same traditional four semesters. The difference, though, between a 16 month of the two year program is that your four semesters are.
Emily Dennis
06:24:13 PM
Hi Michaela, all students complete a field placement form to help determine their filed placement. Our Office of Field Ed. will work with you to create a placement that is aligned with your social work interests and is within reasonable commuting distance.
Back to back. So it's not quite accelerated, although it is the fastest way to get our MSW, but it's more than its condensed so that you start with us every January.
Nicolas N.
06:24:34 PM
As a student in the MSW program, is there room in the curriculum for unrelated elective classes e.g. philosophy, computer science, etc ?
Knew 16 one student start you take classes throughout bedspring throughout that summer. The next fall and the next spring. Sometimes it's a good fit for career changers because instead of being out of the workforce for the full two years, you instead are able to just go through the MSW straight as much as possible. Again, comparing to the two year program where you do the fall, the spring you have your full summer off. Join us for the fall and spring and graduate so it's the same course work. It's just laid out a little bit differently so that you're able to do that.
Horsemasters back to back.
Now advanced standing, uh, which should sound familiar to all those that qualify for the advanced standing program that is specifically for students that have a bachelors in social work from BC SWE accredited school. So you would join us for a year, two of the program, your advanced standing. You've already completed the requirements of a first year graduate student as part of your bachelors degree. We will in the admissions process that to make sure that you have a B or better in all of your coursework related to social work.
Emily Dennis
06:25:53 PM
Hi Nicolas, MSW students have the opportunity to cross-register for courses at other schools across the University. In order for a course to count toward your MSW degree requirements, these courses must be social work-relevant. In most cases, MSW students are very busy with their social work courses and do not have time to take unrelated courses.
As well as that you've completed the equivalent of one year of fields education. So if you ever have questions about your eligibility for advance standing, again, this is only for bachelors of social work programs that are accredited by the CSWE. We don't, you can't be a psychology student and do advanced and and you can have a different major half the beps W student, but essentially you would be granted up to and hopefully the full 27 credits of a social work program that you completed as part or bachelors and he would join us for the other 33.
Credits, uhm, as far as here too.
Mackenzie H.
06:26:06 PM
Hi Emily. If I were to apply for Fall 2021 for the residential, in-person option, would I apply for the MSW program this Fall or Spring 2021?
A transfer students are similar except transfer students for one reason or the other, started at a different CSWE accredited Masters program. So we're sorry the other program didn't quite workout for you. Maybe it wasn't great fit. Maybe you want something a little bit more academically rigorous, but essentially similar to advance settings you've already completed, or you're in the process of completing your one of your program and your joining us for your two of the curriculum. Now for advanced standing and transfer students.
Emily Dennis
06:26:43 PM
Hi Mackenzie, the application for fall 2021 will become available later this summer. You can apply any time between then and the deadline in early 2021. We will discuss deadlines towrd the end of this presentation.
Darya S.
06:26:58 PM
Hello, does this program prepare you for licensure in states other than NY? (assuming the licensure exam is different)
Hopefully this doesn't sound completely new. This is this is something that as a CSWE accredited school is fairly consistent among our peer institutions. But if you have any specific questions about, you know what study plan might look like for advanced standing or for transfer students. I believe Emily may share that in the chat, but you can always email us directly to get that, that information and both of these options are available online, which means that you can join us.
When we take applications and those programs start every fall.
Emily Dennis
06:27:28 PM
Hi Darya, yes. If you obtain your MSW at Columbia, you can pursue licensure in all 50 states (although the licensing process looks different in all 50 states).
Uh, so we do have two options that allow you to start part time and then finish the program full time. We don't have a 100% full time program. Part of that is because of Field Education. Field Education proved to be quite rigorous, but we have found that also by stretching out the components of the program too far, you lose some of that rigor. And because we have been very successful in educating students for quite some time, we do our best to maintain that rigor. 'cause we see that it pays off one, students pursue their licensing.
As well as their post MSW employment. So the extended option. It's available for students joining us on campus, so to speak or online. It stretches out the two year program requirements so that you start by just chipping away with your course work. You're taking maybe 2 classes your first semester, another two classes of your second semester. The idea is that when you do start field education.
Archie F.
06:28:04 PM
I would love to be a Generalist is that available?
You become a full time student. Technically you are enrolled in enough classes to start as a full time student.
Emily Dennis
06:28:16 PM
Hi Archie, yes, we offer a generalist method area.
Kamren M.
06:28:34 PM
Since spring entry doesn’t accommodate the two year program, I assume it’s only for the accelerated program. That program is not fully online though correct?
But you're doing so at a reduced for slow, because you've already began chipping away at classes, so you can complete the extended program either in three years, maybe 4 if you really stretch it out, but the expectation is that the last two years agree program you are considered to be a full time student. So again, if you have any specific questions about the extended option, I know that many of you have probably got in email that they extended option is what we're still accepting applications for. That's because you do not start with field education right away.
Emily Dennis
06:28:56 PM
Hi Kamren, our 16-Month Program begins in the spring and is only available on-campus.
Erin D.
06:29:11 PM
Do any of these options allow all of the work and field placement to be done online and remotely? Or do all of the options require some time on campus?
The reduced residency program, now that is similar to the extended program. The difference with the reduced residency program is that there is a reduction in the amount of hours of field education that you have to do because you already work in the fields of Social Work you have experience at an agency or organization for at least two years full-time. You've already done direct practices some capacity, and because you have that work experience that we determined through the admissions process, you select the reduced residency program.
And you're able to start chipping away at classes and then when it comes time for field, the idea and the goal is for you to complete field education through your employer. Now this requires your employer to be able to support you with the proper supervision for your field placement. It also is again fairly strict. Again, the only reason we are able to do this is because you are coming in with the right type of experience. So if you have volunteered somewhere, if you have had internships in the past, it's not the same as having.
All work, employment experience where you're also supported by your supervisor and the Organization for fields education, so it is a very specific situation, but if you think you're a good fit for the reduced Wednesday program or if you have specific questions, definitely let us know what this is. The only way that we accommodate students for doing their field education through their employer.
Emily Dennis
06:30:09 PM
Hi Erin, in normal (pre-COVID-19) times, our online students attend classes virtually but complete field placements in-person. The online program can be completed without every visiting campus. In fall 2020, we are expanding our field placements to be available online if and when necessary.
