Master of Social Work Degree
Distance Education Option
for
Neighbor Island Residents

Frequently Asked Questions

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 began 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 Fall 2010. The application materials will be available by Fall 2009 and the deadline will be December 15, 2009.

  • What is the curriculum pattern for the DE MSW Option?

For cohorts 2007 and 2008, see http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/reg_curr.pdf

For cohorts 2010 and 2011, the information will be posted when available.

  • Is this a part-time degree program?

Yes, but some semesters may be considered "full-time" by UH Manoa campus definitions and you may qualify for financial aid. 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 Option will apply to the DE MSW Degree Option.

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

It will take three years to complete the full MSW program. Three semesters for advanced standing students (only for BSW graduates from an accredited school, who have been accepted into the advanced standing program).

  • What will my schedule be like each semester?

Students typically take 2-4 classes per semester. You may take some classes in the summer

  • What are the normal class times:

Classes are offered weekday evenings and Saturdays.

Timeslots for classes and classes delivered via interactive TV from Summer 2007 through Spring 2010 are as follows:

Fall and Spring Semesters:

    TWF 7:00-9:45 PM
    S 12:30-3:15 PM

Summer Terms:

    MWF 7:30-9:45 PM
    MW 5:00 -7:00 PM 
    (1st & 2nd 6 weeks)

Please note that schedules for online classes and timeslots for cohorts enrolling in 2010 and after may differ from the above.

  • 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 just one semester leave of absence may mean stepping out of the curriculum flow for a whole year or longer. It may thus be impossible to complete the program within the four-year deadline.

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

You must be admitted to the cohort program to take any MSW Foundation or Concentration degree-related distance education courses. Periodically, some DE electives may be available to post-baccalaureate unclassified students (if there is space). Complete the Contact Form to be kept informed of these course offerings.

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

The courses are delivered through Hawai`i Interactive Television Services (HITS), the Internet, and face-to-face. Students are 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 Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work and apply them to my distance education MSW degree?

Yes, provided your advisor’s approval is obtained ahead of time. For non-UHM credits earned after enrolling at UHM as a graduate student, up to nine credits may be transferred, with advance approval by the graduate program and the Graduate Division. All Graduate Division policies regarding transfer credits apply.

http://www.hawaii.edu/graduate/policies/html/transfer.htm

  • Is a thesis required?

No thesis is required.

  • Will I be assigned an advisor?

Yes, all students will have an advisor assigned to them who is also the Site Coordinator for the UHM DE MSW Degree Option on their neighbor island. This advisor will be responsible for academic and practicum advising, and for referring students to others who can resolve questions and issues the advisor cannot answer or resolve.

  • Will I need a computer for the DE MSW Degree Option?

Yes, you will need a computer for the DE MSW Degree Option. Minimum and preferred specifications for computers are posted:

http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/Platform-revised 2008.pdf

  • Will I need access to the Internet?

Yes, and this access will need to increase as the curriculum progresses. Students should either have access to the Internet from their home, or from the place where most studying activity is anticipated.

  • Will I need a car for the DE MSW Degree Option?

You will need reliable transportation to and from the HITS location. In the second and third year of the program, you will be placed in a community agency for your Practicum, and during this time, you will be required to have access to “professional transportation resources”. This may be a car, but it could be other appropriate transportation which meets the needs of the agency where you will be placed should you be required to make home visits, transport clients, etc.

  • Will I be required to travel to O‘ahu?

Yes. There will be a MANADATORY orientation session held on the Mānoa campus as the official beginning of the program. Students must attend this session because the first meetings of both courses will occur during this event.

Students may be required to gather once a year thereafter for a major School of Social Work colloquium or event.

Graduation and convocation will take place on the Mānoa campus at the end of the program.

Advanced Standing Information

  • Will the DE MSW Degree Option accommodate Advanced Standing for BSW graduates?

Yes, it will include an Advanced Standing option. Advanced Standing only applies to holders of an accredited BSW degree, who will be considered to have completed the equivalent of the foundation year of the MSW curriculum.

Students will complete the program in two full-time years. The BSW degree must have been granted within seven years from the anticipated date of graduation with the MSW degree.

Advanced Standing Curriculum Flow TBA

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

The First Advanced Standing Cohort started in the Summer of 2008. The Second Cohort of Advanced Standing students began in Summer 2009. No cohort will be admitted for the academic year 2010-2011. The third cohort of Advanced Standing students will be admitted in Summer 2011:

  • What is the curriculum for Advanced Standing?

See TBA

  • If I have already completed some course work in an accredited MSW program, can I apply for Advanced Standing in the Distance Education MSW Degree Option?

Advanced Standing is a term that only applies to the holders of accredited BSW degrees who can be granted a waiver of the Foundation year of the MSW curriculum.

