College of Letters and Science Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree

Regular Standing Admission Standards
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. baccalaureate degree. 

Advanced Standing Admission Standards
Applicants must have a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate degree in social work, or an internationally earned ISWDRES-evaluated degree comparable to a baccalaureate in social work, earned within the last 7 years.

Note: We are currently only accepting regular standing students. Advanced standing students will be eligible to apply in October 2026 for the Summer 2027 cohort.

Regular standing students:

• Part-time: 4 years
• Full-time: 2 years

Advanced standing students:

• Part-time: 2 years
• Full-time: 1 year

Yes! The courses are fully online with the required practicum to be completed in or near a student’s home community.

Regular standing students will complete 400 hours of practicum during the foundation year of the program and an additional 500 hours in a separate setting during the advanced year.

Advanced standing students will complete 500 hours of practicum during the advanced year.

Placement hours are dispersed throughout the academic year (September-May), averaging approximately 17 hours per week.

Yes, but there is a specific application and screening process that must be completed for this option. We cannot guarantee employment-based practicum.

Yes, we are launching the program in a way that all students will be able to claim the accreditation status when they graduate.

The UW-Stevens Point MSW Program has achieved candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Candidacy status indicates that it has made progress toward meeting standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. A program that has attained candidacy status has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the accreditation standards but has not yet demonstrated full compliance. Students that are admitted to candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain initial accreditation. Candidacy applies to all program options, which include locations and delivery methods.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Review our program’s candidacy status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation at accreditation@cswe.org.

MSW students have access to a variety of resources to support their academic success and well-being. These services are funded by a combination of tuition, distance education, and segregated fees. Resources include:

• MSW Student Handbook – A comprehensive guide to program policies, curriculum, practicum education, and student expectations. Access the handbook here.
• MSW Student Center – A Canvas-based site used during orientation and throughout the program as an ongoing resource. Students self-enroll after receiving UWSP credentials. It includes modules on curriculum, policies, practicum education, self-care, and professional development. Faculty and instructors encourage its use through advising and course activities.
• Faculty Advising – Each MSW student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides individualized guidance throughout the program. Advising includes course planning, career development, and support for academic success. Students meet with their advisor at least once per semester and may request additional consultations.
• Counseling Center – Offers online telemental health counseling and psychological services for students, including support for stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. Learn more and schedule services at the Counseling Center website.
• Student Health Services – Provides virtual consultations, information, and referrals for health and wellness needs. While some services require in-person visits, many resources can be accessed remotely. Learn more at the Student Health Services website.
• Tutoring-Learning Center – Offers online and virtual academic assistance for writing, research, and coursework, including one-on-one tutoring and workshops accessible remotely. Learn more at the Tutoring-Learning Center website.
  Disability Resource Center – Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities, including those enrolled in online programs. The DRC works virtually with students to ensure equal access to courses and learning activities. Learn more at the Disability Resource Center website.
• Academic and Career Advising Center – Guidance on course planning, job search strategies, and career development. Learn more at the Academic and Career Advising Center website.
• Financial Aid Office – Assists students with understanding and applying for financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Learn more at the Financial Aid website.
• Veterans Services – Provides support for military-connected students, including assistance with VA benefits, tuition, and academic resources. Learn more at the Veterans Services page.
• Student Experience and Transformation Office – Offers programs and services to enhance student engagement, leadership development, and transformative learning experiences. Learn more at the Student Experience and Transformation website.
• Dean of Students Office – Support for navigating academic, conduct-related, or personal challenges. Visit the Dean of Students website.