WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents interested in enrolling in the 2014 fall semester cohort of Missouri State University’s Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree at Missouri State University-West Plains are encouraged to apply by Jan. 31.

That date is the deadline for area residents to apply to be considered for the 2014 fall cohort, said Deanna Smith, coordinator of Missouri State’s Outreach Program on the West Plains campus.

The first cohort of MSW students began studies this past fall, and university officials couldn’t be more pleased with the interest shown in the new program.  “We are so excited about the talented and energetic students who have been admitted into our first Master of Social Work cohort in West Plains,” said Dr. Darryl Haslam, MSW program coordinator.  “We are looking forward to the wonderful opportunities we have to support their education toward becoming community leaders and partners in the West Plains area.

The MSW program is delivered at Missouri State-West Plains through blended and online courses offered in a part-time rotation – six hour each fall and spring semester, and three hours during the summer session.  It is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work, such as psychology, sociology and criminology, university officials said, explaining the program includes foundational social work courses, as well as advanced course work.

Enrollment is through a selective process, with 15 to 18 students admitted to each cohort.  Potential students must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with their bachelor’s degrees to be considered.

Area residents will need to complete an application to the university’s graduate school online at www.graduate.missouristate.edu, plus complete other admission materials for the department.  Departmental application forms can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/swk/Graduate/Apply.htm or may be picked up in Gohn Hall Room 101 on the Missouri State-West Plains campus.

“Becoming a partner in helping to meet the growing needs for educationally-prepared social workers is important to us at Missouri State University,” said Dr. Carol Langer, director of Missouri State’s School of Social Work.

For more information about the MSW program, visit http://www.missouristate.edu/swk/Graduate/ or call Smith at 417-255-7931.