University of Hawai`i @ Mānoa
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work Degree
Distance Education Option
for
Neighbor Island Residents

Frequently Asked Questions

~~~~~~~~SWITCHED-ON

Social Work Interactive Television, Computer-based and
Hybrid Education Delivery:
ONline, ONscreen, and ONsite

Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on your question below:)

(Note: Information below is subject to revision before enrollment.)

General Distance Education (DE) Option Program and Curriculum Information

  • How many cohorts of students are currently studying on the neighbor islands ?

The First Cohort of students began May, 2007 and will graduate in 2010. The Second Cohort of students will begin May, 2008 and will graduate in 2011.

  • When will the Third Cohort in the DE MSW Degree Option start?

The third full (i.e., non-advanced standing) program will begin in Summer academic term, 2010. The application and admission process will begin during the Summer of 2009. The deadline for applications for the Third Cohort is Fall, 2009.

Full MSW Cohort
Entry Semester
Graduation
1
Summer, 2007
May, 2010
2
Summer, 2008
May, 2011
3
Summer, 2010
May, 2013
4
Summer, 2011
May, 2014
5
Summer, 2013
May, 2016
6
Summer, 2014
May, 2017
  • What is the Regular Curriculum for the DE MSW Option?

See http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/reg_curr.pdf

  • Is this a part-time degree program?

Students are required to take a full-time load over each academic year. This load is distributed over three semesters for each of the three years. Students should enter the program knowing that they will have to modify their life-styles and time commitments accordingly. The full demands and expectations of the UHM Campus MSW Program will apply to the DE MSW Degree Option.

  • How long will it take to complete the DE MSW Degree Option?

There are a minimum of nineteen courses for fifty-seven credits in the full MSW Option. Students will complete the program in three full years, beginning in the Summer academic term of year one and ending at the end of Spring academic term of year three. Students will have classes spread out over nine academic terms during their three years in the program. During summer terms, one or two courses will be required. In the first year, during the Fall and Spring semesters, students will take two courses per semester. In the Fall and Spring semesters of the second and third years, students will take three courses per semester, one of which each semester will be the field practicum. Complete curriculum is at:

http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/reg_curr_flow.html

  • What will my schedule be like each semester?

While the class times do not necessarily coincide with the specific courses, you can get a rough idea by looking at the curriculum plan:

http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/de_curriculumplan.html

  • What is the maximum amount of time I have to complete the MSW Degree Program after I begin?

University of Hawai`i policy requires students to complete their degrees within four years after beginning.

A one-time leave of absence for personal emergency or crisis can be requested. If approved, the four-year time period referred to above, temporarily stops.

It should be noted that taking even just a one semester leave of absence may mean stepping out of the curriculum flow for a whole year or longer, and joining the next cohort.

  • When will the Advanced Curriculum start and what will it look like?

The First Advanced Standing Cohort starts in the Summer of 2008.

The Second Cohort of Advanced Standing students will begin in Summer academic term, 2009. No cohort will be admitted for the academic year 2010-2011. The third cohort of advanced standing students will be admitted Summer, 2011:

Advanced Standing Cohort
Entry Semester
Graduation
1
Summer, 2008
May, 2010
2
Summer, 2009
May, 2011
3
Summer, 2011
May, 2013
4
Summer, 2012
May, 2014
5
Summer, 2014
May, 2016
6
Summer, 2015
May, 2017
  • What is the curriculum for Advanced Standing?

See http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/adv_stand_curr.pdf

  • Can I take courses from the Distance Education curriculum if I am not admitted to a cohort?

No. You must be admitted to the cohort program to take any MSW degree-related distance education courses. From time to time, we will be offering post-baccalaureate courses for unclassified students. Complete the Contact Form to be kept informed of these course offerings. Check our web page to learn about these:

http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/outreach.html

  • How will DE MSW courses be taught? Interactive TV? The Internet? Face-to-Face?

The courses will be delivered through Hawai`i Interactive Television Services (HITS), the Internet, and face-to-face.  Initially, we will deliver DE MSW courses through interactive television. Even in the early courses, however, students will be expected to access the Internet and E-mail for obtaining handouts, submitting assignments, communication with instructor and student colleagues, on-line group discussions and projects, etc., depending on the instructor. In short, students should be ready to use all relevant technology.

  • If I am accepted into the DE MSW Degree Option, what HITS site will I be able to use to attend courses?

For program planning purposes and to maintain equitability across neighbor islands, you will be assigned to the HITS site that you have indicated in your application form. Here are the possible locations:

http://www.hawaii.edu/dl/location/

  • After matriculation, can I take courses outside of the School of Social Work and apply them to my distance education MSW degree?

Yes, provided your advisor’s approval is obtained ahead of time. All Graduate Division policies regarding transfer credits apply.

  • Is a thesis required?