| Completion time | One year |
| Total credits | At least 30 at CSSW (transfer up to 30 from previous program) |
| Total field education hours | 600 hours |
| Starts per year | One, fall term |
| Prerequisites | One year of graduate-level coursework and fieldwork |
The Transfer pathway is available to those who have already completed a full year of coursework and fieldwork at another CSWE-accredited graduate school of social work in the United States within the last five years.
Students accepted into the Transfer pathway can transfer up to 30 credits from their previous school. At least 30 credits must be completed at Columbia including 21 credits in social work classroom courses and 9 credits in field education. Please note that only graduate-level credits can be transferred.
Transfer students can complete their degree within one year. They start at Columbia as a second-year student and will complete one field placement. As with all other pathways, they will choose a method specialization and a field of practice.
Coursework Estimates
As a Transfer student, you will take three or four courses per term. You should expect to spend six to eight hours per week in synchronous classes. This is in addition to time spent on homework and other assignments.
You must also spend three days (21 hours total) at your fieldwork 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 Field Placements page for more information.