New MSW Program in Casper Designed for Working Adults

The Division of Social Work is pleased to announce a new part-time MSW Program to be delivered on the UW Casper campus. Designed for working adults the program will deliver a fully accredited Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) program. The part-time program builds on the existing expertise, resources, and experience of the UW Division of Social Work. The purpose of the program is to increase accessibility to graduate social work education with a second location on the I-25 corridor and in a part-time format. The program is also designed to meet the increasing need for MSW level social workers in Wyoming. The majority of mental health and substance use treatment in Wyoming is delivered by professional social workers.

According to Brent Picket, PhD, Dean of UW Casper: “The University of Wyoming at Casper has had the bachelor’s of social work program since the 1980s. It is difficult to find a social services agency in central Wyoming that does not employ our BSW graduates. Graduates are out doing great work in our community every day, which is why I am so excited that we are partnering with the Division of Social Work to add the master’s in social work (MSW) at UW Casper. The additional program advances UW’s land-grant mission and will help make the Casper area an even better place to live. Students in the MSW program will be able to access the Division’s knowledge and expertise, and do so in a way that accommodates the needs of those working full time.”

The part-time MSW program will offer both Advanced Standing for individuals with a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program and a Standard Program for individuals with a degree in another field. The part-time MSW Program will require Advanced Standing students to complete five semesters over two years rather than three semesters over one year, and the Standard program will be delivered in nine semesters over three years rather than five semesters over two years. The program is designed to be delivered in five weekends of classes per semester in a traditional classroom format with some electives being offered in an on-line format or synchronous Zoom delivery. Students will be able to complete their internships in their home communities.

“The Division is grateful to the UW Board of Trustees for their support and in particular to Trustees David True, Laura Schmid-Pizzato, and Michelle Sullivan who made our vision of expanding the program possible,” said Division Director Downey. “We also are indebted to UW Casper Dean Picket and his staff for their support and efforts to make the program happen.”

The first cohort of advanced standing students will begin in fall 2023. Students will be accepted for fall 2024 as either Advanced Standing or Standard Students. For more information about the programs go to the Division’s website www.uwyo.edu/socialwork/. There is also a link to the application and instructions on the website. The first round of applications are due November 7 for fall 2023. For additional information or questions, contact Eleanor Downey at edowney1@uwyo.edu.