AMHERST, N.Y. – A new online option has been added for Daemen College’s Master of Social Work Program, making the college the only private institution in the Buffalo Niagara region to offer an MSW degree in a fully online format.

The online MSW degree is designed for students seeking training in advanced clinical social work practice with children and families. After completion of the graduate program, students will be prepared to apply for licensure at the licensed master of social work (LMSW) level.

“As the demand for social workers with advanced degrees continues to grow, our fully online program will enable working professionals to secure credentials in a flexible educational format that is accessible and convenient,” said Dr. Diane Bessel, MSW program director. “The program will provide students the opportunity to pursue their master’s degree while maintaining employment and meeting their personal commitments.”

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Daemen’s new online offering will mirror the traditional MSW program’s distinctive curriculum, which is taught by scholar-practitioners. Students will have the option to complete internship requirements at their place of employment or at another organization in their immediate area.

“Students benefit from the program’s integration of theoretical and practical application,” said Bessel. “Our faculty are seasoned social work practitioners who continue to work in the field, while the majority of our master-level students are working professionals with a solid foundation of experience. This enriches the learning environment and adds a real-world dimension to the program.”

Graduates of Daemen’s MSW program, which was launched in 2014, develop advanced skills that are in high-demand by a range of organizations. According to Bessel, 100 percent of job seekers who completed the college’s traditional MSW program secured a position before graduating.

“Licensed social workers are increasingly marketable, and agencies are actively seeking our graduates because they possess the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes that are desirable in a variety of social work settings,” said Bessel.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

“Adding more online options broadens educational access to our outstanding programs and exceptional faculty and brings our reputation for excellence into online academic offerings,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “The new online MSW program will have a far-reaching impact on advanced social work education and engage students locally, regionally, and beyond.”

Applications for Daemen’s online MSW program are being accepted for classes beginning in February and October 2019. For more information or to apply, call 566-7876 or email msw@daemen.edu.