Master Of Social Work Degree Now Available At UA Wayne

The University of Akron Wayne College announces a Master of Social Work degree will be available in its entirely at its Orrville campus beginning this summer. There's still time to apply! Rolling admission deadline.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and administered by The University of Akron, the evening program will be offered in both a two-year, full-time and four-year, part-time format. An advanced standing option is also available for qualifying students. The majority of classes will be taught in a traditional classroom setting, with some courses available via distance learning (DL), other UA sites or online.

Lisa Crites, MSW, LISW and coordinator of UA Wayne's bachelor of social work program, says this is a unique opportunity for social work professionals in an area where advanced degree options are often limited. “People are excited to be able to get a master’s degree close to where they live and work,” she said. “Many have been working in the field for quite a while but have never made the move to further their education because of the work/life balance that is required.”

According to the United States Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field of social work is projected to grow 12 percent through 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is attributed to the increased demand for healthcare and social services associated with the aging population.

Wayne College added a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2013. The program has enjoyed strong enrollment, and Crites says she is confident the master’s program will receive the same, if not greater, response from local professionals. “Even before the announcement was made, I was receiving phone calls from people who simply ‘heard a rumor' that Wayne College would be offering this program. We’re pleased to be able to expand our reach into underserved rural areas with this program and support the educational goals of professionals in our area so they can serve the needs of our community.”

Detailed information regarding the program and registration are available at www.uakron.edu/socialwork/msw/wayne/  or call Lisa Crites at 330-972-8707.

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