A potential transfer student from another MSW program, will have to apply to the Graduate Division to request transfer of his/her previously-earned, accredited graduate social work education courses. All rules of the Graduate Division regarding transfer of credits apply: 

http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/grad-ed/credit.htm

General DE Option Application Information

  • If I live in another state or another country, can I apply for the Distance Education MSW Degree Option?

Because of the hybrid nature of the program, and our mandate to serve the Neighbor Islands, the Distance Education MSW Degree Option will be limited to Neighbor Island locations at this time. Students must be able to attend classes at neighbor island ITV studios.

In addition, although the program is open to out-of-state applicants, the focus of the program is to provide opportunities to Neighbor Island residents who are unable to access the Mānoa Campus program, as well as to build the social work workforce on the Neighbor Islands. Preference is currently being given to people who fit this description.

  • If I have not yet graduated with my baccalaureate degree, can I apply for the DE MSW option?

Applicants must have officially received the baccalaureate degree before being admitted to the MSW Program

If the student must apply before the baccalaureate degree has been granted, then the baccalaureate degree at least must be awarded before the first MSW class begins.

  • If I am already a student in the UH Mānoa Campus MSW Degree Option, can I switch to the DE MSW Degree Option?

A currently enrolled student in the UHM Campus MSW Option will have to re-apply for the DE MSW Degree Option and must be living on a neighbor island in order to take courses at HITS sites located there. At this point in time, there will be no O‘ahu HITS locations for the DE MSW Degree Option.

There is no guarantee of admission just because a student has previously been admitted to the Mānoa Campus MSW Program Option.

If, after reading the above points, you believe you meet the criteria for admission into the Distance Education MSW Degree Option, complete an application to the School of Social Work Distance Education MSW Degree Option only (There is no need to complete the Graduate Division application if you are already currently a Mānoa Campus MSW student).

  • If I am a student in the DE MSW Degree Option, can I switch to the UHM Campus MSW Program Option?

A currently enrolled student in the DE MSW Degree Option would have to re-apply (using his/her same application).

There is no guarantee of admission just because a student has previously been admitted to the distance education MSW Program Option.

  • If I am currently an MSW student at another university, am I eligible to apply for the Distance Education MSW Degree Option of UH Mānoa?

Technically, this may be possible, but it is not advisable to join a distance education cohort who have already begun work as a learning community. Joining an existing learning community cohort is a challenging task and not everyone is up to it.

In fact, it may be much more advisable for you to continue in the program where you already are. The completion of the MSW degree may actually be delayed by a year or more by transfering from the campus program to the distance education option.

In any case, preference in admissions is given to applicants from the neighbor islands who have demonstrated a commitment to work on their island and who have expressed plans to continue to work in their community.

  • I want to maximize my chances of being admitted to an MSW program. Can I apply simultaneously to both the Mānoa Campus Option and the Distance Education MSW Degree Option?

Yes, but two separate applications must be submitted to both the Graduate Division and to the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. Many of the questions overlap, but at the moment, two sets of application materials are necessary.

DE Admissions Information

  • Are your announced deadline dates firm?

Yes!

  • What can I do between now and the time I apply to increase my chances of being admitted?

You might consider taking some post-baccalaureate coursework in social work or a related field to demonstrate your ability to perform graduate level work. This is particularly helpful if your baccalaureate GPR is lower than you ability. The DE MSW Option teaches occasional courses which are open to non-matriculated students. These are announced on the UHMSWDE E-mail distribution list. To sign up for these announcements, go to:

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

In addition, while it is not a requirement for receiving an admissions offer, all admitted students must have completed at least one course in each of the following areas by the end of their first full semester of matriculation:

  • Logic/Analytical Thinking (Mathematics, Sciences, Logic)
  • Behavioral Science (Psychology, Human Development, Life Cycle)
  • Social Science (Diverse Cultures, Social Conditions & Problems, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, History, Women's Studies)
  • Biological Science Emphasizing Human Biology (Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition)
  • Culture (Language, Art, Literature, Music, Ethnic Studies)

So if you believe that you are missing a course from the above categories, it would be a good idea to acquire that course prior to applying for the DE MSW Option. If you wait until you are admitted, you will have one semester to acquire the course, and will need to take this extra course at the same time that you are enrolled in the required MSW courses.

  • Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?

The Graduate Division requires standardized exam scores from applicants whose transcripts include more than 25 percent of undergraduate course work at a U.S. institution with non-traditional grades (i.e., something other than a “ABCDE” or “0 to 4” grading system). Otherwise, the GRE is not required.

See Transcripts < Non-Traditional

  • Recommendation Forms (general)

Each recommender must submit a current recommendation form, whether s/he has completed one in the past or not.

