Preferred, but not required:  

• Statistics: An introductory statistics/quantitative research method course offered by a community college or university is recommended, but not required. 

Interviews

Students may be selected by SMU for an interview based upon the content of the application they submit to SocialWorkCAS. Not all candidates who meet minimum qualifications will require an interview.    

Students who need disability accommodations may request them by emailing the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu. Please give as much notice as you can. Further information about the Disability Resource Center can be found here.  

Our program also has 10 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) that are aligned with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): 

1. Demonstrate advanced practice effectiveness through competent engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in healthcare settings.  

2. Apply principles of ethical decision-making and evidence utilization of effective self-awareness and self-regulation in complex and continually evolving practice situations.  

3. Demonstrate understanding that human experiences are shaped by intersectionality of identities including but not limited to age, caste, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, generational status, immigration status, legal status, marital status, political ideology, race, nationality, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status, and utilize practice methods that evidence respect, humility, and an understanding of how diverse and different life experiences interact on micro, mezzo, and macro levels.  

4. Evidence knowledge that experiences of diversity and difference are critically intertwined with experiences of power, privilege, or marginalization and located in systemic effects of disproportionality, disparities, and inequities.    

5. Demonstrate skills to work in service and advocacy of social justice and fundamental rights for vulnerable and marginalized individuals and communities in local, regional, national, and global settings.  

6. Demonstrate understanding of social determinants of health and apply practice on micro, mezzo, and macro levels to address upstream factors that lie beyond healthcare delivery to enhance social and economic justice and reduce health disparities.  

7. Apply principles of logic and scientific inquiry and demonstrate ability to critically analyze evidence-based strategies as they apply to diverse populations and demonstrate ability to translate knowledge to practice.   

8. Develop, maintain, and enhance collaboration with interprofessional partners through clear and respectful understanding of roles, commitment to shared goals, and continuous appreciative inquiry. 

9. Apply technology ethically and effectively to advance practice outcomes. 

10. Demonstrate self-care as an essential practice for competent and ethical social work practice.  

Internships, also known as practicums, are an integral part of social work education. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires that all MSW students complete at least 900 hours of practicum placements as part of their MSW education. MSW students complete both academic courses and practicum experiences with associated seminars. MSW students will complete at least 450 hours of a foundation practicum and another 450 hours of an advanced practicum. These two community-based experiences must be different placements to provide a breadth of applied social work learning. SMU has developed three tracks that students can pursue to complete their practicum hours. Option A completes the placement over two traditional semesters (30 weeks) per year. Option B allows students to complete 40-hour-per-week block placements in the 12-week summer semesters. Option C allows students to extend their placement hours over three academic semesters (42 weeks). 

The three internship options are designed to support students by providing more flexible options than most social work programs. This also reflects the school’s commitment to help students reach our program learning outcome of self-care as we support our students through the challenges many returning students have in juggling school, work, and family responsibilities.  

How Do I Find a Placement? 

Before your second year begins, you will have an opportunity to review and interview with several potential sites. The Practicum Education Department will support you in finding a placement that meets the CSWE requirements and as much as possible supports your individualized schedules.  

What Types of Field Sites Will Be Available? 

This is a program focused on health social work. Our practicum sites will provide training in medical social work, behavioral health social work, aging and social work, and health services and social work. Your site might be based in a hospital, a clinic setting, or a community-based setting. SMU is developing agreements with sites in the East Bay area such as La Clinica. Students who receive health stipends may be expected to complete internships in community-based health, mental health, or hospital settings. Employment-based internships will need to conform to one of the three internship options (30 weeks, 12 weeks, or 42 weeks). Employment-based options will be developed on an individual basis and in partnership with students' employers.

Placement Options 

Option A: 

Option B: Summer Block 

Option C: Three-Semester Option Including Summer Hours 

For all schools of social work, practicum education (field work) is an integral part of the education experience. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) describes field work as the central pedagogical format for social work education. CSWE requires all social work students to complete at least 900 hours of practicum experience during their MSW education. SMU’s field work begins in the second year and continues through the third year of the program. Students must be supervised by an MSW with at least two years’ post-master’s experience during their field placement. Our field office works with each student to secure a placement site and to assure that the correct field supervision is available.  

The Master of Social Work program is delivered in a hybrid format. Some courses are taught solely online and others require on-campus time. Numerous courses include requirements for participating in online discussion forums and accessing course learning materials via Course Management Systems (Canvas); therefore, access to a computer and the internet is required. All students will be trained in the use of Canvas.  

