Reflections from UND Masters of Social Work Students:

Spring 2024 Graduates Share Their Experiences

Three online students highlight the value, support, and connection they found throughout their time in the UND Social Work MSW program.

Danielle Bartlett, MSW, Spring 2024 – MN

Being an online student didn’t prevent Danielle Bartlett from feeling connected. One of the highlights of her experience was the on-campus visit, which provided an opportunity to become oriented with the program and meet her cohort in a more intimate setting.

“I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to facilitate family and group therapy,” she shares. “I will never forget the valuable opportunity to observe one of our professors accessing the ‘here and now’ in real life or the laughs we shared as a cohort.”

Despite studying remotely, Danielle felt the program provided a variety of learning approaches that fostered critical thinking, making the UND social work program a rewarding experience.

Elizabeth Roark, MSW, Spring 2024 – Wheatland, WY

Elizabeth Roark found the support of UND’s professors instrumental during her MSW journey. Balancing family responsibilities with her studies, she recalls a time when the program’s flexibility was crucial.

“The professors at UND were amazing. They were always so supportive and encouraging,” Elizabeth explains. “When I had a family emergency on a class night, and a major assignment was due that week… they were willing to work with me. I’m very thankful for that.”

As a full-time worker and student, Elizabeth found UND’s flexibility a key factor in her success.

Callie Smith, MSW, Spring 2024 – Hopkins, MN

Callie Smith’s favorite experience in the MSW program was her Groups class. In this course, she saw theory come to life as she and her classmates practiced fostering a therapeutic group.

“There are several courses in the MSW program that expanded my learning through professors who encouraged discussion, critical thinking, and the sharing of different opinions,” she says. “My classmates in the advanced generalist program had such an integral role in my education and professional career due to the diversity in students in their geographic location, age, social work experience, prior education, and perspectives.”

Callie’s experience highlights the unique blend of theory, practice, and peer interaction that made her time in the MSW program memorable.

These testimonials reflect the strong sense of community and support that the UND Master of Social Work program offers its students, whether they are studying on campus or online. As these graduates prepare to enter the professional world, they carry with them the skills and experiences gained through UND’s comprehensive and flexible MSW program.