Master of Social Work Distance Education Program Now Offered in Brighton

Posted Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The School of Social Work at Colorado State University has announced that it will now offer its Master of Social Work distance education program in Brighton, Colorado to meet the growing labor market demand for trained social workers. The program, offered through the Division of Continuing Education, will be held at their Brighton Learning Center at the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus at 1850 Egbert Street.

Colorado State University's nationally-ranked program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is also currently offered on-campus and through the Division of Continuing Education in Colorado Springs. The degree program is designed for working professionals who are looking for a part-time degree program that allows them to continue working while they earn an advanced degree. Deborah Valentine, Director of the School of Social Work states: "Students with a commitment to social justice, human rights, and to improving the quality of life for individuals, groups, and families are encouraged to apply."

The expansion of the Master of Social Work program to Brighton demonstrates Colorado State’s efforts to meet the local need for social workers with an advanced degree. Nancy Banman, Ph.D., Director of CSU School of Social Work Center for Life-long Learning and Outreach Education (CLOE) notes, "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to increase 22% during the 2006-2016 decade."

The launch of the program in Brighton also reflects Colorado State’s outreach initiatives to meet the educational needs of residents throughout the state. "We are expanding our part-time weekend program to meet the growing demand of those who want or need to continue working while completing their MSW, which has become a standard for many positions," says Banman. "The interest in our distance program has grown considerably because we offer a unique model of monthly weekend classes taught primarily by the core faculty of Colorado State’s School of Social Work."

The degree requirements include classes held four weekends per semester, three weekends in Brighton and one weekend in Fort Collins. Additional instructional hours are delivered online and through various distance education formats. Colorado State faculty travel to Brighton for classes, maintain regular contact with students online and by phone, and teach an advanced generalist curriculum. Courses include advanced content on individual, group and family practice, community practice, organizational practice, social welfare policy and program evaluation research.

Students interested in earning their Master of Social Work in Brighton may apply for one of two program options:

• Three-year full program - begins in Jan. 2010 and applications are due by October 1, 2009.
• Two-year advanced standing program - for those with a BSW degree.

Students in Brighton will have access to the on-campus faculty and receive the same accredited degree that is earned by students in the on-campus program.

Learn more about the Master of Social Work.

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