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Academics

Part-time MSW Program

Our Part-Time Program (formerly known as the Extended Degree Program) offers students a more flexible path towards earning a master’s degree in social work. This program is a popular option for working adults who cannot carry a full-time course load. The degree is earned in 9 to 11 consecutive quarters, including summers, with classes being held either in the evenings, on the weekends, or fully online. 

Part-Time MSW Program Comparison

Part-time (formerly EDP) students attend all four quarters per year (Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer) and take 9-11 quarters to complete the degree. While our part-time program options are designed to allow for more flexibility for students to work, it is challenging to balance traditional work schedules with the practicum requirements of the program once they begin their specialized practicum.




Applications open in September 2025 for our first fully online cohort who will enter in the fall of 2026.

Program Description:

A part-time, fully online, synchronous MSW program option designed to expand access to high-quality graduate education for students across Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest region who don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work. MSW candidates interested in the Online Program who demonstrate a commitment working with a community in underserved regions of WA are encouraged to apply.

Program Fit:

This program is ideal for working professionals, caregivers, and community-based individuals who are unable to relocate or commute to Seattle or other campus locations for live in-person instruction. 

Program Duration & Schedule:

This option is designed to take place over 11 quarters (3 years, including summers). Classes will typically be offered on Weekday evenings, virtually/remote, synchronous for about three hours (e.g., 6:00pm – 8:50pm).

Practicum Information:

On-site practicum participation will begin in quarters 4 -7 and requires students commit to 1-2 days per week (8 or 16 hours per week) (required 360 hrs total) to their placement. Beginning in their 8th quarter, student practicum requirements will increase to 2 -3 days per week (16 -24 hours per week) (required 680 hrs total).

Click here to see a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions about the new online MSW option.

Each student’s credit plan and program of study varies, but this outline reflects the most common path students may take.

Program Description:

A part-time MSW program option for those who prefer in-person instruction that occurs outside of traditional business hours and don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.

Program Duration & Schedule:

Our part-time, online, MSW program option is designed to take place over 9 to 11 quarters (3 years, including summers). Classes will typically be offered on Weekday evenings (M-Th.), for approximately three hours (e.g., 6:00pm – 8:50pm). Beginning in the second year, electives are generally offered on Thursday evenings or Saturdays. Most classes will be in-person, but some may occasionally be offered remotely.

Practicum Information:

On-site practicum participation will begin in quarters 4 -7 and requires students commit to 1-2 days per week (8 or 16 hours per week) (required 360 hrs total) to their placement. Beginning in their 8th quarter, student practicum requirements will increase to 2 -3 days per week (16 -24 hours per week) (required 680 hrs total).

Evening students may take courses in our full-time program and hybrid program on a space-available basis.  

View a sample course sequence here.

Each student’s credit plan and program of study varies, but this outline reflects the most common path our students take.

Click here to learn directly from former students how our MSW program has served them.

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications for this option as of Fall 2025.

Program Description:

A part-time MSW program option designed to blend the flexibility of remote learning with the connection and depth of in-person instruction for those who don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.

Program Duration & Schedule:

Our part-time, online, MSW program option is designed to take place over 9 to 11 quarters (3 years, including summers). Classes will typically meet weekly on Friday and Saturday afternoons as a mix of both in-person and remote learning. 

Students can expect to come to campus for in-person learning 4 times each quarter per class. The other weeks will mostly be synchronous online sessions, with the possibility of asynchronous content in some courses.

Beginning in the second year, elective courses are usually offered on Thursday evenings from 6-9pm or Saturdays. Some electives will follow the hybrid format (mix of online and 4 in-person sessions), while others may be entirely on campus (Thursday evenings weekly or 4 Saturday sessions of 6 hour blocks), or entirely online.

Practicum Information:

On-site practicum participation will begin in quarters 4 -7 and requires students commit to 1-2 days per week (8 or 16 hours per week) (required 360 hrs total) to their placement. Beginning in their 8th quarter, student practicum requirements will increase to 2 -3 days per week (16 -24 hours per week) (required 680 hrs total).

Hybrid students may take courses in our full-time program and evening program on a space-available basis.  

View a sample course sequence here.

Each student’s credit plan and program of study varies, but this outline reflects the most common path our students take.

Click here to learn directly from former students how our MSW program has served them.

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications for this option as of Fall 2025.

Program Description:

A part-time MSW program option for those who prefer a blend of in-person and online instruction on weekends and don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.

Practicum Fit:

This program option is ideal for students who prefer a blend of in-person and online instruction on weekends and don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.

Program Duration & Schedule:

Our part-time, online, MSW program option is designed to take place over 9 to 11 quarters (3 years, including summers). Classes will typically meet over the Weekends (Fri 9:30a – 4:20p; Sat 9:30a -4:20p).

Practicum Information:

On-site practicum participation will begin in quarters 4 -7 and requires students commit to 1-2 days per week (8 or 16 hours per week) (required 360 hrs total) to their placement. Beginning in their 8th quarter, student practicum requirements will increase to 2 -3 days per week (16 -24 hours per week) (required 680 hrs total).

Each student’s credit plan and program of study varies, but this outline reflects the most common path our students take.

Click here to learn directly from former students how our MSW program has served them.

Accessible Accordion

The program first introduces students to foundational social work practice with the generalist curriculum. Students then progress into the specialized curriculum to deepen their clinical social work practice.

The generalist curriculum provides the knowledge and skills students need for entry-level social work practice, preparing them to serve in a variety of settings—with individuals, families or groups as well as with organizations, communities, or institutions. The generalist curriculum also acquaints students with the profession’s values, ethics and history. The specialized curriculum builds advanced knowledge of relevant policies, systems, theories and practice methods across a variety of settings and populations. Students are prepared for specialized professional clinical practice in a way that fosters social work leadership, effective social interventions, a commitment to a just and diverse society, and a commitment to public service. 

In addition to classroom instruction, experiential learning—learning by doing—is essential to preparing social work students for professional success. Field education is a cornerstone of the social work curriculum, providing a practicum experience that builds the foundation for independent practice and leadership in the field. The UW School of Social Work offers access to more than 600 practicum sites, placing students in diverse settings such as behavioral health agencies, hospitals, schools, community nonprofits, courts, legislatures, and research institutes. Each placement is tailored to the student’s area of specialization and is designed to support the development of advanced, real-world skills. Although our Field Office offers a wide variety of practicum sites with varying work hours, part-time students should plan to complete practicum hours during the work week, M-F, 8-5pm). 

Example Practicum Sites:

  • Sound Mental Health
  • Asian Counseling and Referral Service
  • Harborview Medical Center
  • Facing Homelessness
  • Transgender Health & Wellness Center of WA
  • Tiny Homes Villages Program
  • Bellevue Fire Dept.
  • Seattle Indian Health Board

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in social work are expected to grow by 19 percent by 2026, especially in mental health and medical social work.

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