So I hope that that is clear. I'll pause now to double check the chat. See Emily's answering a lot of questions.
Shannon R.
06:30:25 PM
Hi! What is the typical financial aid package given to admitted students?
Generally speaking, yes. I do want to reiterate that pre COVID-19 it's hard to imagine what that was like. Since you know these days are kind of running in together for all of us, but our online students typically attended classes virtually, but the courses were taking place synchronously so the classes were happening live and completely online environments. They weren't just live streams of in person classes or they were. You were all able to see one another like a mega group chat.
Emily Dennis
06:31:04 PM
Hi Shannon, our financial aid is largely need-based, and merit-based aid is also available. Your fin aid package will be determined based on need demonstrated in the FAFSA and by the strength of your application.
I'm sorry, it's, uh, interact directly with your peers and faculty. Because of COVID-19, we did have to move field education to be remotely this past March and so as possible, number of organizations were able to support field education taking place remotely because their own employees had to go remotely as well. And so in the fall we're going to be expanding our fields education opportunities to continue to be available remotely. So you are still completing projects you are still being supervised by A.
Jake A.
06:31:20 PM
Hi, how many students typically choose the 16-month track?
Field supervisor, but of course you wouldn't be physically going in person to these organizations, so all admitted students are getting this information as the University.
Emily Dennis
06:31:46 PM
Hi Jake, our 16-Month Program is a smaller cohort than the Two Year. This year we had approx. 60 students in our 16-Month Program.
Makes these decisions we want to do what's best for the safety and well being of our students. And we also want to do what's best for your career, for your training, for keeping you on track with with your professional goals have been so I do know there's a lot of information kind of coming out, but as possible we will be notifying everyone as everything becomes available and confirmed.
Linda L.
06:31:50 PM
while completing our BSSW, if we take a masters level class as an extra elective, will we be able to transfer that credit? Or, will only the 27 credits for the advanced standing program be accepted?
Emily Dennis
06:32:07 PM
Hi Linda, Advanced Standing students can transfer in a max of 27 credits.
Uh, and typically speaking, the a two year program is the most popular or populated option of our optional programs, both for the New York City and the online campuses. All the other programs I think Emily is kind of addressing some questions as they come up, but the two years the most traditional path and most students are pursuing that path as well.
Nicole F.
06:32:26 PM
Good evening. Have application and/or admission rates changed because of COVID-19? If so are there any changes to acceptances to the various programs or is there any new flexibility to change which program you are accepted to?
And so, In addition to the different paths to figure out your different MSW degree where you're earning that Masters of Social Work, you also have different pathways, and so In addition to thinking about, you know the format of whether or not you're joining us on campus again, Pre Cove in this or remotely, or whether or not you're joining us, you know.
And then 16 month option or in the traditional two year program there different specializations in the program to make sure that you're not just getting the basis of social work that you're able to really dive into the method areas. How the method of pursuing social work and conducting social worker clients and organizations, but also the population, the communities that type of organizations in the fields of practice you would be working in. So for those of you who started an application, you'll see that we asked you to indicate which method, area or field to practice.
And feel the practice. Could you choose one and one that you are most interested in? You don't have to log into these choices in the admissions process, but as you register for classes as you select your your 2 field placement, this is how you lock into the method area fields of practice. So the form method areas we offer, which again most schools aren't able to really offer more than two, but we offer four. There is clinical which is a focus on being able to in your second year diagnose.
Assess, uh, within social work to be able to conduct your social work one to one. Counseling working in health, mental health, disabilities, type spaces. It also aligns perfectly with the clinical or academic requirements for those looking into the LCSW, the clinical license in the state of New York. But as needed as you pursue licenses in other states, you may be able to add additional electives or coursework to complete the clinical requirements elsewhere.
Emily Dennis
06:34:19 PM
Hi Nicole, the pandemic has not impacted admission rates, but we did extend our application deadlines to accommodate folks who wanted to apply for the fall! There are some exceptions, but in general, we have always been flexible in allowing students to switch to a different program than the program they were admitted to.
Sherri G.
06:34:33 PM
Hi Emily - if I start my application for extended program for the fall but cannot complete by July 1 will the application be saved so I can add whatever is missing to apply in August for spring 2021?
We also offer generalist. Generalist is a little bit broader. It's thinking about not just those direct practice experiences but also being a little bit more specialized in how to conduct programming to evaluate programming to work, and conductor social work on a more community level, and so those are probably our two most popular options. Again, those are probably the most traditional ways of thinking about a social worker, but we also offer a policy track so that for those who are interested in how to advocate for policy changes.
Emily Dennis
06:34:55 PM
Hi Sherri, if you upload items but cannot submit by the July 1 deadline, we can carry over your documents to your spring 2021 application.
Anna L.
06:35:03 PM
Can you help with field placement in other states?
Or to make policy suggestions or to work anymore policy related organizations can do so in their second year coursework or social Enterprise Administration. It generalist social work is thinking about the well being of a population at large social Enterprise. Administration is thinking about the well being of our organization at large. And so it is important to think about how would you like to conduct your social work in future. Again, we're giving all of our students that foundation and social work education. But your two is where you really be able to become a specialist of sorts.
Emily Dennis
06:35:23 PM
Hi Anna, yes, our Field Ed office creates field placements for online students in all 50 states.
Uh, and again, if your goal is to pursue licensing in the future, clinical licensing in the future, you may want to make sure that you're choosing the appropriate method area so each student chooses one method area for their year 2 where their specialization here.
Joshua W.
06:35:46 PM
Can you enter a dual-method program (i.e., clinical and social enterprise administration)?
Fields of practice really more of an organization organizing principle of the school of Social Work, so it's not that you're limited to only work in a certain area. It's more so our way of organizing the 800 plus field placements we offer as well as our experts in the field education office so students don't find their own field. Placements are field education. Office creates a field placements for not just on campus students or New York students in the Tristate area but also for online students in all 50 states so.
Emily Dennis
06:35:59 PM
Hi Joshua, no, students cannot "double major" and pursue two method areas.
Nicole H.
