Medgar Evers College Social Work Programs
Medgar Evers College shines as a notable institution in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. This college provides quality education that strengthens communities through social justice. The 53-year-old institution sits in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and bears the name of civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, who gave his life to fight for equality and human dignity.
Students from Central Brooklyn’s diverse communities fill the college’s halls, bringing their rich cultural viewpoints to create a unique learning environment. Medgar Evers College’s blend of academic excellence and community participation sets it apart. Their social work programs reflect this philosophy by preparing students to promote change for underserved populations.
Medgar Evers College’s position within the CUNY network gives it access to resources from America’s largest urban university system. The college retains its distinct identity and mission while offering modern facilities that support student growth. Social work students benefit from specialized resources designed to enhance their education.
The college’s Department of Social Work has earned praise for developing culturally aware practitioners ready to tackle complex social challenges. Experienced faculty members bring their field expertise into classrooms. Students learn both theory and practical skills needed for successful social work careers.
Strong ties with New York City’s community organizations, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies create valuable opportunities. Students gain internship experience and potential job prospects after graduation through these mutually beneficial alliances.
Medgar Evers College gives social work students a supportive academic environment where they grow personally and professionally. The college’s legacy of promoting social justice makes it perfect for anyone who wants to make a real difference through social work.
Social work programs offered
The Department of Social Work at Medgar Evers College offers a detailed Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree that prepares students for professional practice and graduate studies. This 15-year old program, which received departmental status from the CUNY Board of Trustees in June 2017, has managed to keep its continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission since October 2012.
Students build their skills on a strong liberal arts foundation and learn generalist practice through well-structured coursework. The program lets students participate in field education, social policies, research methods, practice techniques, diversity awareness, and human behavior in social environments. The courses align perfectly with the educational standards set by the CSWE Commission.
The program stands out with its specialized areas of interest. After completing eleven foundation courses, students can choose one of three specialized tracks:
- Child Welfare (15 credits): Has courses like Child Welfare Systems, Social Work with Children and Families, and Legal/Ethical Issues in Child Welfare
- Substance Abuse (15 credits): Features courses on Medical/Social/Psychological Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Principles of Working with Addicted Populations
- Gerontology (15 credits): Offers study in Bio/Psycho/Social Approaches to Gerontology and Intergenerational Issues in Social Work
Students learn vital skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities of all types. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Medgar Evers College awarded 66 bachelor’s degrees in social work, showing a 29% decrease from the previous year’s 93 degrees.
Students get hands-on experience through field placement, with 200 clock hours required each semester under professional MSW supervision. The training goes together with weekly integration seminars where students apply their classroom knowledge in real-life settings.
Graduates leave ready to work with diverse populations, conduct evidence-based practice, and promote social and economic justice in various professional settings.
Online program options
Students learning about virtual education at Medgar Evers College should understand a key difference: the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program runs exclusively through in-person instruction. Many institutions have embraced distance education, but the social work department stays committed to campus-based professional training.
The college doesn’t offer online social work degrees right now. However, students can find online bachelor’s degrees in a variety of other fields. These include Special Education Childhood, Childhood Education, Special Education Early, Business, and Financial Economics. Students seeking associate degrees can choose online programs in Business Administration and Criminal Justice.
Face-to-face instruction proves valuable for social work education. The program focuses on developing interpersonal skills and field-based learning. The college’s online platform delivers quality academic experiences and support services that match traditional classroom standards.
Students who need scheduling flexibility but want to pursue social work should reach out to the Department of Social Work. They can ask about hybrid courses or upcoming developments in online education. Another option is to check other CUNY schools’ social work programs. These might offer more flexible formats while upholding CUNY’s high educational standards.
Admissions
Students who want to join the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program at Medgar Evers College need to meet specific academic standards. They must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 when they apply and earn at least a C grade in their social work courses.
Students can start their application after completing 42 credits, which includes Part A College Core and Part B lower-level BSSW courses. The college only grants formal admission after students reach 55 credits. The application package must include a written essay, current degree audit, and all transcripts.
Transfer students from other CUNY schools need a minimum college GPA of 2.0, while those from non-CUNY institutions need 2.25. Students coming from another CSWE-accredited social work program must submit a reference letter that shows they left their previous program in good standing.
The program’s field practicum is a crucial final experience. Students need to complete SW 220, SW 231, SW 304, SW 330, and SW 331 before placement. They must have earned 90 credits and maintained a 2.5 GPA. The Field Application becomes available between January and March to secure fall placement.
Faculty might request interviews during the admissions process. The program doesn’t give credit for life experience or previous work experience. Students should talk to social work department faculty before or while they apply to get guidance through the process.
Tuition
The cost of your education at Medgar Evers College depends on where you live and how many classes you take. New York State residents pay $3,465 per semester for full-time study, while part-time students pay $305 per credit. Out-of-state students pay much more at $620 per credit, whether they study full-time or part-time.
You’ll need to plan for some extra fees too. The college charges a Student Activity Fee ($90 full-time/$58 part-time), Technology Fee ($125 full-time/$62.50 part-time), a $15 Consolidated Service Fee, and a $1.45 Senate Fee. You might also need to pay for late registration ($25), program changes ($18), or transcripts ($7).
The good news is that Medgar Evers College’s financial support can help you manage these costs. New York residents can study tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship. The college also offers the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for full-time students, City University Supplemental Tuition Assistance (CUSTA) for fifth-semester students who see TAP reductions, and Aid for Part-Time Students (APTS).
The numbers look promising – 90% of incoming freshmen get some type of financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 receive around $9,933 in assistance. The college gives out an average of $8,430 to each student who gets financial aid.
CUNY’s Board of Trustees can change these rates and fees anytime. You should check the Bursar’s website regularly to stay up to date with the latest information.
Other information
Medgar Evers College’s social work program delivers many more benefits beyond regular coursework. The Department of Social Work holds accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. This 27-year old credential remains valid through October 2024 and will give a guarantee of professional standards.
Students get exceptional support from the Office of Career Management Services (OCMS) as they prepare to enter the workforce. The department’s “Four-Year Career Action Plan” guides students’ professional development along with their academic training. OCMS helps with career assessment, mock interviews, resume building, and internship searches. Students gain access to internship and job opportunities by registering an account on Symplicity, the department’s management system.
Social work students need complete preparation before starting their field practicum. Students must complete SW 220, SW 231, SW 304, SW 330, and SW 331 before placement in this final educational experience. Field applications become available from late January through March each year, and placements start in fall semester.
The Office of Alumni Relations helps graduates build lifelong relationships and professional connections. Alumni’s success stories in social work, academia, and healthcare serve as inspiration. Current students benefit from networking opportunities with these accomplished professionals.