Each recommender may also submit a letter, if desired, but a letter alone (without the recommendation form) will not be acceptable.

If a recommender has written a letter on your behalf in the past, and the letter still addresses relevant and current information, that letter may be submitted. However, it is always preferable to have your recommender at least generate a fresh copy with a new date if both of you agree that the letter can be re-used.

  • Recommendation Forms (Advanced Standing)

While the application instructions indicate that one letter of reference may come from the applicant’s BSW Program (preferably the Director or Director of Field), it is not the student’s responsibility to contact a person who may have left the BSW Program since the student graduated.

It is the student’s responsibility, however, to request this letter of the current BSW Program Director or Director of Field. That person can then respond using material in the graduate’s file still at the BSW Program.

  • How do I choose who to ask for a recommendation?

Do not use friends, family, or personal references.

Try to select references who can testify BELIEVABLY to your academic ability and/or to your potential to be a successful professional social worker – the best being past or present college level instructors and practicing social workers who are familiar with your work.

Assess your particular situation to see what area you might need to bolster through your references – e.g., if your previous academic work was marginal, you should probably use at least two references from credible sources who can testify to your ability to do graduate level work.

  • For previous academic work, what transcripts need to be submitted?

Official Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs.

One official transcript is required from every college and university attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs, even if the credits appear as transferred credits on your records at another institution, and regardless of the number of credits earned or the length of time attended.

Official transcripts are original documents issued by the college or university, which bear the actual signature of the registrar in ink, and the embossed seal or official stamp of the issuing institution. Request that the official transcripts be sent directly to you in sealed envelopes with the registrar’s signature stamped across the flap. Include the unopened envelopes sealed by the university or college with your Graduate Division application. Exception for University of Hawai’i System Transcripts: you do not need to request official UH system transcripts as the Graduate Division is able to obtain them on your behalf. This includes community college transcripts under the UH System. Be sure to provide the Graduate Division with your Student ID# so that they may retrieve your grades.

Applicants who are still in their undergraduate programs should apply following their first quarter or semester of their senior year. They should request transcripts that include their first quarter or semester grades of their senior year.

Transcripts should cover:

  • Your awarded baccalaureate degree
  • All courses used in that degree, including work done at all previous institutions
  • Courses you are considering for transfer into the MSW program, and which were not applied toward any previous degree you have earned
  • Any post-baccalaureate courses that demonstrate a higher GPA than you earned in your baccalaureate degree
In general, it will save time to request ALL transcripts NOW. Should one be needed later, it may delay the decision on your application and could mean the difference between being accepted and being too late.
  • Does the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work accept FAXED materials?

No, we do not accept faxed materials.

  • Where do I send my completed application materials?

You will need to complete two separate applications.

  • The UHM Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work distance education application, and related materials are sent to: UH Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Distance Education Admissions Office, 1800 East-West Road, Henke Hall, Honolulu, HI 96822. Materials (when available) are located at:

    http://www.hawaii.edu/sswork/de/de_admission
  • Can I get credit for work experience?

No practicum hour credits or waivers are given for prior paid or volunteer social work practice experience (according to the policy required by our accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education). However, be sure to include this information on your resume and personal statement.

  • When will I receive my admission decision from the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work?

Most applicants will receive a decision letter between February, 2010 and April, 2010.

Transfer Credits Information

Upon recommendation of the graduate program at the time of matriculation and approval by the Graduate Division, a maximum of fifteen (15) credits may be transferred. However, at least one-half of the required credits and at least one-half of the required graduate credits (numbered 600 and above) must be completed at UH while a classified graduate student.

With approval from the graduate program and the Graduate Division, up to nine (9) credit hours of work completed at another accredited institution following advancement to candidacy at UH may be transferred, providing total transfer credits do not exceed the maximum allowable.

Credit hours to be transferred must have been completed within seven years preceding the date upon which the advanced degree is to be conferred by UH Mānoa.

Courses being considered from institutions other than UH Mānoa must be accompanied by an official transcript, transcript guide and course syllabus if substituting for a required course.

Courses being considered for transfer must be relevant to the MSW curriculum.

Field Practicum Information

  • I already am employed in an agency. Can I do my field practicum in the DE MSW Degree Option in my current agency?

In general, no. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which accredits all social work degree programs, has strict requirements (See CSWE Accreditation Standard 2.1.6)

Under extremely unusual circumstances, with full agency administration cooperation, this can sometimes be worked out, but only after detailed agreements have been established. Any accepted and enrolled student contemplating such a request should begin immediately to discuss this with his/her agency’s top management, the DE MSW Degree Option Program Coordinator, and lastly with the Practicum Office of the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work.

  • Can I do my field practicum in the DE MSW Degree Option in the evenings and on weekends?