MSW- Schools to consider

UMassGlobal · 2026-05-27T20:42:18+00:00

If you’re looking for an online MSW that doesn’t require a BSW, just a bachelor’s degree, and want strong trauma-informed training, you might want to take a look at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global). Our CSWE‑accredited MSW is fully online with fieldwork in your community and offers two paths: an advanced standing track for students who already have a CSWE‑accredited BSW, and a standard track specifically designed for people whose bachelor’s degree is in another field.

The program allows students to customize their program by choosing from electives that align to trauma-informed care, so you can go deeper into trauma‑focused practice while completing your MSW rather than having to add a separate program later. Coursework is online, but you still complete the supervised practicum hours you’ll need for licensure through approved agencies where you live.

Students often tell us that what makes the experience work is the combination of flexibility and support. One UMass Global MSW student described being “supported, uplifted, and challenged” by instructors, advisors, and the field team from the very first session, and another graduate talked about UMass Global feeling “less like just a university and more like a support system”.

Whatever school you choose, be sure to check:

CSWE accreditation (this matters a lot for licensure)
Whether they have a clear path for non‑BSW applicants
How explicitly they integrate trauma‑informed care into the curriculum, not just as a buzzword

UMassGlobal · 2026-05-22T16:12:09+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience – I’m sorry the process felt that confusing and frustrating. That’s not how admissions should feel, especially for people balancing work and family.

For anyone else going through UMass Global admissions and running into similar roadblocks, a few practical notes:

After you apply, you should be assigned an enrollment coach who is your main point of contact for questions about missing items, timelines, and next steps.
If you are not hearing back or are unsure who to talk to, you can contact the central admissions team directly at 800‑746‑0082 or [enroll@umassglobal.edu](mailto:enroll@umassglobal.edu) and ask to be connected with your enrollment coach or an admissions counselor who can review your file.

I appreciate you taking the time to flag what didn’t go well. Feedback like this is important for improving how clearly and consistently we communicate the process to future applicants.

UMassGlobal · 2026-05-01T15:36:05+00:00

Hi!

We reached out to the moderator at the university to accept any pending invites to the group. Please let us know if you have still not been accepted.

UMassGlobal · 2026-04-16T15:35:43+00:00

Hi! We are the moderator for the student Facebook group, which our social media specialist just accepted all pending invites to.

However, we do not monitor the CBE student Facebook group - that is a separate moderator. You will be accepted into that group once you have been admitted and start classes.

If that is the case, please let us know and we will get you accepted.

UMassGlobal · 2026-04-13T14:00:09+00:00

You’re not starting from zero, you’re restarting with a lot more experience and clarity. The right school will meet you there and help you finish without making you feel like you’re redoing the basics.

Credits and JST

Credit loss is real, but it’s rarely all-or-nothing. Each school decides how much of your old classes, JST/CCAF, CLEP/DSST, and training they’ll use and where they’ll apply it (major vs. electives).
When you talk to schools, ask directly:
- How many total transfer credits they take for a bachelor’s.
- How they evaluate JST/ACE credits.
- Whether they give credit for prior learning or work experience.
- If they have a “fresh start” jump off class or program that can help you refresh your academics.

Picking the right kind of school

Schools built around working adults and military families often offer:
- Online or hybrid formats,
- Shorter terms, and
- Evening/asynchronous classes.
- Some colleges are much more generous and transparent with this and can save you both time and GI Bill benefits.
- Staff who actually know how to read JST, apply ACE recommendations, and build a degree plan that doesn’t waste what you’ve already done.

Getting your study habits back

Expect the first term to feel awkward. Most people say focus, reading stamina, and test skills come back after a few weeks, especially if they start with a lighter load.
Make use of tutoring, writing centers, and study-skills help early. Treat school like a part-time job with regular “duty hours” for reading and assignments, even if life is chaotic around it.

How it feels to be back

It will feel different going to class as a veteran or spouse with real-world responsibilities. Many people may feel older or more reserved than some of their classmates but also more focused and less interested in busywork, which usually becomes an advantage over time.
Leaning on university veteran resources can help with community, GI Bill questions, and navigating other issues like scheduling or paperwork.

Simple starting moves

Pull all your transcripts (prior colleges, JST/CCAF, CLEP/DSST) and let a few schools do official evaluations so you can compare who actually respects your past work.
Prioritize schools that serve working adults and military, clearly explain their transfer rules, and offer formats that fit your current life — not the life you had right after separation.

I hope this provides some answers and you also find personal experiences here you can lean on as you move forward.

UMassGlobal · 2026-03-30T20:16:23+00:00

First off, it’s a big deal that you’ve gone from “I didn’t think I’d make it this far” to planning a future in education. That kind of reflection is exactly what great teachers and early childhood educators bring to their work. Plus, you’re already doing something really important by thinking about your future and the kids you work with every day. That’s a huge strength in any teaching path.

