GRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Graduate Administration 

Graduate programs and curricula at the University of Southern Colorado are developed by the faculty and administration in the instructional colleges, centers and schools and are administered with the assistance of the director of the Office of Admissions and Records. Academic policy matters are reviewed by the University  Graduate Studies Committee. Each graduate program has a director or coordinator functioning as the person to contact for specific information. Each program is responsible for its own guidelines for graduate  assistantships.

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS 

The University of Southern Colorado offers selected graduate courses and programs for degree-seeking and non-degree students. Graduate degrees are offered in applied natural science (MSANS), industrial and systems engineering (MS), and business administration (MBA).  In addition, the university participates in a consortial arrangement with Colorado State University for graduate degrees: (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies and (M.Ed.) Specialization in Counseling and Career Development.

A coordinated program is offered with Colorado State University for a  master’s degree program in social work (MSW). Although the latter programs are offered on the USC campus, the actual degrees are awarded by Colorado State University, respectively, and graduate regulations pertaining to the degrees follow the policies of the  appropriate institution. 

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 

A student who has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and who wishes to take either additional undergraduate courses or begin graduate courses must submit the following items to the Office of Admissions and Records, University of Southern Colorado, 2200 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, Colorado, 81001-4901. The following items shall constitute the admission file for each applicant: 

1)     A completed application for admission to graduate programs of the University of Southern Colorado and an application fee of $35. The fee is non-refundable and is not applicable towards tuition. An application form may be obtained by writing the USC Office of Admissions and Records or by telephoning (719) 549-2461. Students in the (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies consortium program or the (M.Ed.) Specialization in Counseling and Career Development consortium program apply directly to Colorado State University. Those students interested in the MSW program must apply to both Colorado State University and the University of Southern Colorado. 

2)     Official transcripts of all college and university work must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by each institution attended. Records received directly from students cannot be accepted except for advisement purposes. 

3)     The score from the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the score from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for students in business. Scores may influence the admission decision but are used primarily for  advising. 

4)     For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 500 TOEFL (paper-based exam), 173 TOEFL (computer-based exam) or 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency is required for admission. A minimum score of 550  TOEFL (paper-based exam) or 213 TOEFL (computer-based exam) is required for the master in business administration (MBA). Level 6 from the American Language Academy also is accepted.  Students who complete an undergraduate degree at an institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement. 

GRADUATE ADMISSION 

The student is admitted according to the following criteria approved by the program department. 

Admission to graduate studies does not constitute admission to a particular graduate program. Admission to a particular degree program must be approved by the program director upon review of the student’s credentials. 

Regular Status 

Regular status will be given to degree-seeking students who meet all of the published requirements of their selected graduate program department. The requirements include: 

·   a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by the regional accreditation agency; 

·   the minimum undergraduate GPA established for the program:
 
applied natural science –3.000; 
business administration – 3.000;
systems engineering – 2.800; 

·   submission of satisfactory scores from a standardized admissions test approved by the program department; 

·   a completed admissions file; and 

·   any additional requirements for the selected program, including completion of leveling courses to correct undergraduate deficiencies. 

International students whose native language is not English must also meet the English language proficiency standard set forth in the Graduate Admissions section. 

Conditional Status 

The university provides a conditional status for students whose undergraduate grade-point average is between 2.500 and the minimum required for the particular program.  In addition, program departments may specify conditions, which may include higher grade-point averages, required scores on entrance examinations, or undergraduate major or course requirements as specified by the department.  The director of the Office of Admissions and Records, on recommendation of the program director, will admit the student under conditional status if the student’s grade-point average is at least 2.500, but not high enough for regular admission; or if the student has not met a condition specified by the program department.  Such special action may be taken if there are positive indicators of graduate success, e.g., high GRE or GMAT scores, solid upper-division performance, or outstanding professional achievement.  The director of Admissions and Records will refer the student to an advisor appointed by the program director. The student will be notified to meet with the advisor to determine what conditions will be applied.  Departments may specify additional course work beyond the degree requirements as conditions of admission to regular status.  A statement of the  conditions and a plan for meeting them will be filed by the director of Admissions and Records and the dean of the college/school and a copy provided to the student. 

