Social Work Degrees at Sacred Heart University
This school appears on our ranking of 20 High-value BSW Degrees in Metro Areas with Top Salaries for Social Workers.
Since 1981, the College of Arts & Sciences has conferred a Bachelor of Social Work for Sacred Heart University undergrads to develop the entry-level generalist skills needed to intervene on behalf of vulnerable, disadvantaged neighbors. Directed by Dr. Victoria Osborne in Roncalli Hall, the 120-credit, eight-semester program applies Judeo-Christian principles for promoting human well-being in assorted agency settings. Sample BSW courses in Fairfield include Economic Change, Sociological Imagination, Human Journey, Nature of Life, and Social Welfare Policy. Preparing for the senior project involves 16 hours of weekly fieldwork during the last three terms. Majors might also join Social Work Club, engage in the C2R Ministry Organization, study abroad in 34 countries from Bermuda to Belgium, declare Honors, and minor in Geriatric Health.
Adhering to Connecticut LMSW requirements, the Master of Social Work is another Sacred Heart option for post-grads seeking to advance with Direct Clinical Practice or Direct Community Practice specializations. Chaired by Dr. Bronwyn Cross-Denny, the 60-credit, non-thesis degree grounded in Catholic traditions will hone societal leadership skills in Fairfield or online via Blackboard Learn. Speeding up the full-time, two-year degree is possible in the 12-month Advanced Standing track. MSW courses will delve into Assessment of Client Systems, Clinical Diagnosis, Human Behavior, and more. Graduates are responsible for 1,100 practicum hours total at agencies like The Kennedy Center, Norwalk Juvenile Matters, Operation Hope, St. Joseph Manor, and Stamford Domestic Violence Program too.
About Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University was established by the Diocese of Bridgeport's Bishop Rev. Walter Curtis in 1963 with an inaugural, coeducational class of 173. Expanded by the 5,800-square-foot Health & Wellness Center in 2013, Sacred Heart grew into New England's second-largest nonprofit, Catholic ACCU member. Endowed for $141 million, SHU belongs to the Core Commitments Leadership Consortium to educate 8,532 Pioneers, including Social Work majors, with academic rigor. Sacred Heart University holds a 300-acre Fairfield County campus near the Long Island Sound with extended locations in Bridgeport, Griswold, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Stamford. Linked to 40,929 LinkedIn alumni, SHU has successfully trained John Ratzenberger, Lydia Hearst, José Feliciano, and others.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Sacred Heart the 41st best Northern school, 23rd most military friendly college, fourth most innovative university, and 59th top value. On Niche, SHU was America's 258th safest campus, 381st hardest college, and 407th best Greek life school. The Princeton Review placed Sacred Heart University 20th nationally for community service engagement. According to College Factual, SHU is the country's 50th best Catholic university with the 109th top social work program. The "College of Distinction" was chosen 323rd on the Social Mobility Index. In Washington Monthly, Sacred Heart stood out for the 224th best financial aid and 316th highest Ph.D. completion. The Chronicle of Higher Education also applauded SHU for the 10th fastest-growing master's enrollment.
Sacred Heart University Accreditation Details
In 2013, Sacred Heart University had its regional accreditation continued for another 10 years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) under president John Petillo. The U.S. Department of Education and Connecticut Office of Higher Education recognize this institutional approval for all 35 bachelor's and 22 master's majors at locations from Griswold to Luxembourg. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has also accredited the BSW through June 2020 and the MSW through February 2019.
Sacred Heart University Application Requirements
Classified as "selective," Sacred Heart University had a Fall 2016 acceptance rate of 57 percent for the Bachelor of Social Work. First-year Pioneers need to have satisfactorily completed a high school diploma, GED, or homeschool program. Though admission is holistic, admitted freshmen report an average GPA of 3.42, SAT score of 1180, and ACT score of 24. Sophomores transferring for the BSW must have completed 30-45 credits graded "C" or higher at regionally accredited schools. Non-native English speakers need to score at least 6.0 on the IELTS or 213 on the TOEFL computer exam. Master of Social Work cohorts are evaluated for accredited bachelor's degrees and overall upper-division GPAs over 3.0. The Advanced Standing option specifically mandates CSWE-accredited BSW education finished in the last six years.
Sacred Heart University has set an Early Action deadline of December 15th and Regular Decision deadline of February 15th for freshmen. Transfers have rolling admission beginning on October 1st yearly. The Department of Social Work has chosen February 15th for the MSW priority deadline and January 2nd for the Advanced Standing deadline. Hopeful entrants can submit the Common Application or SHU Application completely online, but extra materials may be mailed to 5151 Park Avenue in Fairfield, CT 06825. Don't forget to attach the following:
• $50 application fee via CashNet
• Transcripts including senior year
• Standardized testing scores (optional)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé or CV of service experience
• Personal statement of study intent
• Field evaluation forms (if Advanced Standing)
Sacred Heart University Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2017-18 academic year, Sacred Heart University billed full-time BSW undergrads $39,820 for total tuition and fees. Part-time learners pay $600 per credit taken. Budgets should include $1,948 for health insurance, $1,200 for textbooks, and $1,500 for personal expenses. Living in the Fairfield dorms like Seton Hall or Taft Commons adds $10,100 for room and $4,670 for board annually. The total cost of attendance is roughly $58,440 for residents and $44,170 for commuters every nine months. The College of Arts & Sciences charges $750 per credit for the MSW for a total of $45,000 either on-site or online.
According to the NCES College Navigator, 86 percent of full-time SHU Pioneers share $71.7 million in financial assistance worth $15,984 apiece. Bachelor of Social Work majors submit the FAFSA form starting October 1st for Federal Pell Grants or FSEOG Grants. The GI Bill/Yellow Ribbon Program gives tuition benefits for veterans serving 36+ months. Students qualify for the $2,000 Lifetime Learning Credit on tax forms. Land of Steady Habits residents might earn the Connecticut Capitol Scholarship, College Access Grant, or Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver. Federal Work-Study jobs direct deposit at least $10.10/hour. Institutional funds include the Conley Award, President's Excellence Award, Christian Leadership Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, and Matthew Dalling Scholarship. Sacred Heart University graduates also have an average debt of $19,198 from Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans.
Learn more about Sacred Heart University at the Social Work Department website.