Case Western Reserve University Mandel School

Case Western Reserve University, located in the bustling city of Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the nation’s most highly regarded research institutions. CWRU was founded in 1826 and currently offers respected programs in arts and sciences, engineering, law, management, medicine, and social work. The university specializes in innovation and is home to the Sears think[box], a public-access center for entrepreneurship and innovation.

The school of social work was established in 1915 with a focus on social work and nonprofit management. The school was the first university-affiliated graduate school of social work in the United States.

Featured Programs in Social Work

Case Western Reserve University Mandel School

The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences features several distinguishing characteristics. The 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio is one of the lowest in the country. Faculty research productivity is 3.5 times that of the national average, and the school hosts five multidisciplinary research centers. CWRU believes in advocating for and empowering the oppressed, taking an interprofessional approach to education. Accordingly, social work students practice with students in medicine and nursing.

Enrollees may choose from six dual-degree options and over 1,000 field sites across the country. Graduates achieve a 92% job placement rate within several months of graduation. Case Western Reserve University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commision (HLC). The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Master of Science in Social Administration program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Online Social Work Programs

The Case Western Reserve University social work online program leads to a master of science in social administration. It is a full-time program with two available paths: a traditional track and an advanced standing track for students who already possess a BSW. The traditional track requires 60 credits and can be completed in 2.5 years.

Applicants accepted to the advanced standing track may receive up to 24 credits toward their master’s degree and can graduate in two years. Students may choose from three specializations. There are no on-campus requirements for the online program, but a hybrid program is also available. Admission requirements for the online and on-campus programs are the same.

On-Campus Social Work Programs

The Case Western Reserve University master of social work program is available in traditional on-campus and hybrid weekend intensive formats. The on-campus degree provides options for nine areas of specialization, six dual degrees, and four certificates. Students can complete the hybrid program in 2-3 years. The Ph.D. in social welfare is available on either a full- or part-time basis. Each student must earn 55 credits, pass a qualifying exam, and complete a dissertation. Students can earn the doctoral degree in 2-3 years.

Case Western Reserve University Online Social Work Programs