When the conditions are met, the Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student that he/she has achieved regular degree-seeking status.  Students on conditional status may count toward the degree a maximum of 12 hours of graduate course work taken in the degree program. 

Non-Degree Status 

The Director of Admissions and Records will admit the student with non-degree status under the following conditions: 

1)     The student requests courses for professional development only. 

2)     The student’s record shows that he/she does not meet the qualifications for admission to a degree program with conditional or regular status. In this case, with the approval of the program director, the Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student of the deficiency, the procedure to follow to become qualified and the name of an advisor who an assist the student.  The advisor will be sent a copy of the notification.  Students applying for admission from non-regionally accredited institutions in the United States will be included in this category.  A student with non-degree status who has completed 12 hours approved by an advisor with a 3.000 GPA or better at USC may  petition the program director for a change to the  regular degree-seeking status. 

 Students admitted with non-degree status may take, with the instructor’s permission, graduate courses for which they meet prerequisites.  A maximum of 12 hours taken with non-degree status may be applied toward a degree, conditional upon the approval of the student’s graduate committee.  However, students planning to enter the MBA Program may only apply 6 hours of graduate credit taken with non-degree status toward a degree. 

Ineligible 

Students who are denied admission to a graduate program will not be permitted to enroll in graduate courses. 

Graduate Work Taken by Seniors 

USC students who are in their senior year of undergraduate work, and who have an undergraduate grade-point average that meets the admissions  requirements for the program, may take graduate  courses for graduate credit with the approval of the appropriate program director and the Director of Admissions and Records.  Up to 12 graduate hours may be taken prior to graduation, but the combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment normally may not exceed 16 hours for a semester. 

Graduate level courses (500 level) cannot be used simultaneously to satisfy baccalaureate and graduate degree requirements with the exception of  approved joint-degree programs.  Note: Students planning to enter the MBA Program may only apply 6 hours of graduate credit taken as a senior toward their graduate degree. 

CHANGE OF STATUS 

The Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student and the program director when the student has satisfied the conditions of admission and is changed to regular status. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

Each graduate program at the university has specific graduation requirements, which must be met prior to graduation.  In addition, students must fulfill the following requirements for a graduate degree: 

1) Have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 or better at graduation. A maximum of six semester hours of course work at the grade of C may apply toward graduation.  A minimum of 24 semester hours of credit in the approved degree plan must be earned at USC (21 semester hours for the MSANS  program). 

2) Have regular student status. 

3) Complete the program’s minimum number of hours of approved course work. The MBA and systems engineering programs require a minimum of 36 semester hours.  The applied natural science program requires a minimum of 30-32 semester hours. 

4) Pass a final comprehensive and/or oral examination in the major area of study, if required by the program. 

5) Submit a graduation planning sheet signed by the student’s graduate advisor during the semester prior to the semester in which graduation is to occur.  The deadline for submission is published in the semester schedule of courses. 

6) Complete a thesis or directed research project, if choosing the thesis option. Submit three approved copies of the thesis, one to the program director, one to the University Library, and one to the department. 

7) May repeat thesis and directed research project courses beyond the minimum hours required by a degree program.  Satisfactory progress will be indicated by the grade S. Enrollment for thesis or directed research credit is required for any academic term during which university resources (e.g., faculty time, computer use, library, etc.) are being used.  A maximum of six semester hours of thesis or directed research course work will count toward meeting graduation requirements 

ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER CREDIT 

A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of resident graduate credit from other regionally accredited graduate institutions may be applied to a graduate degree program.  Transfer credits must be directly  applicable to the degree program and must be approved by the applicant’s graduate committee and the Director of Admissions and Records. Graduate credits accepted in transfer must not be from a correspondence course, must be from a course in which a grade of A or B was earned, and must be from an institution where the student maintained a graduate GPA of at least 3.000.  Credits accepted in transfer do not apply to the GPA at USC. 

GRADUATE ADVISING 

Each graduate degree area has a program director appointed by the dean of the college, center, or school.  The program director will serve as graduate advisor to all graduate students in the program, unless the dean of the college, center or school makes a different assignment.  The advisor will assist in selecting a graduate committee for each student who chooses the thesis option. The graduate committee shall consist of at least two faculty members and is appointed by the dean of the college, center or school in consultation with the student and the program director.  One member  of the committee may be from outside the department of the student’s graduate program.  Changes in  membership in the graduate committee may be requested by the student to the dean. 

