Graduates of Fairfield’s Master of Social Work Program continue to thrive and will embark on new journeys taking full-time positions following graduation.
Last month 21 students graduated from the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, the second cohort to graduate from the program since launching in 2019. As a clinical specialist program, students gain specialized knowledge and skills in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of emotional, mental, and behavioral health problems. From this year’s graduating class, many alumni have been offered, and have accepted, full-time employment — several at the sites where they completed their field placements.
During the course of the program, students pursue two, year-long supervised field placements. These experiences serve to integrate theoretical classroom education with the practical skills needed for effective practice. Through Fairfield’s MSW program, students have access to many different placement options for fieldwork in Fairfield and New Haven counties.
Recent graduate Kate Welzel described her experience at Silver Hill Psychiatric Hospital in New Canaan, Conn. where she’ll be taking a full-time position. During her fieldwork Welzel facilitated group therapy sessions, completed documentation for new inpatient and transitional living program patients, and maintained communication with patient families, among other responsibilities.
“The treatment team I was a part of during my internship made me feel like a valued team member, not just an intern,” said Welzel. “They supported me as I continued in my educational journey and honored the professionalism that I brought to my work.”
Emily Carveth, another recent graduate, will start a full-time role at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine in North Haven and Guilford, Conn. offices where she conducted staff workshops and group wellness activities. In her full-time role Carveth looks forward to supporting clients through grief counseling and educational programs. When asked what skills she gained during the MSW program she feels will serve her most in her new job, she noted the importance of her clinical skills classes.
“My clinical skills classes were instrumental in increasing my confidence in clinical work with clients,” said Carveth. “I also benefited from gaining a deeper understanding of intersectionality and the multitude of forces that may be impacting my clients' lives at any given time.”
For recent graduate Kelly Barrick who will work at Liberation Programs in Bridgeport, Conn, she realized the importance of understanding each client as an individual.
“I learned about working with diverse communities and learned to always consider meeting clients where they are,” said Barrick. “Not everyone is going to be at the same point in their lives and we need to keep them safe and provide them the support they need.”
Candidates interested in Fairfield’s MSW program can now benefit from the flexibility of enrolling as a part-time student. To learn more visit .
During the course of the program, students pursue two, year-long supervised field placements. These experiences serve to integrate theoretical classroom education with the practical skills needed for effective practice. Through Fairfield’s MSW program, students have access to many different placement options for fieldwork in Fairfield and New Haven counties.
Recent graduate Kate Welzel described her experience at Silver Hill Psychiatric Hospital in New Canaan, Conn. where she’ll be taking a full-time position. During her fieldwork Welzel facilitated group therapy sessions, completed documentation for new inpatient and transitional living program patients, and maintained communication with patient families, among other responsibilities.
“The treatment team I was a part of during my internship made me feel like a valued team member, not just an intern,” said Welzel. “They supported me as I continued in my educational journey and honored the professionalism that I brought to my work.”
Emily Carveth, another recent graduate, will start a full-time role at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine in North Haven and Guilford, Conn. offices where she conducted staff workshops and group wellness activities. In her full-time role Carveth looks forward to supporting clients through grief counseling and educational programs. When asked what skills she gained during the MSW program she feels will serve her most in her new job, she noted the importance of her clinical skills classes.
“My clinical skills classes were instrumental in increasing my confidence in clinical work with clients,” said Carveth. “I also benefited from gaining a deeper understanding of intersectionality and the multitude of forces that may be impacting my clients' lives at any given time.”
For recent graduate Kelly Barrick who will work at Liberation Programs in Bridgeport, Conn, she realized the importance of understanding each client as an individual.
“I learned about working with diverse communities and learned to always consider meeting clients where they are,” said Barrick. “Not everyone is going to be at the same point in their lives and we need to keep them safe and provide them the support they need.”
Candidates interested in Fairfield’s MSW program can now benefit from the flexibility of enrolling as a part-time student. To learn more visit .
