Frequently Asked Questions

At Fairleigh Dickinson, we’re committed to your success. Learn more about what it means to get started as an online student.

Admissions

Finance

Master of Social Work

Online Study

Admissions

Can I transfer credits?

Yes. Credits must be transferred from an accredited college or university. The amount of credits you may transfer depends on your academic program.

View more information about Transfer Credits.

How do I apply?
Depending on the program to which you apply, your specific application requirements may vary. Common materials that may be required include a completed application, copies of official transcripts from all high school or college courses you’ve completed, a current resume, letters of recommendation, a copy of the licensure you possess in your current field, and GMAT/GRE scores.
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Is there an application fee?
No! The application fee is waived for all prospective online students.

Finance

Is financial aid available?
Yes. We make a variety of financial aid options available to online students. Please see our financial aid page for more information.

Master of Social Work

Are all classes offered online?
Yes. Our program is completely asynchronous. All courses are offered online to allow students the flexibility to complete coursework at a time that is most convenient for them.
Field placements are not paid. Select agencies may offer a stipend depending on fiscal availability.
Can I complete my placement at my place of employment?
Students may use their place of employment to complete field hours. However, any student interested in completing fieldwork at their place of employment must submit an employment-based placement request form and meet with the field director to explore if the agency meets the established criteria.
How many field hours am I required to complete for program?
A total of 900 hours across both the foundation (first year) and concentration (second year) fieldwork must be completed for those not admitted into the advanced standing program track. For those admitted into advanced standing, they are only required to complete concentration field work. During the foundation year, students must complete a total of 400 hours and 500 during concentration.
I work full-time, are there placements available on evenings and weekends?
Securing a placement that is available exclusively on evenings and weekends is not a guarantee. Although we work with a variety of agencies and programs, the majority operate during normal business hours (Monday-Friday/9am-5pm). It will be important for students to be flexible and open when securing a field placement agency.
Is the FDU MSW Program accredited?
Yes, FDU’s MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
I’ve been a volunteer in the past, can some of those hours count towards my MSW fieldwork?
No, the Council on Social Work Education does not prohibit crediting students field hours for previous volunteer work and/or life experience.
What makes FDU’s MSW Program unique?

Our program’s curriculum and focus are based on an advanced generalist educational model. As an advanced generalist program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to approach any problem experienced by all client systems. Therefore, students do not have to pick a specialized track since they will be exposed to a diverse range of practice knowledge and skills needed to respond to the evolving challenges that surround contemporary problems.

FDU’s MSW program also offers students more flexibility since all courses are offered exclusively online.

When does field placement begin?

There are certain requirements that must be fulfilled in order for students to be admitted into the field coursework. Prerequisite courses must be completed for both the foundation and concentration field courses prior to being eligible for field placement. Students must also maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 to be eligible for fieldwork admittance and submit all required paperwork by specified due dates. Students must also attend all fieldwork trainings and orientations and meet with the field director (as needed).

Prerequisite Courses

To be accepted for the foundation field courses MSW 6600 & MSW 6620, students must complete the following foundation courses:

MSW 6100: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
MSW 6200: Practice I
MSW 6300: Research I
MSW 6400: Social Policy I

To be accepted for the concentration field courses MSW 7600 & MSW 7620, students must complete all foundation level courses and the following concentration courses:

MSW 7000: Advanced Micro Practice
MSW 7100: Advanced Mezzo Practice
MSW 7200: Advanced Macro Practice
MSW 7400: Social Policy II

Will I have input on where I’m placed?
Yes. Students will be asked to complete a self-assessment form where they will indicate their area(s) of interest. Students will then have the opportunity to meet with the MSW Field Director to explore possible field options further and develop a placement plan.

Online Study

How long will it take for me to complete my program?
It depends on the number of credits required to complete a program, the number of credits you transfer, and your personal pace of study. Our fastest programs can usually be completed in as little as two years. Our longest can usually be completed in 31 months.
What are the technical requirements for participating in an online class?
You can see the requirements for using Webcampus, the software we use to support online learning, by visiting our technology resource center.
What is it like to study online?
Earning your degree online means the opportunity to move ahead in your career through a flexible education format. Although you’ll have deadlines, exams, and other traditional requirements, you won’t have a set time or place to attend class.

This means you’ll be able to complete your coursework when and where it’s best for you. This flexible format also means that you’ll advance through a degree program at your own pace, making it possible for you to both earn your degree and maintain your work and life commitments.

View all the benefits of earning your degree online.