Recommended internet standards include:  

1. Reliable broadband high-speed internet connection.

2. Recommended: 15Mbps/3Mbps (Down/Up) per household member.  

3. Minimum: Average 2.5Mbps (Down/Up) for single user Zoom only. Please Quit/Exit all other applications while using Zoom. 

4. Reliable Operating Systems (Recommend not to use ChromeBook). 

5. Applications: Google Apps, MS Office, Internet Browsers, Media Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader. 

Where do students typically live? 
Students live in many surrounding areas of the Bay Area. In Oakland, students typically live near Pill Hill (the area where the campus is located), Telegraph, the Fruitvale District, and Jack London Square. Students also live in neighboring cities such as Alameda, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek. Other students commute from cities like Fremont, Hayward, and Union City. Public transportation is available from all areas. There is a parking garage for students that commute. Student discounts are available for Clipper Cards if students take BART. There is a shuttle that runs from the BART station to the campus. 

What do students do outside of school for social or community activities? 
The SF Bay Area is an amazing place, with an abundance of world-class activities. The Oakland campus is surrounded by great parks, restaurants, museums, theater, music venues, sightseeing, sporting events, etc. Community service is also a big part, with volunteer opportunities almost every weekend and many weekdays. 

What is the commute like on BART to the school and how seamless and safe is it? 
BART is easily accessible and quick to learn, even if you have not taken public transportation before. Using Google Maps will tell you what train to hop on and what time each train will arrive at the selected BART station. To get to the Oakland campus, get off at the MacArthur BART station and transfer to the free Sutter Alta Bates No. 3 or No. 4 shuttle. Make sure to have your student ID on you. It is safe during the day, but like any other city, be cautious of holding your phone out, pay attention to your surroundings, and avoid using BART when it’s darker out. To pay for your BART ride, you can purchase a Clipper Card at any kiosk at a BART station. The school provides a student discount that you pay monthly at the ABSMC Parking & Transportation office at 3100 Summit St. Rm G615. The Clipper Card credit will be uploaded automatically to your card each month. The majority of in-person classes will be held on Saturday mornings and afternoons. Evening classes will typically be delivered as online classes.  

What is the overall safety of the area around school, Oakland, etc.? 
The area around the campus is relatively safe. Like any city, there are areas that are safer and some areas where you need to be diligent. We are fortunate to have a parking garage that is very safe. The area around the campus has been seeing significant development over the past few years. Within two blocks, you will find Sprouts grocery store, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Grocery Outlet. There are also campus security guards who prevent non-student individuals from roaming onto campus. There are plenty of study spaces that are open until 10 PM or midnight. Security can escort you to your vehicle if you do not want to walk alone. Overall, it feels safe here, but we encourage all students to be cautious and seek support if you feel unsafe for any reason. 

What support is offered for students if they need help academically or with general advice? 
SMU offers services that students can utilize such as academic advising/coaching, peer tutoring, and more. First-year students are also paired up with a faculty adviser. SMU Student Service offers help in areas such as testing skills, study skills, and wellness.  

Where can I study on campus? 
    •    Library (there are cubicles, study rooms you can reserve, and tables where you can study with classmates) 
    •    Campus lounge (open until 12 AM) and patio with tables, chairs, and couches 
    •    Classrooms are open to students until 10 PM 
    •    There are no 24-hour study rooms on campus yet 

Can students get involved in organizations in their first year? 
Students are able to take part in clubs, events, workshops, dinners, and more starting their first year. 

Is there a dress code? 
There is no dress code for classes; however, students are asked to be aware of the way they present online and in the classroom. There is a requirement of professional attire for internships and clinical settings. Students should dress professionally. Please note that the MSW program recognizes that the definition of “professional” hair styles may vary considerably from person to person. The program will advocate that internship and clinical sites should extend respect to how different hair types may be styled.   

What is the faculty-to-student ratio? 
It is a 12:1 faculty-to-student ratio. 

Samuel Merritt University has partnered with local Bay Area properties to offer students affordable housing close to the SMU Oakland campus. 

This collaboration provides our students with unique opportunities to enjoy premium accommodations at reduced rates, making their experience in the Bay Area even more rewarding. 

To explore the available options and find your perfect fit, contact property manager Dominick Lundberg dlundberg@twobliving.com. 

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