06:36:09 PM
Hello, In regards to recommendation letters, If perspective students have completed a degree within the five year span but is unable to get an academic recommendation, will there application be immediately disregarded?
Uh, our students are in various areas you would be able to conduct your or pursue fields education locally. It might not needed to be done remotely as you know, as COVID-19 has continued, but you would be able to really focus on the experiences of working with a particular type of organization or agency, and so that's your type of field place when you get for your two. It's also a particular.
Emily Dennis
06:36:43 PM
Hi Nicole, no! We will still read your application. But we STRONGLY encourage all applicants to abide by our guidelines for letters of recommendation.
Required course you would have to take for Year 2 so as an example you choose health, mental health and disabilities. Your field placement could very well be with an organization that's concerned with the mental health of people in particular area. Maybe its particular office within a Department of Health and you take a class that is for the health, mental health and disabilities. That kind of.
Brandon U.
06:37:01 PM
Hello! Is it possible to switch from On-Campus to Online course of study should one desire or should the need arise?
Provides a wide array of information for all sorts of different organizations so that when you leave the program, even if you only had a particular field experience, you can still have some insight into how the industry at large is our largest is doing so it is something to be mindful of. You wouldn't be able to choose choose method areas, but if you chose a method area and you also wanted to make sure you have clinical course work, you can do so, but the clearest way to pursue clinical is the pursuit clinical.
Emily Dennis
06:37:35 PM
Hi Brandon, yes. In normal times, students can switch between online and residential (or vice versa) between academic years. There may be additional flexibility during the upcoming academic year, due to COVID-19.
Jui A.
06:37:51 PM
Can you do accelerated 16 month program online? Thank you!
If you chose generalist, you probably can still make sure you have enough clinical classes, because there's enough of an overlap. If you choose something more macro like policy or social Enterprise Administration, you're kind of Tacking on additional classes and electives that you need to take, and the more you do so, the less likely you can graduate. The two years or the four semesters that are required. So definitely keep that in mind as you know it's hard, especially if you're like myself. In undergrad, you had as many minors as they would let you get away with or as many.
Emily Dennis
06:38:02 PM
Hi Jui, the 16-Month Program is not offered online.
Major that they'd let you get away with, but it is important to be specific in your graduate studies and to really focus on a particular method area as much as possible.
Yan Tung L.
06:38:12 PM
Can I change from on campus to online after getting admired?
Emily Dennis
06:38:21 PM
Yan Tung, yes you can.
We also offer different unique programs for our full time to your students that join us on campus. I do want to say that there is, you know, the reason I keep saying on campus even though this covid business. There's a likelihood that will have to continue being remote for the full academic year.
Christine P.
06:38:28 PM
If I want to be a school social worker, would I go into School Based Services or Children & Youth Services? Thank you
Is because there is a distinction between on campus courses that may have to be remote.
Emily Dennis
06:39:03 PM
Hi Christine, School-Based is a good option, but Family, Youth, and Children's would also enable you to work in schools. The field of practice that you choose does not mean you can only ever work in that area.
Verses are online campus, so should we change things so that everything has to be remote, then sure, you know you might be able to take these classes. However, if that's only for half a semester or the full semester, you know the full academic year. The next 2 academic years that will change whether or not it's feasible for you to access it remotely or virtually so obviously as an admitted students, if you have a specific question about a unique program or anything, it's coming up about it. If it's remote. If you still have access to it.
Taylor S.
06:39:20 PM
Hi, are there any grad housing options available?
We're happy to look into it, but there are some caveats to whether or not you'd be able to over the full program had the full access. So with that, I'll explain our DBT program. Those of you familiar with the modality are aware that the dialectical behavior therapy is a type of treatment originally developed for chronically suicidal individuals. I believe it's also expanded to being able to be applied to eating disorders or borderline personality disorders.
Emily Dennis
06:39:56 PM
Hi Taylor, yes, Columbia housing is available. Any student can apply for housing, but students relocating to NYC from the farthest away are given priority.
Joshua W.
06:40:05 PM
what is the most popular major / track?
All sorts of different ways of thinking of mental health were the only DBT training program within a school of Social Work. Our faculty member, her team doctor Andre Ivanoff. She's worked directly with the creator, DBT, and so it is a wonderful and amazing option. If you are strongly interested in clinical social work and you are strongly interested in counseling in the future to be able to pursue this program, which would actually add an additional 15 credits.
To your 60 credit degree and from May of your first year to May of your second year. When you graduate, you would be able to pursue the DDT program so the DBT program select students so that you would apply in your first year to be selected for it. I know there were whispers in the past of a DVT minor, so we'll see, but this is just an additional kind of feather in your cap, a way of being able to be specific about your training while out of School of Social Work.
We also have an accelerated policy option, as I explained earlier at your first year. It's designed to be.
Entry level basic general in nature, but if you're part of the accelerated policy program, you're able to at least start your Policy Studies in your one. So while you still have the field experience of a generalist social worker in your one and then a more policy oriented field, placement of your two, your coursework will become increasingly policy related. If you're part of the accelerated policy program, so all admitted students are invited to apply for the accelerator policy program policy, faculty members as well as, I believe, a handful of staff in.
Field education team I select students and based off of how well we believe they would do in our accelerated policy program. So previous policy study is recommended as well as policy experiences as much as possible and.
Emily Dennis
06:41:36 PM
Hi Joshua, about 60% of our students are clinically focused. Clinical is the most common method area.
So this would also allow you to have even more access to policy courses in your final here, as you are able to focus on a number of projects, it's a year one, so you're strongly considering a future in policy. If you have previous experience academically, policy may be a great program if you're looking into our two year option.
Nicole F.
06:41:58 PM
Is it known yet if it will be possible to hold in-person on campus courses in the fall?
But that's not all. There are also additional ways we allow our students to specialize and to make the most out of being graduate students. And so we offer minors as well as dual and joint degree programs. So miners are ways of being able to just fulfill your own wishes academically, and being able to pursue coursework throughout the larger Columbia University community. Mostly speaking with the exception of probably that last minor listed.
Emily Dennis
06:42:39 PM
Nicole, Dean Begg released a statement today. We are preparing to offer most of our Residential Campus classes for MSW students via remote instruction this fall. Our goal is to allow students to pursue their studies remotely should that be their preference.
