The part-time evening program allows students the flexibility of evening classes and to progress at a slower pace than the more traditional full-time program. This program begins in the second summer session of each year, and students first complete the foundation year courses. Following completion of the foundation year, students move to the concentration year sequence.

The Master of Social Work program consists of 60 credit hours of study and field work. The first 30 credit hours are core courses taken by all students, while the seconod 30 credit hours provide a concentration in interpersonal practice.

Although the school values the knowledge gained from life experience, no credit can be given for this. Thus, the overall objectives of the first (foundation) year of the Master of Social Work program include development of:

1. Basic, general competence applicable to the broad range of social work practice.
2. Basic competence in both interpersonal practice and planning and management practice.
3. Basic competence for practice in social-service delivery systems.

The overall objectives of the second (concentration) year include development of more advanced competence in interpersonal pracatice, mental health, and addictions practice.

Field Practicum

Both the foundation and the concentration years of the Master of Social Work program include field practicum courses with field instructors who meet the standards of the school. A student in the program is required to have field instruction in two different agency settings. Placements are made both in South Bend and in various locations throughout the state. Field practicum is construed as a continiuing process. Students in placement agencies are expected to meet professional service responsibilities. Students in field practicum will follow the work schedule of their field agencies during holiday periods and/or semester recess.

The school is responsible for arranging the field placements of the students. Attention is given to the student's learning needs, professional goals, and interests. Field instruction is available only to students who have been admitted as candidates for the Master of Social Work degree.

A total of 960 clock hours of practicum are required, with 320 hours in the foundation year and 640 hours in the concentration year. Practica are concurrent with course work.

Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, students will be expected to perform at or above the following:

1. Earn at least a C in each graded social work course.
2. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in required social work courses and a 3.0 overall GPA.
3. Earn a grade of Satisfactory (S) in all practicum courses; to carry out professional activity in conformity with the values and ethics of the profession, and to comply with any contract that might have been entered into with the performance review committee.

In the event of failure to meet such requirements, students will be ineligible to continue in the program. Such students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor regarding realistic planning for the future, including the right to petition for administrative review.