The responsibilities of the graduate advisor and the graduate committee include advisement, approval of the degree plan, approval of a thesis or directed  research topic and final document (if appropriate),and administration and approval of comprehensive and/or oral examinations. 

COURSE LOADS 

Graduate students enrolled in nine (9) or more hours shall be considered as full-time students (six hours, summer); those enrolled for six (6) hours shall be considered as half-time students (three hours, summer). 

TIME LIMITS 

Courses completed six (6) or more years before the date of graduation, either at USC or at some other institution, will not be accepted as satisfying graduation requirements.  Petitions for waiver of the six-year limitation may be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records with the approval of the student’s graduate  advisor.  Waivers will be approved only upon justification of unusual and extenuating circumstances and with the concurrence of the appropriate academic dean. 

DEGREE PLAN 

All degree-seeking graduate students are required to submit a degree plan, approved by all members of the graduate committee (if applicable) and program director, to the Office of Admissions and Records.  The degree plan should be submitted no later than upon completion of 12 hours of study.  A course taken, prior to having any given degree plan approved, is subject to review for suitability in the program. Changes in the degree plan must be approved by the graduate advisor and program director and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records. 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES 

Although undergraduate classes do not apply toward a graduate degree, students admitted to graduate study may be required to complete some undergraduate prerequisite courses in addition to their graduate work. 

Courses taken for undergraduate credit by a graduate student do not enter into the graduate grade-point computation.  A graduate program director may,  however, stipulate a grade point to be achieved in such undergraduate courses. 

Graduate programs may include courses which are dually numbered at the senior (400) and graduate (500) level.  Students registered for graduate credit shall be required to perform at the graduate level.  Dual-listed courses taken for undergraduate credit will not apply toward a graduate program.  Graduate students may not repeat for graduate credit a dual-listed course which was taken in the undergraduate program. 

DUAL DEGREE CREDIT 

Students may receive dual credit for all common degree requirements in more than one graduate program if the degree plans are filed for both programs.  In addition, up to six semester hours of elective credit may be applied to more than one graduate degree program pending approval of the graduate committee of the program involved and the Office of Admissions and Records. 

ACADEMIC STANDARDS 

Graduate courses are graded in an alphabetical system with the following interpretation: 

Students may apply no more than six semester hours of work with a grade of C toward graduation requirements.  Only grades of A, B, C, and S fulfill graduation requirements for graduate programs.  Graduate students may repeat a maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit.  Courses in which a grade of C or better were earned may not be repeated and no course may be repeated more than once.  When a course is repeated, both the subsequent grade and the original grade are included in the graduate grade point average. 

To remain in good academic standing, a graduate student’s GPA must remain at 3.000 or better.  If the graduate GPA falls below 3.000, a graduate student will be placed on probation.  Students have one semester to show progress toward good standing. Probationary  students with 12 or more semester hours of graduate work will be dismissed whenever progress toward good standing is not demonstrated or whenever the graduate GPA falls below 2.500.  A student may take up to six hours beyond the program requirements (including repeated credits) to improve the cumulative graduate GPA to the required minimum of 3.000 at time of graduation. 

A student may appeal dismissal by submitting a written petition to his/her program director. This petition must provide a justification for continued registration.  The program director shall forward a recommendation through the appropriate dean to the Office of the Provost.  The provost or his designee shall make a decision on the appeal and inform the student of that decision. Decisions by the provost are final. 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS 

Graduate programs may require a final comprehensive and/or oral examination at the time of defense of the thesis or directed research project or at the completion of course work.  Scheduling is made through the graduate advisor.Students who fail a final examination may retake the examination once.  A re-examination cannot be scheduled in the same semester as the original examination. 

THESIS OR DIRECTED RESEARCH 

Each graduate program provides an option that includes a thesis or a directed research project. This option also requires an oral defense of the thesis or  research project.  Each student must submit a research plan.  The plan must define the topic of study and outline the research design.  The plan must have the written approval of all members of the student’s graduate committee, the program director, and the appropriate dean. 

