If you apply for our Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended) Program, it is possible to work and study at the same time, but only during your first year. This is because as an Extended Program student, you have up to four years to complete all degree requirements (coursework and field instruction) and can take a reduced course load during your first year. Once you begin field education, however, you must enroll in the program full-time.

If you are employed in a human service organization working in direct practice, then you may be eligible to enroll in our One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency) Program, which allows you to remain employed at your organization for at least the first two years of your studies, taking a reduced course load. In the third year, however, your status changes to that of full-time student as you complete the requisite course and field instruction requirements (900 hours) for earning the MSW degree. In some cases, Reduced Residency students are able to complete their final year internship at their place of employment; but many of them do not.

For more information on Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended) and One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency) program options, please see CSSW Study Plans (PDF: 63 pages).