Mostly these miners are actually involving coursework from other parts of Columbia University, so a way of being able to experience interdisciplinary study in a way that isn't too cumbersome. So you're only taking probably 9 credits of course work throughout the rest of the University. what I will say is that.
Jake A.
06:42:49 PM
Are you able to switch tracks once you start classes, and if so, is there a deadline to do so?
The upcoming semester it is a challenging because we are currently preparing for as much as possible. Most of our instruction to be remote. There may be options, opportunities for smaller seminars to take place in person, but we expect that, especially as students are delayed in being able to move to New York that it would be likely that that additional time that additional focus is probably best served by just supporting students to act to conduct their academics remotely.
Emily Dennis
06:43:30 PM
Jake, students do not finalize their method area/field of practice until heading into their second year (third and fourth semesters). Advanced Standing and Transfer students should decide before registering for their first semester courses.
But with the miners, it really is for full time students. There might be possibilities to take these classes virtually as other parts of the campus will also probably have to be some hybrid of virtually her in person, but by and large the miners do rely on the course work from other parts of the University. So we do want to keep that in mind.
In terms of the dual in joint degrees, these are opportunities for to pursue your MSW with a second Masters program from Columbia University so.
Kamren M.
06:43:54 PM
If I need to do coursework %100 online, it would appear my only option is to apply for fall 2021 correct? Thanks Emily!
You are required to apply to both schools. You have to secure admission to both schools, so if you apply to the school social work, you'll also have applied to the Business School or the law school or the school of public health or Big Street School of education and so on and so forth. The tuition is separate for each school. The requirements for admission or separate for each school, and so if you have an interest in a dual degree, you should do what you're doing now. You should attend an information session. You should reach out to the office of admissions to learn more about their program and essentially what we do is we actually Frankenstein the two degrees together. So instead of it being a full 60 credits on the.
Emily Dennis
06:44:37 PM
Hi Kamren, if you want to be an online student starting in spring 2021, you can apply to the Extended Program. If you are eligible for Reduced Residency, that program is also available online for the spring start.
Itzamna P.
06:44:46 PM
Would we be able to do a minor or dual degree if we are in the advance standing program?
High school social work side. You also would have somewhat less electives in a traditional student would in the partner Masters program. That way, generally speaking, you save if not a full semester, maybe even two semesters from what it would look like to pursue each program separately. So if you have a question about the jeweler joint degree programs, you can always ask her office. I'm always happy to help, and sometimes it can be confusing. But to be clear, Doolin joint degrees are expect to be conducted fully.
Emily Dennis
06:45:09 PM
Itzamna, Advanced Standing students can pursue certain minors, but not dual degrees.
Paige B.
06:45:15 PM
does what track you choose affect your admittance chances? or are tracks selected after being admitted?
Full time, uh it? It does not support part time course work. You would literally be a student for a decade, doesn't work, and so it is designed to be done full time. And of course our advanced standing and transfer students are only joining us for two semesters, so they're not able to join us for the joint or tool degrees, nor with the law minor actually work for them as it does take at least three semesters to complete the law minor, and so that is something to keep in mind. So many questions about.
The pathway is unique programs, the minors. The dual degree is definitely let us know. We're happy to help either in this chat or over email.
Uh, so he talks a little bit about the academics, and as you can tell you know part of the.
Emily Dennis
06:45:44 PM
Hi Paige, no, the method area/field of practice you choose does not influence your application.
Erin D.
06:46:07 PM
Hi, Emily - how do you know if you’re eligible for Reduced Residency? Thank you!
Hobby are joining a program with so many different options and opportunities is that it can be a little tricky to navigate. Where do you start? What do you do first? So In addition to the office of admissions being here to help with anyone interested in our program or admitted to our program, we also have an incredibly expert expertise listed across the student support offices at the school. And so these are offices that because again, we have an online program. They're equipped to work with students, not just.
And personally campus if possible, but also remotely uhm and so exciting from my left. The diversity, equity inclusion office is our newest student support office. It actually previously was a roll under our student life and student services team which was expanded on I believe, about three years ago and so diversity, equity, inclusion. Being able to have a named space for making sure that faculty, students, staff have support on all these diversity equity.
Emily Dennis
06:46:46 PM
Hi Erin, the RR program is designed for students who have a minimum of two years full-time work paid experience in social services. Your current place of work must be able to host your for your field placement.
Brandon U.
06:47:11 PM
Hi Emily, do you know what the CSSW acceptance rate is? Is it different for Residential and Online?
Inclusion that we have programming really makes it all the more easier to make sure that we're doing our part in to colonize social work practice and so that Department is actually led by Carmelo Denlow actually has been part of the Columbia School of social work community for almost 15 years, and she has worn many hats from financially just turn like this tune services and so is wonderful to be able to have that level of expertise administratively as we work to support students.
Staff and faculty pre covid. There were a number of rounds of sensitivity training for faculty and staff and programming. She is still working hard. She's also very involved, more in a University level of being part of a lot of different conversations, and so if you ever have any interest it working for that Office of partnering with that office is a student you would be able to do so absolutely. We also of course have our office of career services career services.
Emily Dennis
06:47:57 PM
Hi Brandon, the acceptance rate to both platforms (online and residential) is the same. When you apply to CSSW, you apply to the MSW degree program, not the specific platform.
They offer the standard resume review they all you know, they offer appointments in ways to be able to give you insight into who job, application process and of course we have a job board that students are able to access where employers can provide opportunities for internships, fellowships, and full time employment. Now what makes career services different at the school social work is that you have access to them as it alone.
Archie F.
06:48:12 PM
So it is possible to get a doctorate as well as a master's?
A lot of schools, um, unfortunately, as a graduate student, you don't have access to these resources. Once you graduate, we continue to have resources. Once you graduate, we also have opportunities for students. It's also interact with along, so there are mentor mentee opportunities. There are different workshops where we even its nontraditional for social work, to have on campus recruitment. But we do bring employers sometimes even host virtually different workshops to be able to talk about.
Emily Dennis
06:48:46 PM
Hi Archie, the MSW and PhD in Social Work at Columbia are separate. Our office only works with the MSW program. Many of our graduates do go on to pursue doctoral programs at Columbia or elsewhere.r
Sophie M.
