Distance Education, Local Impact

About

2+2 Distance Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is a unique and innovative degree pathway that has demonstrated a commitment to Montana’s tribal, rural, and metro communities through successful partnerships with community and Tribal colleges across the state. Since its initial partnership with Flathead Valley Community College in 2010, the program has made a concerted effort to work alongside two-year colleges to provide social work professionals in underserved areas of Montana. The program is modeled on the “2+2” design where students earn a two-year degree locally and then transfer to UM to earn their undergraduate degree. The 2+2 Distance BSW degree is unique in that students remain in their home community, engaged in distance education and completing practicums in local agencies and organizations. The program has grown to include ten partnering colleges across the State of Montana.

  • Our blended model ensures that we build and maintain presence in distance communities and work with our local partners to better understand the specific needs and challenges in their community. This allows us to better support our students in their academics and practicum placements within the local community.
  • The positions being filled by our graduates include dually licensed Addictions Counselors (LBSW/LAC), integrated healthcare workers, tribal court advocates, child and family services (BIA and State), community organizers, program managers, policy workers and many more.
  • Our graduates have options to pursue higher education to earn a master’s degree in social work through our UMSSW MSW campus program (two-year), UM Online MSW program (3 year) and our blended Advanced Standing MSW program (1 year).

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Program Details

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 2+2 Program is designed for students who are working on or have finished their Associate’s Degree from one of our partnering colleges or another institution and have met the criteria for admission through satisfying prerequisites. Students who meet the requirements can finish their bachelor’s degree through the University of Montana with a cohort of their peers from around the state.

The core curriculum is the same as the on-campus program, including the 450 hours (10 credits) of practicum experience, but all classes are offered online so students can stay in their own community while earning their degree. The program is partially blended and offers options for campus and home community engagement.

Program Application

The program follows a cohort model, with courses beginning each fall semester. There are no spring semester admissions.

Admissions for the upcoming Fall cohort open in February and are closed the second week of May. Students are encouraged to reach out for pre-advising if they plan on applying to the next fall cohort.

The program occurs over four academic semesters (fall/spring) for two years. Extended pathways are available and students work with their academic advisor on any plans for an extended pathway.

Before applying for the 2+2 BSW Distance Learning Program, applicants should have met with their community or tribal college academic advisor or have been in contact with a professional academic advisor from the UM School of Social Work.

Contact Heidi.Holzer@mso.umt.edu for more information.

2+2 Application Steps:

  • Check that pre-requisite course requirements are met with your unique college pre-advising sheet from the partnering colleges page.
  • Apply to the University of Montana with the general application as a distance student, declaring Social Work as your major.

Learn more about the BSW 2+2 Program by exploring the pages of this web site or emailing
Heidi Holzer, Academic Advisor: heidi.holzer@mso.umt.edu
Deanna Cooper, BSW Director: deanna.cooper@mso.umt.edu