10/1/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - A new master's degree program offered by the Michigan State University School of Social Work is helping Flint-area social workers take the next step in their education.
It offers classes toward the master of social work (MSW) degree to students without the commute to the university's East Lansing campus.
The program, which is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, enrolled its first class last month. Students attend part time, usually while continuing to work at their current jobs, and can complete the program in three years. About 40 students are currently enrolled.
Courses are offered using a combination of classroom instructors, Internet-based courses and interactive video technology. They are taught by School of Social Work faculty and are held at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension Office, G4215 Pasadena. All are offered in the late afternoon or evening or on weekends.
"Michigan State University is pleased to offer this graduate program in Flint, particularly for the number of social workers employed in the area who can benefit from obtaining an advanced degree," said Gary Anderson, director of the School of Social Work.
"Because of family, work and community obligations, many potential students find it extremely difficult to complete an MSW in a program that involves commuting an hour or more one way for every class, workshop and meeting," he said.
"Through our partnership with the MSU Extension office in Flint, we are able to bring the degree program right to the students," he said. "This will ultimately benefit the agencies where they work and the clients they serve because of the increased knowledge and skills they will gain from the program."
Flint-area agencies that employ social workers include substance abuse agencies, private child welfare agencies, the state of Michigan's Family Independence Agency, child abuse prevention organizations, community mental health programs, K-12 public schools, hospitals, family counseling agencies and older adult services.
Suzanne Tobey, who lives in Ortonville, began the program this fall. Although she has long wanted to earn a graduate degree, she did not like the prospect of driving a long way to take classes.
"One of the reasons I did not pursue my master's degree sooner was because I would have had to drive to East Lansing to attend the classes," she said. "This program is 25 minutes from my house, and to me that's much less stress and hassle."
"It's tough to balance classes and work because I travel a lot for my job," said Jennifer Heusted of Saginaw, who is also enrolled in the program. "My professors have been extremely understanding about my other commitments, and that flexibility is important to me."
Directors of Flint-area human service agencies have been very supportive of the new program.
Deborah McCormick, director of Catholic Charities, said she is "thrilled" that MSU is offering a program in Flint.
"A social worker with advanced training and education is attractive to organizations that need highly qualified people to fill the important role that social workers play in society today," she said.
"I see a particular need in this community for more children's services professionals with MSW degrees," said Jim Goodwin, CEO of Whaley Children's Center. "The MSU program will help our community keep promising social workers by providing them with an education option close to home."
For more information about the program, prospective students are encouraged to contact Mary B. Barron, program coordinator, at (810) 659-2822 or marycamp@tir.com. Further details are available at the MSU School of Social Work Web site: www.ssc.msu.edu/~sw/index.html