06:49:04 PM
If you are doing a dual-degree program, how many courses are you taking in a given semester? And typically how long does it take if you are pursuing two degrees at once? I'm particularly thinking about the M.Ed/MSW dual-degree
Uh, what's going on in the criminal justice lens? Or you know what's going on? Even I know we have a few alarms that have been involved in more usually experience and Technology Encoding. There's so many different ways and directions that students can find themselves in Careerwise awhile. I will always advocate for students to start that journey of self actualization on their own career services is there to help continue guide you along not just again, as a student would also as it allowed.
Mention are experts in the field education scheme. They're all social workers themselves. They do a lot to be able to maintain the placement opportunities for our students, as well as being able to maintain the quality of those opportunities. So there are the office that supports all students with their field placement. Students are not required to find their own field placements, although some students are definitely more than capable of finding a quality field placement on their own, they're not required to do so.
A man as much as possible and you know it's COVID-19. Pandemic is shown that there are also there to really support these placements at in agencies to learn more about what these community partners need to conduct field education, how their agencies and organizations are going, what ways is a school we could continue to support them. We know the work is never finished, but there are a lot of pressing concerns, different communities and so field education is a huge part of that experiential learning component of our program.
Emily Dennis
06:50:13 PM
Hi Sophie, the exact number of courses per term depends on the program and the student's schedule. Full-time students take anywhere from 10.5-19.5 credits per semester. The MEd/MSW we offer takes 4 years to complete.
They also are supporting students along with the office of advising the office of advising is unique in that it's not just academic advising. You know, it's not someone that just kind of checks to see that you registered for the classes you need, and then they walk away. It's a little bit more holistic than that. It's being able to not just through the office advising thing about field education. It's also being able to really think about where you are as a person and as a social worker. So everything from individual advising opportunities to being part of.
And advising cohort usually less than 20 students. Uhm, you know, being able to have an advisor that starts with you at orientation and meets with you as required in your cohorts. At least Seven or so times a year and is also a social worker is incredibly important, so not advising office is about 4:00 or so.
Full time advisors that work. The school of social work and they oversee about a fleet of 90 part time advisors.
And so, because you're in the class two days a week as a full time student and in the field three days a week, which makes a very full nine to five Monday to Friday, the hours of course might be a little bit different depending on the exact field, but it makes a very full week for our students. Graduate School is known for being challenging, so it means a lot to us to be able to offer advising not just in the office of advice would also.
It feels education or all matters. Fields in academic related. We do have our own writing center. This is not a specific writing center that all of the University can access it specific just for social work and social work. Writing some of our former faculty members have literally wrote the book on social work writing, so this is an office that provides individualized opportunities as well as larger workshops for students to be able to be mindful of their writing. I know they recently did an event on the updates.
Two, I believe it was the a PA style and guidance on, especially as a partnership with the diversity equity inclusion office in many ways that you can make sure that your writing is being as inclusive as possible and within ABA style as they issued updated guidelines and so it's really important to get one of those offices that you don't think about using too early. But as students go through classes and coursework they realize that they are grateful for that support. As a student, the office of student services.
Not just handles the more registration processes of the school, for those interested in licensing, you will get to know the office of Student Services. They're kind of our registrar within the school of social work, so as you need to send your credentials to license words, they kind of.
Help you through that process as well, as you know, coordinating with the office of advising to ensure as much as possible that the course work you're taking keeps you qualified for the licenses that you're looking to pursue. The office of student life does work with the office of student services. I should also say services handles all things accommodations related. Once you register the University, but student life is incredibly robust at the school of social work Graduate School, especially Graduate School, social work. Lot of times that.
This know student life opportunity to get involved outside the classroom, and so we're grateful to be part of not just a University, but also a school that offers these opportunities to to get engaged. We as a school like to plan larger events. Unfortunately, covid put a lot of those larger events on pause or change the nature of those events, but everything from RPC grad to our lavender graduation for LG BT QIA students and allies.
Uhm, you know? Or to our social rogalla or Self Care Day. A lot of that would fall under the student life umbrella.
Last but certainly not least, the office of financial aid. We know Graduate School is incredibly expensive. It's unfortunate that the United States is not support graduate students, but we are grateful to be able to have the experts in our financial aid office be able to step students through the financial aid process. It is for that reason we do push for all of our students to submit the fact that even before they apply to our program. That way we have the information we need to move forward. They also provide students with inside an information regarding external scholarships.
Christine P.
06:54:35 PM
Unfortunately, I have to leave the information session, I have questions about tuition, who can I contact at a later time for additional information?
A competitive fellowships opportunities for loan forgiveness as an alarm there are different states that have limited opportunities or even professional organizations may have scholarships and opportunities and so it is great to be able to have a financial aid office that provides that information.
Emily Dennis
06:54:50 PM
Hi Christine, you can email us at cssw-admit@columbia.edu!
Uh, the tuition. The cost of fees. Everything is publicly available on our website it. I would imagine that for the upcoming fall it would be similar, but the exact number is not going to be set by the school get set by the board of Trustees of the University sometime in the summer. So probably after July 1st, but it's great to be able to have a financial aid office. It's also approachable.
After we were able to work in person with one another, was we jealous of the financial aid office because they were the office that always had snacks? They were always the office that had a lump stuff by just to hang out, which I've never seen in my career or even as a student. And they would always be the office where students would bring baked goods to hang out with the financially team. So as much as I appreciate our students and alums, having those more personable experiences with the financial aid office, there were always the ones that had Donuts and I just never never understood. Why did have such a fanbase myself.
But uhm, definitely reach out. If you have any questions. The email address that's been tired to all the events communications is also the email address for the admissions office. You can always reach out to us with any questions you have.
I mentioned student life. I do want to take the time to pause and talk about the different student organizations we have at the school. Social work we have just about over 25 these are. We refer to them as caucuses. Student caucuses are run entirely by students and have the opportunity to partner with local organizations, professional organizations, faculty research centers, an more. It's a great way to be able to make the most again of your Graduate School experience outside the classroom. So whether it's celebrating.
You know the lunar new year with your peers and being able to form that sense of community among students that share your identity or being able to get involved with the social work review and to conduct a bit of research and have it be published in the school.
Yvonne E.
