| Completion time | Three to four years |
| Total credits | 60 |
| Total practicum education hours | 1,200 |
| Starts per year | Two, fall and spring terms |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution |
Students in the Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended) pathway complete their degree in three to four years. During their first year, these students are considered part-time, as they take one or two courses a term and do not have practicum work.
After their first year, students ramp up to full-time status, adding more courses per term and starting their practicum placement. The following year, they choose a method specialization and field of practice and also select a related practicum placement.
This option may be appealing to those who would like to use the first year to prepare their schedule and make arrangements for the time commitment of the Columbia MSW program.
Coursework Estimates
As a Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended) student, you will take one or two courses per term in your first year. You should expect to spend four to six hours per week in synchronous classes. This is in addition to time spent on homework and other assignments.
Once you move to full time, you will take three to four courses per term and will add your practicum work. You must spend three days (21 hours total) at your practicum work site each week. Most placements require work during daytime hours, generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit our Practicum Placements page for more information.