
“The Mandel School is fully accredited by the CSWE and has renowned research and practice faculty…” Read more

“…field education is the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the things that are talked about in the classroom.” Read more
The online master’s in social work program at Case Western Reserve University is designed for working professionals. The traditional program can be completed in approximately two and a half years, while the advanced standing program can be completed in as little as two years. Courses are eight weeks long and the program starts in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students have the option to choose from three different specializations that include:
- Direct Practice: Children, Youth & Families (Clinical)
- Direct Practice: Mental Health with Adults (Clinical)
- Community Practice for Social Change
Field Education at Case Western Reserve University
The field education experience for the online MSSA program is unique compared to many other online MSW programs. Advanced standing (BSW) students start their field education at the same time they start classes, and traditional (non-BSW) applicants will not need to secure their Field placement prior to starting the MSSA program. Students are only required to work eight to 10 hours per week to meet their field education requirements.
To apply to the online MSSA program at Case Western Reserve University, students must submit the following:
- Application form
- Transcript(s) from each institution the student has attended
- Personal Statement
- Current resume highlighting professional and volunteer experience
- Three letters of recommendation
Case Western Reserve University Online MSSA Program: Overview
Department: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Community Practice for Social Change; Direct Practice with two specialization options: Children, Youth and Families (CYF) or Mental Health/Adult (MHA)
Program Structure: Online with field instruction (no campus visits required)
Instruction Methods: Program is designed for working professionals with eight week courses – program follows a cohort model (although students may enter or leave cohorts) with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction depending on the course and instructor.
Work Experience: Program is designed for students with at least one year of experience in the Human Services field, but work experience is not required for admission.
Program Information – Traditional Standing Students
Program Overview
- Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)
- Phone Number: (216) 268-1655
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 1,050 hours
- Number of Credits Required: 60 semester credits
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-Time Only (online students are categorized as full-time students)
- Program Length: Program can be completed in approximately three years (eight semesters – two courses per semester)
- Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admissions
Admission Requirements
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.7 – otherwise students must take the MAT or GRE
- GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
- Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) – Advanced Standing
- Phone Number: (216) 268-1655
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 900 hours
- Number of Credits Required: 36 semester credits
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-Time Only (online students are categorized as full-time students)
- Program Length: Program can be completed in as little as two years (six semesters – two courses per semester)
- Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admissions
Admission Requirements
- BSW Requirement: Applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE accredited undergraduate program earned in the last seven years with grades of B or better in social work courses
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.7 – otherwise students must take the MAT or GRE
- GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7