446
Views
10
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Comparison of an Online and a Traditional MSSW Program: A 5-Year Study

Pages 176-187 | Accepted 10 Oct 2017, Published online: 12 Apr 2019
 

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the current study was to compare 5 years of educational outcome data for online and face-to-face MSSW students (N=883) who graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Social Work. Students’ knowledge (comprehensive exam scores, grade point averages), skills (field evaluation scores), and perception of their graduate social work program were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed significantly higher knowledge scores for face-to-face, and significantly greater skills ratings for online students. Online students possessed significantly more positive perceptions of faculty and their own preparedness for professional practice. Effect sizes for all findings were extremely small, however, and suggest that differences between online and traditional student outcomes have minor practical relevance related to student achievement. Educational and research implications are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sherry M. Cummings

Sherry M. Cummings is Associate Dean, University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Kate M. Chaffin

Kate M. Chaffin is Director, Online and Nashville MSSW Programs, University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Allison Milam

Allison Milam is MSSW student, University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 240.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.