The research plan should be filed as soon as possible after the degree plan is filed and before 18 credit hours of the student’s degree plan have been completed. 

DIRECTED RESEARCH REPORT 

Graduate students whose degree plan calls for a directed research project are required to submit a report on that project to their graduate committee. Although the report need not be as formal as a thesis, it must, however, be typed in an acceptable format and must include a title page comparable to thesis format. 

The report should include the purpose of the study or project, limitations, sources of data, the procedure used, and a summary section with conclusions. The research report must be approved by all members of the graduate committee and the appropriate dean.  The final approved report must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the anticipated date of graduation. 

THESIS INSTRUCTIONS 

Students who will be writing a thesis in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements must submit three (3) official copies of the approved thesis and four (4) copies of the thesis abstract to the university. The program director and the department will each retain one copy of the thesis and thesis abstract.  The thesis and one copy of the thesis abstract shall be maintained in the University  Library. The Office of Admissions and Records shall retain one copy of the thesis abstract. 

The Thesis or Directed Research Must: 

1) contain a certificate of acceptance; 

2) contain a title page; 

3) conform to the style and form approved by the major department and outlined in the thesis plan; 

4) be printed on high-quality paper with a minimum of 25 percent rag content; 

5) contain no erasures; and 

6) be bound. 

The university duplicated copies of the thesis must be of high-quality printing and must use a paper of the same quality as the original.  Other copies of the thesis may be duplicated in any manner the student desires. 

It is imperative that the utmost care be taken in the preparation of the final copy of the thesis.  The completion of the thesis, including typing and duplication, is the sole responsibility of the student. 

The thesis abstract should consist of no more than five hundred (500) words and should include a title page.  The thesis abstract should cover the following items: 

1) purpose of study; 

2) research materials and methods results; and 

3) summary and conclusions. 

The approved thesis and thesis abstract must be submitted to the registrar at least five (5) days prior to commencement. 

ORAL DEFENSE OF RESEARCH 

Upon completion of a master’s thesis or directed research project, an oral defense/final comprehensive examination must be scheduled.  Application for the oral defense is made to the graduate advisor.  A report of the outcome of the oral defense must be filed with the Office of the Provost.  The report must be signed by all members of the Graduate Committee. Students must pass the oral defense to complete their thesis or directed research requirement successfully. 

APPEALS 

All graduate policies, procedures, and regulations may be appealed.  Appeals must be made in writing to the Office of the Provost. 

PROGRAMS OF STUDY 

APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE (MS) 

The graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in applied natural science prepares students to apply basic scientific disciplines to the practical problems encountered in business, industry, government, and education.  Graduates from the program will be able to apply the techniques of scientific research to real-world problems. 

Course work emphasizes several important areas of applied natural science, including biotechnology, polymer chemistry, industrial chemistry, mathematical techniques in applied research, environmental concerns, scientific information systems and instrumentation.  A unique feature of the program is its 3+2 plan. 

The Master of Science in applied natural science requires 30 or 32 semester credit hours of approved graduate course work in either the thesis or non-thesis option.  The program offers four emphasis areas applied biological sciences, applied chemical sciences, applied biochemical sciences and applied mathematical sciences. 

Degree Requirements 

The course of study requires six semester credits of work common to all students.  Each student must select an emphasis area with a core of 8-12 semester credits.  Six to fourteen credits in elective courses are also required, depending on which option is chosen.  The thesis option requires successful completion of six semester credits of thesis research (BIOL 599 or CHEM 599 or MATH 599) and an approved thesis.  The program of study for each student must be approved by a college committee. 

Thesis option students are required to defend their research results before a thesis defense committee.  Non-thesis option students must take a written  comprehensive examination over courses taken in their program of study.  A non-thesis option student must submit written evidence of her or his ability to understand and critique scientific literature. 

