For students desiring to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, Wittenberg University is excited to announce its newest educational opportunity, the Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA; UPDATED 2022: CWRU now offers an MSW instead of an MSSA degree). The new 3+2 program is in partnership with the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the top-ranked school of social work at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio.

Preparing students for advanced social work practice in a variety of settings, the MSSA program is designed to address the wide range of skills and functions required of a professional social worker and leader in social change.

"We are excited to enter into this partnership with the Mandel School at Case Western Reserve University," said Interim Wittenberg Provost Mary Jo Zembar. "We know from research that the need for highly trained social workers is expected to grow by at least 15 percent over the next 10 years, making the need for this type of program essential, as well as offering our students an excellent avenue for success in this critical field."

Founded in 1915 as America’s first university-affiliated professional graduate school of social work, the Mandel School at CWRU is ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 9 in the United States for graduate social work education by U.S. News and World Report. In 2017, it experienced record enrollment in its on-campus and online programs, and Mandel School graduates have a 92 percent employment rate in diverse careers throughout the world.

“This partnership with Wittenberg University continues our commitment to making a top-ranked education at Case Western Reserve more accessible than ever,” said CWRU Provost W.A. “Bud” Baeslack III. “Students make the most of their time at two exemplary institutions of higher education and have unparalleled opportunities to achieve their goals to make this world a better place.”

Introducing the program to Wittenberg students during a sociology spring colloquium will be Nalini McCargar from Mandel School Admissions and Chanteal Hall, a current Mandel School master’s student and 2014 Wittenberg alumna. The colloquium will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 (today), in room 119 of Synod Hall.

Acceptance into the program at CWRU allows Wittenberg students to begin their first year of graduate study in the MSSA during what would normally be their last year of undergraduate study. They will spend two years at CWRU to obtain both a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg and an MSSA from CWRU.

Applicants must complete the necessary credit hours of undergraduate course work and satisfy all of Wittenberg's general education requirements. Wittenberg students must apply by April 15 during second semester of their third year, for admission to the MSSA program.

Applicants in the 3+2 program must have at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 in all courses from the date of admission to Wittenberg. Students who are accepted at CWRU through the program will be registered as graduate students, and all financial aid and scholarships are administered according to Mandel School policies. The Mandel School awards scholarship support to nearly 100 percent of on-campus students.

The MSSA program is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). CWRU’s groundbreaking social work curriculum is divided into two levels: generalist and advanced practice. Paths of study include aging; substance use disorders and recovery; children, youth and families; health; mental health; and community practice for social change. Students can also create an individualized path of study, such as in international social work or trauma. School social work is available as a special emphasis.

Students applying for the MSSA program must be interviewed by the admission office at the Mandel School. Interested students must also speak with an advisor in psychology or sociology before beginning the dual program between Wittenberg University and CWRU.

For more information on the MSSA, visit www.wittenberg.edu/admission or http://socialwork.case.edu

About the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University is a world-renowned leader in social work and nonprofit management education, ranked #9 in the United States and #1 in Ohio by U.S. News and World Report. For more than 100 years, the Mandel School has been committed to building a more just world by advancing leadership in social work and nonprofit education, scholarship and service. For more information, visit socialwork.case.edu.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,100 undergraduate and 6,200 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.