06:56:51 PM
Is there an application fee waiver for military students?
There are so many different ways that you can get involved and again be able to use what you're learning in the classroom or be part of community conversations about what's going on in the classroom to really make it not just richings environment as a student, but to contribute to the larger social work community at Columbia. And so I do always want to make sure that I plug at those events again. I'm really sad that we weren't able to have our gala this past spring. Hopefully we'll have our Galaxy here. It's in fun opportunity, just.
Emily Dennis
06:57:20 PM
Hi Yvonne, yes, we offer fee waivers for veterans. To obtain the fee waiver, please email our office at cssw-admit@columbia.edu.
To not be as focused on coursework, for once, it is always fun because it's more basically our social work, prom and students are able to dress up and let loose a bit. And then you know, a lot of Deans don't lose an opportunity to do the Cupid shuffle. But In addition to being able to do the gal every year, we also have community day as well as self care day. Those are two opportunities that provides students the option to instead of field showing us at present on a number of things happening within our social work community. Maybe there's an update about a new initiative.
Maybe they're partnering with a faculty member. Maybe that faculty member wants to talk about research. Or maybe, as we've done in the past, students are interested in their PhD program.
Uh, or any PhD program, and we provide a a session and all I'm talking about on pursuing PhD programs. Or maybe we provide a session on applying to jobs in a particular industry or being able to create a supportive space for industry changers. There's a lot of dynamic aspects of student life program, but as all things it is what you make it and do not hesitate to get involved even if we are remote for the seeable future.
So with that I will provide some, uh, a checklist for things related to our application. This is all confirmed on our website. I always also suggested soon just open it application. There's no penalty for doing so. You might get some automatic emails from us if you don't submit one in time, but it's always great to open an application just to get a sense of what is required of you as an applicant. But the entire process takes place online. There's no part of it.
That is expected to happen, uh, on paper. So don't try mailing any applications now more than ever, there is an application fee associated with the application. You'll submit three admissions essays, the essays actually change depending on which path way you choose. So if you choose the reduced registry program versus the.
The advanced standing program versus A2 year program. These are different essay prompts. You have to select which pathway you're applying to 1st. If you open the application and you don't see any essays, you need to make sure you answer each and every question from the very beginning. We also need a resume. We need you to talk about your professional and academic experiences outside of these essays, and so the resume should be clear as much as possible. Should give us some insight into what your background has been.
You know, but we also even ask you to type in some details about your employment history. That way we can make sure we're really getting the most out of you. Depending on how detailed your resume is, you might be able to copy and paste it into that employment section, but some of you really need to make sure that there's additional detail so we really understand what type of responsibilities and what you experiences you've had again, professionally, or even sometimes academically.
Transcripts gives us some great insight into you know your academics at previously attended institutions. We will need transcripts from previously attended programs, if there are any comments, questions, issues, reach out to the admissions office directly. But most places are able to provide you with the transcript. Keep in mind that at this age, the transcript only needs to be unofficial, which means you can just scan and upload a copy yourself.
If offered admission, we will need an official transit, which means that program that you graduated from since us, a transcript directly at this time, it won't be in the Mail. Mulatta places have official transcripts. I could be sent electronically, but we need to be the direct recipient. It can't be something that goes to you and then you forward it or you download it and then you email it or you open the envelope that comes in the Mail you put it in a different envelope and you set it to us. You are not supposed to be involved in between and this is a process that.
All graduate schools deal with as we were, and who knows the difference between an unofficial official transcripts, but you never had any questions. Make sure that you reach out to us directly. We're happy to clarify anything.
Kylie D.
07:01:37 PM
If I did a 3 year program with 1st year online and 2nd year on campus in nyc, could I then pick one of the fields of practice that aren't otherwise available online?
We will also need 3 letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendation should be academic. If you're within, you know, probably no more than five years of undergrad. If your recent graduate of an undergraduate program, at least two of those references really should be from a faculty member that can comment on what you're like in the classroom or on your coursework, how you grew from the time they've known you, the further out of undergrad you've been, the more likely your references will be professional, which are also acceptable.
Emily Dennis
07:02:02 PM
Kylie, if you are able to be on campus during your specialization year, you could do a field of practice that is not offered online.
Erin D.
07:02:05 PM
Would you need a transcript from other masters programs? Or just an undergrad transcript?
A man so definitely keep in mind that balance in terms of who should write your references, use your best judgement and it's really important that this is someone who can comment on your capacity for graduate social work study as well as your professional promise in the field of Social Work. So keep that in mind. But throughout the admissions process, those are the two things were always looking for.
Emily Dennis
07:02:24 PM
Erin, we need transcripts from any and all schools you have attended -- grad and undergrad.
Uh, international applicants may be invited to a Skype interview at this time I don't believe there's a need to, as most international students have already applied to our program, but just keep in mind that if you are applying for the future for fall 2021 or for fall 2022, you'll need to.
Likely a have a virtual interview with us as we determine you're fit for the five tour program.
Brandon U.
07:02:53 PM
I am looking to switch careers. My work experience is exclusively in theatre/film/television as a professional actor. Is my professional resume as an actor a sufficient/appropriate Resume to submit as part of my application?
Last but not least, a field evaluations are going to be required for our man staining and transfer students in advance. Stating a transfer students that should not be news to you. We will need to confirm that you not just done the fields education hours that are required, but you've also done well in fields education. It's all absolutely be important to be able to provide our office and it will be built into the admissions process. So again, you could always find this information in the application itself as well as on our website and.
We can always answer specific questions as they come out.
For as far as deadlines are concerned, I will say for fall 2020 hundred we are no longer accepting full-time applications for fall 2020 entry. At this point We want to make sure that we can ensure you equality field, education, experience and so we're not going to continue receiving those applications, but we are accepting applications from our extended as well as reduce residency applicants. So you do have until July 1st. It's not the most time, but we have sent so many.
Emily Dennis
07:04:12 PM
Hi Brandon, we definitely want to read about your professional history! As long as your resume is 3 pages of so, and describes whether your experiences were full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, and contains all of your other experiences (volunteer, education, etc.), it would be good.