Program requirements are summarized as follows: 

Specific course numbers, course titles, and credit hours for all core requirements, emphasis core requirements, and electives are cited as follows: 

Required General Courses 

Required Courses for Each Emphasis 

Biological Sciences Emphasis Core 

Chemical Sciences Emphasis Core 

Biochemical Sciences Emphasis Core 

Mathematical Sciences Emphasis Core 

Additional courses required for the Mathematical Science Emphasis: 

Elective Courses are selected from courses listed below: 

APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE (MSANS) 3+2 PLAN 

A unique and distinct feature of our MSANS program is the 3+2 plan.  The main goal of the 3+2 plan is to give the opportunity to qualified advanced-level  undergraduate students to simultaneously pursue both the baccalaureate (BS) and the master of science (MS) degrees.  Talented students are thus quickly moved toward expanding their academic and scientific horizons based on the student’s abilities and personal motivation. 

Specific requirements for the 3+2 program are included in the MSANS 3+2 BS/MS plan description of the College of Science and Mathematics, undergraduate programs section of this catalog. 

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) 

The goal of the University of Southern Colorado’s MBA program is to prepare students for high-level general management careers in business and other  organizations.  To this end, students acquire knowledge of management operations, an appreciation of the interrelationships involved, an understanding of the economic, political and social environment in which businesses function, and behavioral skills that are essential in the manager’s role in the implementation of business decisions. The MBA program endeavors to provide an atmosphere conducive to the development of each student’s ability to think in a creative and effective manner. The program makes extensive use of  lectures, seminars, group projects, case studies and independent research. 

The program is open to all applicants with a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the undergraduate field of study, who can demonstrate, through academic or experiential preparation, an appropriate background in the key areas of accounting, economics, finance, quantitative methods, management, and marketing. Students without this background will be required to complete some leveling requirements. 

All MBA students are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).  An admission formula of 200 times the undergraduate GPA (4.000 system) plus the GMAT score will constitute a scaled admission score for each applicant.

Category I 
admission will be given to those students who have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.000 and have a GMAT score of at least 450.

Category II
admission may be granted to students with GPAs between 2.500 and 3.000. Category II admitted students must achieve an index of at least 1000 (with a GMAT of at least 400) before the second semester of course work begins.  Students who fail to meet these admissions  requirements may provide additional evidence of their ability to complete the program.  Such evidence may include: performance in outside activities, evidence of creativity or leadership, and a record of accomplishment. 

Leveling requirements may be required of students in either Category I or Category II status.  Students completing leveling courses must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.000. Students who earn less than a “C” in any leveling course will be dismissed from the program.  Graduate students are required to complete all leveling course requirements before enrolling in the first 500 level courses.  In some instances, a student will be permitted to enroll in 500 level courses while completing the final leveling courses.  Students will not be allowed to enroll in more than six hours of graduate level course work without being fully admitted to the program. 

The Hasan School of Business offers a test-out course waiver for some leveling requirements.  The Hasan School of Business does not offer credit for life  experiences. 

The MBA degree will be conferred upon students who successfully complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved course work.  The curriculum is composed of two options with 27 semester hours of required core courses that are taken by all candidates.  Option one requires an international course and six semester hours of approved graduate electives in the Hasan School of Business.  Option two requires six semester hours of coursework with directed research and three semester hours of approved graduate electives. 

Requirements for Option I

Requirements for Option II

All graduate courses for the MBA are listed in the appropriate department sections of accounting (ACCTG), business administration (BUSAD), economics (ECON), finance (FIN), management (MGMT), and marketing (MKTG). 

JOINT BSBA/MBA PROGRAMS 

Specific requirements for the joint BSBA/MBA plans are included in the joint BSBA/MBA plan description of the Hasan School of Business, undergraduate-programs section of this catalog. 

MASTERS IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and leadership potential.Candidates for the principal’s license must have three years of teaching experience.  Individuals planning to qualify for a local director’s vocational credential must hold a vocational credential and have appropriate work experience. 

MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE, SPECIALIZATION IN COUNSELING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT 

This 50-52 hour program allows students to choose from the following specialties: School Counseling, Career Counseling, and Community Counseling, and is a AACREP accredited degree.  Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must have successfully completed the Graduate Record Examination with an overall score of 1650. Successful  applicants have at least one or two years of post-baccalaureate experience. 

Graduates typically seek career opportunities as professional counselors in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools, career counseling settings, state and local employment agencies, and community service organizations. 