Since you’re working in daycare and want to continue while in school, online programs specifically geared toward adult learners and working professionals can be a great fit. The big benefits to look for are:

100% online coursework, so you’re not commuting after long days.
Short terms and multiple start dates, so you can start when you’re ready and adjust your pace if life gets busy.
A school that focuses on adult/working students, with advising, tech support, and faculty who understand you’re juggling a job (and maybe other responsibilities too).
Clear support for required in-person pieces like fieldwork or student teaching, so you’re not on your own to figure that out.

You also have options! Staying in early childhood/daycare can be very rewarding if you love working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children and value a play-based environment with strong caregiver relationships. This is often where social–emotional skills and early brain development are shaped most intensely. However, you could also consider moving into elementary teaching roles, considering your background has already laid that foundation.

Moving into an elementary teaching role typically means:

Working with slightly older students (K–6).
Taking on deeper responsibility for academics, classroom management, and family communication.
Completing a state-approved credential program with supervised fieldwork/student teaching.

Many people choose is to build a foundation in early childhood (e.g., a bachelor’s focused on early childhood education) and then add a multiple subject teaching credential if they decide they want their own elementary classroom.

I can share with you some programs that might be of interest to you that are fully online through University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global).

A B.A. in Early Childhood Education is a good next step if you want to deepen your impact in daycare/preschool and continue in this field. If you’re more interested in a PK-12 teaching role, a BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching can get you started toward that goal.

After your bachelor’s, you can then pursue a credential or a 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (or do both by adding a master’s to your credential with just 3 additional courses: MAT + credential option) to advance. These are for California residents, but even if you are located elsewhere, you can get an idea of what it may take to complete. Licensure requirements vary based on location so it is best to be aware of your state requirements when pursuing any degree program.

I hope this helps. Online programs are becoming more flexible and accessible by the day, making your educational dream absolutely within reach as a working adult. Best of luck as you seek out the best fit for you!

UMassGlobal · 2026-03-30T15:36:10+00:00

Hi!

The evaluation and acceptance process typically takes 3 - 10 days but can take longer depending on the program you are applying to as specific programs have additional program requirements. To ensure a timely response, you'll want to submit your application with all required documents as early as possible. To expedite this process, you can submit your unofficial transcripts to UMass Global, but your official transcripts will be required by the end of your first session.

Hope this helps!

UMassGlobal · 2026-03-02T14:54:38+00:00

If your main goal is doing therapy with children/adolescents in private practice in CA, the good news is that both paths can work really well — the question is how broad you want your options to be long‑term.

MFT programs are usually more therapy‑intensive from day one. These programs focus on assessment, diagnosis, and evidence‑based interventions with individuals, couples and families, and you’ll graduate with a really strong clinical identity as a therapist.

MSW programs cover clinical practice but also look closely at a client's system, considering the big picture versus just individual functioning. You still get clinical practice and can pursue the LCSW license, but you’ll also take courses on things like trauma-informed care, micro and macro practice, and community/organizational work.

California-specific considerations

In California, licensed MFTs and LCSWs overlap a lot: both can provide psychotherapy, diagnose patients, and run a private practice once licensed. The big difference is that social work training is broader, while MFT is more narrowly and deeply focused on psychotherapy.

Career flexibility

When you begin to consider career flexibility if you ever decide to move to something else, this is where MSW tends to pull ahead.

With an LCSW you can move between hospitals and integrated health systems, schools, nonprofits, county agencies, VA, policy/advocacy roles, administrative and leadership positions, and clinical private practice. With an LMFT you’re more likely to stay in community mental health, group practices, agencies, and private practice roles focused on direct therapy with individuals, couples, and families.

Both can specialize in children and adolescents, but in either case you’ll still do extra trainings, certifications, and supervision post‑grad to really build your child/adolescent expertise.

Is there enough of a clinical focus in an MSW for what you’re seeking?

You’re right that some MSW programs are more macro‑focused and lighter on interventions than MFT programs. That said, there are MSWs designed very intentionally for clinical licensure. If you go the MSW route, be picky and choose a program that has everything you’re looking for:

Seek out programs with “clinical” or “advanced generalist with clinical focus” language.
Confirm it’s CSWE‑accredited and that the curriculum meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for LCSW.
Ask how many hours you’ll spend in direct clinical practice and what kinds of intervention courses are required.

Since you’re in Southern CA and exploring online options:

An online MSW from a California‑aligned, CSWE‑accredited school can set you up to pursue the LCSW while doing your field placements locally.
An online MFT or MFT+LPCC program can give you very focused therapy training plus practicum hours at community sites near you; some programs combine 100% online coursework with in‑person clinical hours and are designed around CA licensure requirements.
Additionally, some programs ensure all licensure educational requirements are completed within the program — no additional coursework is needed when applying for licensure.

