Keuka College Social Work Programs
Keuka College sits in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region. It gives future social work professionals a perfect mix of academic excellence and real-world experience. The college’s Field Period® program lets you build valuable experience while you complete your degree.
Your career goals shape the social work programs at Keuka College. You’ll learn both theory and practice to help communities right after graduation. The college’s complete approach readies you to work with children, adults, families, or in clinical settings.
Small class sizes make Keuka College special. You’ll work closely with faculty who bring years of field experience to the classroom. These mentors guide you personally throughout your educational trip.
The campus creates a warm community feel that matches the social work field perfectly. You’ll study with others who care about helping people as much as you do. These connections often last well beyond graduation.
Quality education should be within everyone’s reach. That’s why Keuka College offers both on-campus and online options for certain degrees. Your location or personal situation won’t stop you from getting a quality social work education.
Keuka College has managed to keep its excellent reputation in social work education for decades. The college focuses on ethical practice, cultural competence, and social justice – values that are the foundations of social work. Students who choose Keuka College join a place that creates skilled, caring professionals ready to help communities tackle today’s complex challenges.
Social work programs offered
Keuka College provides complete social work education pathways that prepare students for career opportunities in various fields. Students can choose between undergraduate and graduate level programs based on their educational needs and career goals.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives you the foundational social work skills through 14 core courses. Small class sizes and individual-specific support characterize this CSWE-accredited program that emphasizes ground experience. Students benefit from a 416-hour practicum that blends classroom knowledge with practical experience. Current professionals can complete these hours at their workplace, which helps their career growth without employment disruption. Traditional campus BSW students gain approximately 1,000 total hours of social work field experience by graduation.
Keuka’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers two distinct pathways:
The Traditional Track MSW serves professionals who want to change careers but lack social work background. Students in this clinically-focused program complete 60 credit hours and 900 field practicum hours within 2.6 years. The program builds fundamental knowledge first and then advances to specialized clinical skills. Students graduate ready to pursue licensure as clinical social workers (LCSW).
BSW graduates can choose the Advanced Standing MSW and complete their program in just 11 months. This accelerated option builds on your existing social work foundation and focuses on advanced clinical skills. Students complete 500 field instruction hours during their final two semesters.
Program flexibility remains a priority at Keuka College. BSW students can complete their coursework online while fulfilling practicum hours locally. The MSW programs feature both hybrid formats and 100% online options, combining in-person and virtual classes.
Keuka College’s social work programs maintain CSWE accreditation, which ensures education quality meets national standards. BSW graduates can apply for advanced standing in MSW programs because of this accreditation, potentially reducing their time and cost for additional education.
Online program options
Keuka College’s online social work programs blend flexibility with academic excellence. Busy professionals can advance their careers while maintaining work-life balance. The fully online MSW program delivers the same rigorous education as on-campus options through asynchronous learning formats that let you complete coursework at your convenience.
The Traditional Track Online MSW spans 2.6 years with 60 credit hours and 900 field practicum hours. Students without a social work degree who want to switch careers will find this part-time program ideal. Graduates become eligible to pursue licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which opens doors to serve as mental health providers and accept insurance referrals.
BSW graduates can complete the Advanced Standing Online MSW in just 11 months. Working professionals appreciate this accelerated option’s 100% online format that maximizes flexibility.
The Online BSW Program features 14 core social work courses that prepare students to excel in practice. Students can complete the 416-hour practicum locally or at their current workplace, making it easier to keep their jobs while studying.
Keuka’s online programs offer these key benefits:
- Field placement support – A dedicated team helps find sites in your local community, with this service included in program cost
- Personal guidance – Student Success Advisors match you with the right field education placements
- Small-school experience – Students enjoy a close-knit community and tailored support despite the virtual format
- Technical assistance – Digital support team provides help with software, hardware, and troubleshooting
Students need a reliable computer and internet connection to succeed in online learning. The online BSW program costs $556 per credit before financial aid, and students can transfer existing college credits.
These online programs maintain CSWE accreditation, which ensures quality education matches traditional formats while being accessible to more people[74]. This accreditation helps prepare students for licensure and competitive salaries – with the median annual wage for social workers at $61,330 as of May 2024.
Admissions
Keuka College’s social work programs have specific admission criteria that vary by degree path. Students can start their journey by submitting an online application through the college’s website.
BSW program candidates need:
- Official high school transcript or GED
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
The MSW program offers two tracks with different requirements:
Traditional MSW track requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Provide a current résumé and personal essay
- Complete prerequisite courses in writing, statistics, and human biology with grades of C or better
Advanced Standing MSW candidates must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Grades of “B” or better in all undergraduate social work courses
- Final BSW Field Practicum Evaluation
A non-refundable $50 application fee applies to all candidates. Accepted students must pay a $200 enrollment deposit two weeks before the term starts to secure their spot.
The college accepts applications throughout the year, but students needing field practicum should apply by February to get preferred placement options.
Tuition
Keuka College makes social work education available through several tuition options and financial aid programs. Students can choose from different program types and delivery formats that match their needs.
Traditional undergraduate students in the social work program pay $19,646 per semester for full-time studies (12-18 credit hours). The cost per credit hour for part-time students is $1,312. A full year’s tuition comes to $39,292.
Working professionals often choose the online BSW program since it costs $556 per credit hour, which makes it a budget-friendly option.
The Master of Social Work program costs $846 per credit hour. Students in the 60-credit Traditional Track MSW can expect to pay about $50,760 total, while the 33-credit Advanced Track MSW costs $27,918.
The good news is that every single student at Keuka College receives some form of financial aid. The college gives out more than $19 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. Each student can receive scholarships or grants worth up to $28,000 yearly.
New York residents might also qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides grants that students don’t need to pay back. The Financial Aid Office helps students Monday through Friday from their location on Ball Hall’s first floor.
Students can calculate their exact costs using Keuka’s Net Price Calculator or submit a free application to get their tailored financial aid package.
Other information
Keuka College goes beyond academic excellence to provide complete student support. Students can access the KC Cares program that helps with mental health, social, behavioral, and personal concerns. The program makes sure you have help when challenges arise. The faculty brings ground experience to the classroom and specializes in LGBTQ+ services, trauma-informed care, and substance-use treatment.
Licensed mental health professionals at the college’s Health and Counseling Center provide short-term counseling free of charge to full-time students. The campus library also gives students access to specialized social work research guides and resources through the Keuka College network.
Students benefit from strong support systems that include academic advisors, writing centers, and career services. Your professional growth goes well beyond what you learn in class.
Faculty members in Keuka’s Division of Social Work and Criminal Justice stay active in their specialties. Their work ranges from community organizing to clinical practice, which adds depth to your education. These experts bring their knowledge of evidence-based practice theories, trauma treatment, and juvenile justice to the classroom.
The Center for Academic Success and student wellness programs create a supportive learning environment. These resources help you get ready to succeed in the social work field.