Further information and application material can be obtained from Dr. Suzanne Krinsky, USC Psychology Department Chair, or from Dr. Sharon Anderson, CSU Counseling and Career Development Program Chair at (970) 491-6861, or the CSU Graduate Programs Office at (970) 491-1963. 

INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (MS) 

Industrial and systems engineering techniques can be applied in manufacturing and service industries, health care systems, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. 

The master of science in industrial and systems engineering degree program at the University of Southern Colorado provides students with practical  knowledge in areas such as facilities planning,  operations planning and control, economic and  decision analysis, and project management. Methodologies  employed by industrial and systems engineers include probability and statistics, mathematical programming, computer simulation, and human performance studies. 

Degree Requirements 

The Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering program combines a core of fundamental industrial engineering courses with a track of courses  selected by student and advisor to advance the professional goals of that student.  The program has 16 semester hours of required core courses and 20 semester hours of elective courses, for a total of 36 semester hours.  A program of study must include at least 21 semester hours of courses in engineering, at most 12 semester hours at the 400 level, and at most 9 semester hours of graduate level work at another institution.  Each student selects 9 semester hours in a focus area or track.  Tracks available now include the  Information Systems track, Industrial Engineering track, and individualized track; other tracks are under development.  In any track, at least 21 credits must be in engineering courses.  Thesis and non-thesis options are available  Admission Requirements 

The program is open to applicants with a quantitatively based baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited colleges or universities.  Admission to the industrial and systems engineering program requires prior admission to graduate studies. 

Regulations governing graduate studies are contained in the Graduate Policies and Procedures Guide, available from the Office of Admissions and Records.
 
Prerequisite Requirements 

Students will be required to demonstrate preparation for graduate study in industrial and systems engineering by completing prerequisite background courses in engineering, computer programming, and mathematics, or by documenting previous equivalent course or experiential work. Students who do not possess the specified prerequisite background may be admitted  conditionally but will be required to complete prescribed prerequisites. Courses used as prerequisites for required graduate courses must be taken for credit. 

Prerequisites: (USC Course Equivalents) 

Computer Programming (EN 101 or CIS 121) 
Engineering Economy (EN 343) 
Stochastic Systems Engineering (EN 365) 

Additional mathematics courses may be required before taking EN 365. In some cases, MATH 350 may be acceptable for EN 365. 

Information Systems (IS) Track 

Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) Track 
Select at least 9 hours from: 

 Elective Courses 

Graduate Assistantships 

Full-time students admitted to the program with regular status are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants may get additional assistance to pay in-state tuition and fees.  Full-time assistantships require students to work an average of 20 hours per week and carry a stipend of $8,300 for the academic year.  Half-time assistantships require students to work an average of 10 hours per week and carry a stipend of $4,150 for the academic year.  Assistantships are renewable for a second academic year provided students perform satisfactorily in assistantship assignments, remain in good academic standing, and make satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree programs.  An application for assistantship consists of a letter of interest and résumé, addressed to the department chair.  The deadline for application is April 1 for the following academic year. 

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) 

The University of Southern Colorado and Colorado State University cooperate to offer the MSW in a three-year part-time program.  Courses equivalent to the first year of the MSW can be completed in a one or two-year period.  The program specialization is directed toward advanced generalist practice with a focus on transitional and under-served communities. The program prepares social workers for autonomous independent practice in a variety of settings. Course work at USC is offered part-time in the evenings.  Students can take 12 credit hours per semester or six credit hours per semester for four semesters (two years).  The third year of the program is full-time, with a block placement in the southern part of the state.  Students go to CSU for intensive course work over the two semesters approximately four days per month.  The field placement phase requires approximately 20 hours per week in agency and community placement.  Approximately 60 credit hours of course work are  required for completion of the program. 

Applications are accepted once a year in the spring for classes beginning the following fall.  The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) designation. 

Applicants with a degree in social work from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by CSWE are eligible to apply for advanced standing or test out of foundation courses on a course-by-course basis.  Those interested may apply to Colorado State University. 

CSU/USC ALTERNATIVE MSW PROGRAM 

The Curriculum First Year (Foundation) 

Fall

Spring

Summer

Second Year (Foundation) 

Third Year (Concentration- classes on campus at CSU)