The three-year part-time MSW Extended Degree Program provides a flexible schedule for working professionals and offers a path to graduation in just 9-11 quarters. Over the first six quarters, students gain the foundational knowledge and skills they need for generalist social work practice. Students then have the chance to dive into clinical social work practice in their chosen area of specialization (formerly known as "concentration") through their second- and third-year curriculum.

Format

Generalist Curriculum

The generatlist (formerly known as "foundation") 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 curriculum also acquaints students with the profession’s values, ethics and history. All generalist courses must be passed before students can begin the specialized curriculum.

Specialized Curriculum

The specialized (formerly known as "advanced") curriculum provides in-depth preparation in clinical social work practice, building advanced knowledge of relevant policies, systems, theories and practice methods across a variety of settings and populations. Students are prepared for specialized professional practice, in a chosen area of clinical social work, 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.

Schedule

EDP Evening Students

In the first academic year, students take an average of two classes per quarter. Beginning in the fourth quarter, students are typically in the field one to two days per week. The schedule changes in the eighth quarter when students take one class per quarter and participate in field placements two to three days per week. Required classes for EDP Evening will almost always be on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm for the duration of the program. Elective courses will usually be on Thursday evenings at 6-9pm or over the course of four Saturdays, 9:30am-4:20pm*. EDP students may also take DAY elective courses on a space-available basis, if their schedule allows. Most students take 2 courses or 1 course and practicum each quarter. EDP students attend all 4 quarters (Autumn-Summer) a year and take nine to eleven quarters to complete the degree. 

EDP Weekend Students

In the first academic year, students take an average of two classes per quarter. Beginning in the fourth quarter, students are typically in the field one to two days per week. The schedule changes in the eighth quarter when students take one class per quarter and participate in field placements two to three days per week. Required classes for EDP Weekend will be held with one each - on four Fridays 9:30am-4:20pm and four Saturdays, 9:30am-4:20pm over the course of the quarter. Almost always, these Friday and Saturday courses are both held on the same weekend, so students from outside of Seattle can do both classes on the same weekend. These EDP weekends generally fall on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th weekends of each quarter, although these weekends are subject to change due to holidays and instructor schedules. Elective courses will usually be on Thursday evenings at 6-9pm or over the course of four Saturdays, 9am-4pm. EDP students may also take DAY elective courses on a space-available basis, if their schedule allows. Most students take 2 courses or 1 course and practicum each quarter. EDP students attend all 4 quarters (Autumn-Summer) a year and take nine to eleven quarters to complete the degree. 

Practicum Placement Timeline

Because the EDP program is a part-time program, EDP students begin their generalist practicum placement in summer (their 4th quarter of enrollment). Prior to start practicum, all EDP students will be contacted by a field faculty member from the Office of Field Education to discuss practicum options.

Continuing EDP students start their specialized practicum placement during their second summer in the program.  The specialized practicum requires completion of 17 credits (680 hours) and students usually take between 3-6 quarters to complete those hours.

Students in the EDP program should be prepared to arrange their outside lives to accommodate being able to serve in their practicums during at least some traditional working hours, M-F from 8-5pm.  It is usually possible for generalist students to continue working close to full-time hours, but students almost always need to drop down to half-time employment or less during their specialized practicum.


*Disclaimer: The School of Social Work reserves the right to (1) add or delete courses; (2) change instructor, time, day or location of courses; (3) cancel any course for insufficient registration or academic/administrative decision without notice; (4) unregister students from courses for which they have mis-enrolled or have not received permission to enroll; or (5) move students into a different section of a multi-section course. Students will be notified of any changes