Emails, but if you're interested in starting off by again just having a handful of classes to start or having a handful of classes and then continuing field through your employer because you have at least two years of full-time direct practice experience within the field of social work or a social service agency of some sort, you have until then, please ask your questions as soon as possible. Don't wait until July 1st at 11:30 PM to ask those questions. We also want to keep in mind to try not to submit literally at 11:59 PM.
Jasmine A.
07:04:20 PM
Can I apply for Spring 2021 entry and then defer my acceptance and/or push forward my application for Fall 2021?
We always get those panicked emails of students here. Waiting till last minute to submit will probably be fine, but give yourself some time and make sure it's possible as much as possible that you know. Check in with your recommendation letter writers. You can submit your application before your references are received, but we won't be able to read your application until everything is received. So definitely keep that in mind.
Emily Dennis
07:04:40 PM
Jasmine, admitted students can defer for up to one year, but we encourage you to apply for the term of entry that you intend to apply for.
Emily Dennis
07:04:45 PM
intend to enroll in*** sorry!
And I do want to reiterate, this is only for fall 2020 entry. So if your goal is fall 2021, you want to make sure that you're applying for the appropriate term of entry.
Uh, so for 2021. For those interested in joining us for our 16 month program that starts every spring again. Traditionally this program is only available for on campus students. But if on campus students have to be remote might be a bit of a Gray area for fall 2021. We also accept extended as well as reduce Reza see apps applications to start in the spring. We expect to be able to keep this deadline, but this application won't be available until later this summer, probably around August.
The application will be due October 15th, so yeah, last deadline is traditionally October 15th if you're interested in any other program. The two year program advanced standing transfer reduce Resi extended. Really every pathway we offer except for the January start 16 month program you would be able to apply for fall 2021 entry. We expect to keep these same deadlines we've had last year where you're the first round of sorts is December 1st, which means the earlier you apply.
You're getting a decision earlier, and then there's the final deadline, February 15th, so this allows you to at least plan ahead. While we do allow students in some cases to defer for up to a year, we really do encourage you to just apply for the term of entry that you're most interested in. It keeps everything so much simpler for the both of us, and there's it's probably for the best to just apply for the term of entry. 'cause If we make any changes to the admissions process or requirements.
Sylvia B.
07:06:20 PM
Hi, if you have graduated from school over 5 years ago, who can give recommenxations.
You have the most up to date information.
Now for those of you who have already submitted or about to submit your asking. Well now what am I supposed to focus on? You want to make sure that your application is complete. You want to make sure that all parts of your application are there, because again, we're not able to review your application if it's incomplete. So everything from transcripts, which sometimes our office verifies information we reached out to you for the rest of your transcripts to those reference letters. I think now more than ever.
Emily Dennis
07:07:06 PM
Hi Sylvia, you could get letters from professors, supervisors, former boss, volunteer supervisors, to name a few.
Jasmine A.
07:07:10 PM
Are scholarship opportunities reduced for 16-month entry opposed to 2 year entry?
Typically took a hard to chase a recommender, but now it within reason you want to make sure that the references are coming in a timely fashion. The longer that your application is incomplete, the longer it takes for us to even start the review process. So we generally try to be able to respond with an admissions decision within 6 to 8 weeks. That's on the long side. We have done our best to be as quickly as possible. This pandemic is affecting us as people to or not.
Emily Dennis
07:07:38 PM
Jasmine, no, students in the 16-Month Program have the same aid opportunities as any other program.
Shelby S.
07:07:44 PM
Will you also be given financial aid information when you find out about admission?
Working from home or working at home during an entire panoramic, we're doing our best, but we can't start that 6 to 8 week timeline until your application is complete. So again, some of us with some applications will be very straightforward or will be able to render a decision faster than that. But if your application is incomplete, we can't even have that timeline conversation. You also want to make sure you fill out the fast if you're eligible to do so. This is the only way to get financial aid from us as a domestic student. And so if you're.
Filling out the FAFSA before you even get in admissions decision.
Emily Dennis
07:08:05 PM
Hi Shelby, yes, you will receive your financial aid package 1-2 weeks after being offered admission.
Brandon U.
07:08:10 PM
If I apply for Spring 2021 well before the October 15 deadline, should I still expect to hear an acceptance determination within the 6-8 week timeline? Or is acceptance made AFTER October 15th?
This increases the likelihood that you get offered admission and then you get a quick follow up with the financial aid package. If you wait to be offered admission, you then have to submit the FAFSA. FAFSA information has to go to the University be released by the federal government. Good luck with that. Then the fast information from the University makes away over to our school database. Then we create a financial aid package. Next thing you know, it's right before the deadline before you're supposed to accept your offer of admission. So just complete the fact that now.
Emily Dennis
07:08:35 PM
Brandon, it usually takes us 6-8 weeks after the deadline, but we do read applications in the order they are received.
Justin is always a submit your application. Take a day off, then start to work on the fast. If you haven't already. And of course, keep in mind that for every academic year you're expected to do the Fasa. So if the plan is to apply and then defer, or if you have to defer for any reason, that means I mean, all of our students will have to submit another FAFSA, but that may also, depending on your own situation, change with the faster reports to our school.
So definitely keep that in mind. We're going to continue to do our best to review applications in the order in which they are received and completed. So if someone submits after you but completes before you guess who's going to be reviewed first? Just keep that in mind.
We also have a few. You know things to keep in mind. As an admitted students. So if any administration for joining us, you do want to make sure that you submit your tuition deposit in a timely fashion. This is your way of being able to indicate to the school that you fully intend to join us in the fall. Now, if you have questions about trading it in the fall or concerns, or if you need any additional information, or if you're in a unique situation, just reach out to the admissions office. We're here to help you as much as possible.
Jasmine A.
07:10:05 PM
What is the (estimated) first day of class for Spring 2021?
But you will need the deposit on file in order to register as well as in order to a few items down, activate your uni your University ID to have access to those University resources will also need your official transcripts. We know different universities and colleges were impacted by Covid and you may not be able to Mail transcripts at this time, so all transfers should be sent electronically from the issuing institution. But there any issues or delays or concerns that deadline is coming up. Make sure you email the office of admissions your situation so we can have that on.
Work with you as much as possible. We will need officials transfers by the start of the program, but as you can tell, there's a little bit of time before that's required.
Emily Dennis
07:10:22 PM
Jasmine, class for the spring term usually start in mid- to late-January.
