Delivering a Social Work MSW Program through Distance Education: An Innovative Collaboration between Two Universities, USA

Abstract

The Joint Master of Social Work Program of Cleveland State University and The University of Akron was the first MSW program taught entirely via distance education that was fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Over the past nine years, the Joint MSW Program has grown from one cohort of 24 full‐time students to a program with an enrollment of 186 full‐time, part‐time and Advanced Standing students. This innovative Joint MSW Program has required an ongoing process of collaboration, refinement, and flexibility. The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative of the experiences of delivering an entire MSW program via distance education, including obstacles that have been overcome as well as recommendations for other programs considering distance education.

Keywords:

• MSW
• Distance Education
• Distance Learning
• Joint Program
• Interactive Television

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the faculty, staff and students who have been part of this joint effort to develop and sustain this innovative program. Some sections of the program description were developed from documentation included in the CSWE self‐study for reaccredidation. Special thanks to Dr Nikki Wingerson, Associate Professor, University of Akron, Chair of the MSW Self‐Study Committee.