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Two-Year

Completion time Two years (four terms)
Total credits 60
Total field education hours 1,200
Starts per year One, fall term
Prerequisites Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

The full-time Two-Year pathway is our most chosen degree option. Over the course of four terms and two fieldwork placements, students gain evidence-based practices that help them grow as practitioners, scholars, and advocates.

This pathway is split into two year-long segments:

  • In their Generalist Year, students focus on building their knowledge of social work research, direct practice, and policy.
  • In their Specialized Year, students choose a method specializations and field of practice, which guides their coursework for the year.

Students in this pathway also complete two different field placements, one each year. These are supported by concurrent courses in foundations of social work practice, motivational interviewing, and advocacy in social work practice.

Coursework Estimates

As a full-time Two-Year pathway student, you will take three or four courses per term. You should expect to spend seven to eight hours per week in synchronous classes, 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.


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To learn more about the Master of Science in Social Work from the Columbia School of Social Work, please fill out the fields below to download a brochure. You can also contact an admissions counselor directly at (866) 627-4750.

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