Admitted students have a special Facebook group. I do my best to answer questions on the Facebook group. You're always expected to reach out directly to an office if you have a question, but it's a great way to get more information. To be able to.
Keep your related more information and insight. We also have some recent graduates and not answering questions. It's a great way to just, you know.
Rose A.
07:10:50 PM
Hi Emily! Will admissions accept a CV, or is a resume preferred?
Emily Dennis
07:11:04 PM
Hi Rose, it is up to you, but ask that you keep it to 1-3 pages.
Keep updated on the different events and information that's coming out. We do need you to submit your immunization documentation. I do want to be clear. Immunization documentation is required by the state of New York. It is not something that the University could wave a less in the upcoming weeks. The entire University is remote which have not been announced yet. We expect to be able or we expect to have to conduct most of our classes 100% remotely.
And a line up with the opportunity for a handful of classes to be offered in more of a smaller.
Similar situation as a semester commences, but as of now you are still expected to submit immunization documentation. You usually can just get this cleared from a previously attended program, so the college rats hole that you attended in the past. Sometimes even high schools. You might be able to just get that documentation without going to the doctor, but if you have specific questions or concerns you can always reach out to the office of admissions, but just know that the University cannot waive it for individual students because.
Kamren M.
07:11:55 PM
Will information on the extended program be revisited? I am interested in that or the RR.
It is pursuant to a state mandate. The only way it gets waived in any way, shape or form, as if the entire campus continues to be closed, which it likely will be partially open. You also again everyone needs to submit the FAFSA.
Everyone admitted students perspective students. Some of the Maps? Uh, it's the only way to get answer aid from us. A middle students also know of upcoming events that are specific for admitted students. In learning more about the upcoming loan deadlines, I mean information field placement form. If you are starting field education. So if you're in the two year program, if you're advanced standing, if you're a transfer student and you're starting field, you'll need to complete the field place in form so we know what state to place you in, what type of organization you're looking to work with, and we can assign you with somebody that feels education office.
So you will need your. You need to do that. Uh, and so it is important that.
Emily Dennis
07:12:49 PM
Kamren, we are about to wrap up, but you can read about the Extended Program here: https://socialwork.columbia.edu/current-students/extended-program-faq/ and Reduced Residency here: https://socialwork.columbia.edu/current-students/reduced-residency-faq/
Brandon U.
07:13:01 PM
Is it possible to access application essay prompts prior to the opening of future applications?
Again, as questions come up that impact your decision to join us, reach out to the admissions office. We're all getting emails. I am the captain of the too many emails in my inbox ship, but we are doing our very best to answer questions as quickly. An is probably as possible and again it made students be sure to join us for any virtual events at the time being. It's a great way to learn more. It's really ask your questions to the relevant offices directly.
Emily Dennis
07:13:40 PM
You can see the essay prompts by starting an application. The prompts are subject to change from year to year, so I would hold off on starting your essays until you have started the application you are going to submit.
I'm so with that. If you have any questions, we're going to keep the chat open for a bit. I see Emily, uh, you know, it's typing up a storm answering these questions, but of course I'll keep the chat open. Will answer some additional questions, but if you have any more questions, just email us if your question is also particular to your own unique situation and you want to make sure that there's something you're concerned about, your getting a very specific answer. Go forward. An email us. We also are accepting phone calls. However, I would say that.
Jake A.
07:13:50 PM
Apologies if this was mentioned, but when is the application set to open for the October 15th Spring deadline?
By and large emails probably the best way to reach us, and depending on the question, it's helpful because you may need a copy of our city plan, or you might need to be pointed to specific online resource, and so it's definitely something to absolutely keep in mind. So with that, you want to thank you for joining us this evening. It is a.
Emily Dennis
07:14:07 PM
Hi Jake, the application for 2021 will become available later this summer
Linda L.
07:14:14 PM
are there different acceptance rates for the different program/pathways?
A lot to be able to pursue graduate education at this time, with everything that's happening, but you know, as much as possible, I would say that these events, these information sessions, interaction even with admitted students as really allowed me in a lot of ways to be helpful and be hopeful that there are students who are still focused on not just pursuing their own Graduate School education for themselves, were really focused more on dealing with a lot of the health disparities. The public health concerns.
Emily Dennis
07:14:48 PM
Linda, no, the method areas and fields of practice are not part of the application review process. The acceptance rate would be the same.
The access to resources that social workers are known for being able to to help in communities at a really needed more than ever. So thank you again for considering social work as a profession and considering our school to be part of that story of yours. Again, we're going to be answering your questions in the chat and be sure to reach out to us directly if you have additional questions. Thank you.
Regina W.
07:15:09 PM
Hi Emily & Natasha, thank you both for leading this information session!!! It's been so helpful & you have been one of the only institutions that has been able to offer a Virtual MSW Information Session !! THANK YOU!
Emily Dennis
07:15:22 PM
Hi Regina, thank you!! I'm glad you were able to join us tonight.
Mackenzie H.
07:15:35 PM
Thank you, Emily and Natasha!!
Emily Dennis
07:15:43 PM
You are welcome, Mackenzie!
Jake A.
07:16:07 PM
I'd like a recording of this session sent my way, should I email you for that? Thank you so much for taking the time to inform us!
Emily Dennis
07:16:28 PM
Hi Jake, this recording will be sent to you via email automatically (barring any glitches in the recording)
Archie F.
07:16:34 PM
I work from 8am to 3pm is there a partime program? I am also ready to take time off from work to fulfill the the poertions of my study.
Emily Dennis
07:16:42 PM
Hi Archie, we do not offer a part-time program.
Roger S.
07:16:51 PM
Good evening. Is there a website that lists some examples of field placements?
Emily Dennis
07:17:17 PM
Hi Roger, we do not have a compiled list of field placement sites because we work with over 800 agencies in the NYC metro area alone
Kamren M.
07:17:35 PM
Can we still open an application for 2021 and start working on the pieces needed or do we need to wait?
Emily Dennis
07:18:23 PM
Hi Kamren, you can always start a 2020 application to check it out, but the application changes from year to year, so I recommend waiting to start until the 2021 application is live.
Emily Dennis
07:29:21 PM
Thank you all for joining us this evening!