MSW Degree Requirements

For students entering the MSW program, the Master of Social Work degree is conferred upon students who have:

Satisfactorily completed 60 credit hours in accordance with the curriculum requirements as specified by the NCSSS faculty. Some students, who have received a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work, may meet the requirements with fewer than 60 credit hours by being awarded up to 30 advanced standing credits. Transfer credits may be accepted in accordance with the school's policy.
Satisfied the writing requirement by designating two scholarly papers that are already required in advanced courses and will have been completed and graded to fulfill the University Writing Requirement.

Residency Requirement

The minimum period of residence for the master's degree is one year of full-time study (18 credits) beyond the bachelor's degree. A full-time student may not complete this requirement in less than two semesters. A planned part-time student meets this requirement by completing 18 credits in one consecutive 12-month period.

Leave of Absence

A student who must interrupt his or her studies for adequate reasons - such as sustained ill health, family crisis, or military service - may be granted a leave of absence for a stated period, usually not to exceed one year. The student should apply in writing to the program chair stating the specific reason for requesting the leave.

Withdrawal from Program

To withdraw from the MSW Program, the student should contact the program chair in writing stating the specific reasons for this request.

Grading Policy

Approved by the Academic Senate, beginning September 1990 for all graduate students except students in the Columbus School of Law, the following grading system will be in effect:

Grade	Rating	Numerical Equivalent
A	Excellent	4.00 (95-100)
A-		3.70 (90-94)
B+		3.30 (87-89)
B	Satisfactory	3.00 (83-86)
B-		2.70 (80-82)
P	Passing but Marginal	2.00 (70-79)
F	Failure	0.00 (<70)
I	Incomplete
W	Withdrawal

A grade of C indicates marginal progress toward the degree. Master's students are expected to maintain a minimum of a B (3.00 G.P.A.) to remain in school and to graduate. A Review Committee shall be called by the chair of the MSW program upon a student's receipt of two grades of C or one grade of F or other evidence of unsatisfactory or marginal work. The receipt of more than two grades of C or below, more than one F or termination from a second field placement during his/her academic program is grounds for dismissal by the dean.

Please note that the section entitled General Information at the beginning of these Announcements contains information on general university policies which are applicable to all graduate students enrolled in NCSSS.

MSW Academic Review Committee

Students in the MSW program may encounter educational difficulties, have difficulty meeting academic requirements, have exceptional academic or personal problems, or require special attention. To assure that these needs are met without compromising the school's integrity or treating the student unfairly, an orderly procedure has been established. When the student or relevant faculty feels that any of these problems may have arisen, a Review Committee may be called. However, a review committee must be called by the program chair upon a student's receipt of two grades of C, one grade of F, or other evidence of unsatisfactory or marginal work, including grades of Incomplete. The committee provides a formal procedure to deal constructively with the problems. Problems may range from poor academic performance, possible unsuitability for the profession or continued education in the profession, or a student's belief that she or he has been treated unfairly.

The review committee is convened and chaired by the program chair, although a request to have such a committee may be made by the student, the student's adviser, or by any one of the student's instructors. The chair notifies the student and other participants in writing of the date and time of the meeting and invites them to attend. Participants at the review committee shall be only the student, the student's academic adviser, instructors, representatives of the Office of Field Education (when appropriate), and, if the student desires, either one representative from the NCSSS student government, or another member of the NCSSS student body selected by the student. Students who have an identified disability may request the presence of a representative from the Office of Disability Support Services.

Typically the review committee is presented with the concerns and gives each participant, including the student, an opportunity to describe the problem and potential resolution. The student may submit written materials from any source for consideration by the committee, if they are pertinent to the proceeding. The chair may request the presence of the author of the materials to better assist their decision.

Based on the exchange at the meeting, the committee makes a recommendation to help the student successfully complete the program. If a student believes he or she has a disability that has affected his or her ability to participate in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Office of Disability Support Services. No accommodations can be made for a disability without the involvement of this office. The review committee recommends to the Dean a plan to assist the student. If the committee reaches a finding that is not unanimous, a statement of majority and minority findings is written in some situations, a review committee may recommend that a student be dismissed from the program. In any case, the student may appeal to the Dean the review committee's recommendation. In all cases, the final decision is made by the Dean.