Frequently Asked Questions from Current MSW Students
School of Social Work
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Q: How do I register for classes?
Q: May I take more than 12 credit hours of courses in one semester?
Q: What does it mean if I am admitted on a “Provisional” basis?
Q: What does it mean if I am admitted as a “Restricted” graduate student?
Q: How do I know who my advisor is?
Q: Can I get a Graduate Certificate at the same time as my MSW?
Q: What should I do if I have to take a “leave of absence” from the program because of a medical or other emergency?
Q: Are there any forms that have to be completed for graduation from the MSW program?
Q:Do I fill out different forms to obtain a Graduate Certificate?
Q: How do I get a Missouri social work license?
Q: How do I register for classes?
A: Every semester, before the registration period, contact your MSW advisor to release you for registration. The first time you meet with your advisor, you should do a plan for your entire MSW. Thereafter, you may only need to get approval via phone or email, until you are ready for practicum (see below).
Q: May I take more than 12 credit hours of courses in one semester?
A: Yes, in semesters when you are in practicum, you may take up to 15 hours without special permission from your advisor and the Graduate School. However, it is not recommended for students who have heavy demands outside of school. Above 15 hours requires good academic standing and permission from your advisor and the Graduate School. To enroll in over 12 hours in a semester, you must register in person, not online.
Q: What does it mean if I am admitted on a “Provisional” basis?
A: This usually means we are waiting to receive confirmation of your completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. A student may have provisional status also until they complete the required undergraduate statistics or human biology courses. When the Graduate School verifies that you have completed the undergraduate degree (or required classes), you will receive a letter indicating your admission is no longer provisional.
Q: What does it mean if I am admitted as a “Restricted” graduate student?
A: This usually means you had an undergraduate GPA less than 2.75. Restricted students may shift to Regular status if (a) they receive a 3.0 or better GPA in their first 9 hours in the MSW program, (b) a positive recommendation from the MSW program director, and (c) approval from the Graduate School.
Q: How do I know who my advisor is?
A: You should have received a letter from the School of Social Work with your advisor’s name. You will also meet your Advisor during MSW orientation. If you did not receive this information, please contact Brenda West Ammons (314-516-6385) ammonsb@umsl.edu.
Q: Can I get a Graduate Certificate at the same time as my MSW?
A: Yes, you can earn Graduate Certificates in
(1) Gerontology: http://www.umsl.edu/bulletin/as/gerontology.html
(2) Women’s and Gender Studies: http://www.umsl.edu/~iwgs
(3) Non-Profit Management and Leadership: http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/ppa/npml/index.html
If interested, talk to your advisor AND the Director of the certificate program.
Q: What should I do if I have to take a “leave of absence” from the program because of a medical or other emergency?
A: Contact your advisor right away if your status in the program changes. With your advisor’s help, you will submit a request to the Graduate School for a formal leave. This will make re-entry into the program much easier.
Q: Are there any forms that have to be completed for graduation from the MSW program?
A: Yes, the M-1 form should be completed after you have taken two-thirds of required credits (in other words, at about 40 hours). In the M1, please list ALL 60 MSW hours (including courses for which you received advanced standing - see directions on form) AND courses you are currently enrolled in and expect to take in your last semester. The M-4 should be completed early in the semester in which you expect to graduate. The forms must be typed and submitted to your advisor for her/his signature. (http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/formsregs/mastforms.html)
Q: Do I fill out different forms to obtain a Graduate Certificate?
A: If you complete your Graduate Certificate prior to or during the same semester as you complete the MSW, you don’t have to complete another form. You should indicate that you are earning a certificate on the M-4. However, if you complete the Certificate in a semester after you finish the MSW, then you MUST submit a separate form, Program for Graduate Certificate (G-10): http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/formsregs/general.html
Q: How do I get a Missouri social work license?
A: Most states require practicing social workers to be licensed, certified, or registered, although standards vary. Contact the state regulatory board directly or the American Association of State Social Work Boards, www.aswb.org, 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B. Culpepper, VA 22701, 703-829-6880, for a list of regulatory agencies or for a comparison of state regulations. Information on Missouri’s licensure requirements are found at: http://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp