In cooperation with my ministry studies, I would like to find an online Master of Social Work program (MSW). My intention is to focus on Family Therapy and become licensed to practice in NY. I have searched the achives here, but the only Florida State was mentioned as an online MSW school. I emailed FSU and they do not take students in NY state. Does anyone know of another online MSW program? If so, how do they handle the field studies? (I'll bet Ted has a list of them as long as my arm! ) Thanks, Jon
Hello Jon, I once asked about this too. Last I heard, there is one RA school to my knowledge which offers an MSW online, but only within the state limits: Florida State University. You can complete the program online, but you have to hold residence in Florida. They don't serve out of state students with this online degree (or any online degree as I understand). I don't know if they have changed this policy, or if other schools have sprouted up with online degrees in this field. - Shawn
Hi Ted- Thanks much for the thread link. Good stuff... Hi Shawn- I emailed FSU and they do not work with students outside of Florida. I'm starting to think I will have to get the BSW first, then apply for an MSW program. My current GPA isn't so good (about 2.2), so my options are a little more limited. Of course, that GPA was 15 years ago and I'm a lot smarter now... Jon
If there are no online MSW programs that cross state lines then why not go for a Masters in Mental Health counseling that lets you take electives in family therapy or a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Hi Blackbird! I did some checking and it looks like the Masters or Doctorate in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from NCU would fit the bill. I can see right away that one of the challenges will be in finding an AAMFT Approved Supervisor with whom to do the practicum. Are you aware of any resource or listing where Supervisors list themselves as being available for practicum supervision? Thanks, Jon
"They don't serve out of state students with this online degree (or any online degree as I understand)." They do offer many other degrees to out of state students, it seems the MSW must be unique - perhaps internships or preceptorship placements make it hard to manage out of state.
Not to steer you away from NCU, but if MSMFT is on the table, Southern Christian University offers the following. Masters Degree Programs: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PASTORAL COUNSELING MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP MASTER OF ARTS IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY MASTER OF ARTS IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING MASTER OF DIVINITY IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY MASTER OF DIVINITY IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING MASTER OF DIVINITY IN PASTORAL COUNSELING MASTER OF DIVINITY IN MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP DOCTOR OF MINISTRY IN FAMILY THERAPY I DOCTOR OF MINISTRY IN FAMILY THERAPY II Ph. D. Degree Programs: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN FAMILY THERAPY http://www.southernchristian.edu/SchoolofLeadership.htm
Hi PhD2B- Thanks a lot for the tip on SCU. The Master of Divinity in Family Therapy is exactly what I was looking for. It fullfills the education requirements for licensure in NY, it's totally online, I can arrange for practicums with any AAMFT approved supervisor, and they don't care what my prior GPA was as long as I graduated. Plus, the program dovetails nicely with my goals for ministry. Thanks again! Jon