Accelerated BSW to MSW Program

Seeking to Make a Difference?

RIC Social Work students

Interested in Working in Community-Based Settings?

  • In just five years you can earn both BSW and MSW degrees at Rhode Island College, in one of the limited BSW-MSW degree programs in the country.
  • We recognize the importance of education a diverse MSW workforce, and our BSW-MSW program aims to help remedy this situation. Our program conditionally accepts selected BSW students to continue into the MSW program.
  • Our new five-year program can secure a pathway for you to make a difference in any community.

BSW-MSW Program Benefits

  • Accelerating your path to a graduate degree/MSW
  • Making a difference in the world
  • Eliminating social injustices and economic inequality
  • Working one-on-one with social work professors, in class, in research and in the field
  • Acquiring readiness to work in a variety of settings, including: schools, health care, trauma, mental health and substance use.
  • Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from an accredited, competitive and nationally recognized program.

Admissions

Admission Criteria

In their junior year, students have the opportunity to apply to our accelerated BSW to MSW program, the only one of its kind in the New England area.

This accelerated program creates a pathway for students to earn two degrees in less time, preparing them for rewarding careers and the knowledge and skill to deliver effective social work services through policy practice and advance the social and economic well-being of their clients.

Apply for conditional admission when you apply into the BSW major. You must remain in good standing, maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, and pass all field education classes to be granted admission.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the major is required in the junior year. Additionally, student may choose to apply to our accelerated BSW to MSW program which allows students to graduate with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work.

The following is required:

  • Enrollment in Social Work 326, completing all course prerequisites.
  • Application to the major, including a personal statement and letter(s) of reference during the first semester of the junior year, before enrolling in Social Work 327. If applying to the accelerated BSW to MSW program, a second letter of reference from a BSW faculty member is required.
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 at the College level and a minimum GPA of 2.67 in 300-level social work courses is required for BSW admittance. The maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 is a minimal standard for the BSW to MSW.
  • Evidence of personal qualities considered essential to professional social work practice, such as responsiveness and sensitivity in relationships, values compatible with the values of the social work profession, the ability to understand and carry out the ethical obligations of a social worker, commitment to improving social conditions, and the ability to function collectively with others. If applying to the accelerated BSW to MSW program, evidence of the ability to do graduate level work is also required.
  • Transfer students must also comply with these requirements. Specific information about application procedures may be obtained from assigned faculty advisors, the chair of the B.S.W. department, or his / her designee.
Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work at Rhode Island College is a center of excellence for lifelong learning in social work and human services in Rhode Island and southeastern New England.

  • phone401-456-8042
  • placeGuardo Hall - Building 9 East Campus