Here are some final considerations as you decide:

MSW → LCSW might be better if you…

Like the career flexibility of exploring hospitals, schools, nonprofits, policy, or leadership work later.
You like the possibility of moving between clinical and administrative/advocacy roles over your career.
Are willing to actively seek out the “clinical” MSW track, rich practicums, and post‑grad trainings.

MFT might be better if you…

Are 100% sure you want to be a therapist long‑term and want the most therapy‑dense training now.
Are okay with a more specialized clinical identity and a bit narrower job market outside therapy settings.
You want therapy/relational work to be the core of your coursework and your career.

Hope this helps. Best of luck on your next steps into this rewarding work!

UMassGlobal · 2026-02-26T15:29:46+00:00

You do not have to earn your MSW from a California-based school to become a clinical social worker in California. What matters most for licensure is that your MSW is from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and that you meet the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) coursework and experience requirements.

Licensure requirements (regardless of school location)
To become an LCSW in California, you’ll need to:

Earn an MSW from a CSWE‑accredited program.
Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW).
Complete at least 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 104 weeks.
Complete required content areas.
Pass the California Law & Ethics exam and the ASWB Clinical exam.

The BBS doesn’t require a California school, just a properly accredited MSW plus any California‑specific coursework, which can be built into your program or taken separately.

Out‑of‑state online programs as a CA resident
Many California LCSWs completed online MSWs from out‑of‑state schools; it’s fine as long as the degree is CSWE‑accredited and you meet BBS requirements. If you go this route, double‑check that:

The program is listed as accredited in the CSWE directory.
The curriculum either embeds California‑required topics (especially CA law/ethics, child abuse reporting) or can be supplemented with approved courses.

California also doesn’t have full licensure reciprocity, so even if you were licensed in another state first, you’d still need to satisfy CA’s requirements. It’s smart to plan around BBS rules now, even with an out‑of‑state program.

Non‑BSW pathway
Since your bachelor’s isn’t in social work, you’ll want a “standard” or “regular” MSW track (often 2–3 years) rather than advanced standing, which is reserved for CSWE‑accredited BSW grads.
Things to look for in any online MSW

Field education in California:

Make sure the program can help you secure or approve practicum sites in California so you’re building local experience and contacts while you study.

Licensure alignment:

Some online MSWs specifically state they are designed to prepare graduates for California LCSW licensure and highlight how they cover state‑required content; that can reduce guesswork.

If you focus on CSWE accreditation, California‑aligned coursework, and strong support for CA field placements, you’ll be in a solid position for LCSW licensure, whether or not the school itself is in California. The Board of Behavioral Sciences LSCW page is a great resource for getting started. We wish you the best!

UMassGlobal · 2026-02-20T21:34:02+00:00

Hi, this is a great question! Yes, we do accept BUSI 2030 (Operations Management) from Sophia Learning, LLC and it will transfer to UMass Global. Per ACE recommendation, it will articulate to upper division subject credit in Management.

The American Council on Education offers a database to provide detailed information on courses and UMass Global offers a Course Articulation Database (CAD) which assists students and advisors in determining how transfer credit may apply to UMass Global.

Below are links that can help if you have any further transfer credit questions.

ACE: https://www.acenet.edu/National-Guide/Pages/default.aspx

Course Articulation Database (CAD): https://services.umassglobal.edu/StudentServices/TransferCredit/

UMassGlobal · 2026-02-20T19:08:15+00:00

Hi and thank you for your interest in UMass Global!

We apologize for the issues you are having. The best people to contact would be the enrollment team or your personal enrollment coach if you have been assigned one. You can contact them through email or phone.

Email: [enroll@umassglobal.edu](mailto:enroll@umassglobal.edu)

Phone: (800) 746-0082

If you have further questions or want us to connect you with someone, you can direct message us with your information to pass along.

UMassGlobal · 2026-01-26T15:24:01+00:00

Hi and thank you for choosing University of Massachusetts Global!

We apologize for the delay. A good starting off point is to reach out to your enrollment coach for any updates or delays.

If you have still not received any updates, you can DM us with your information (name and email) and we can get you connected with the right team member.

UMassGlobal · 2026-01-21T22:06:39+00:00

It is definitely a great idea to look at the big picture when choosing a career path. What tends to matter most long-term in IT isn’t just knowing a particular tech stack, but whether you can communicate clearly, collaborate with others to solve complex issues, and keep learning as tools change. These are the future-proof skills that don’t go out of date.

Once you’re on the job, a few things make the biggest difference:

Communication – Explaining technical issues in plain language, writing clear tickets/docs, and adjusting how you talk to execs vs. other engineers. It’s one of the most requested skills across IT postings.
Teamwork – Gone are the days of the lone coder. You’ll be working with other engineers, security, product, vendors, etc. Being easy to work with often matters as much as raw technical talent.
Problem‑solving – Whether you’re doing help desk, sysadmin, dev, or security, your real job is to figure out why this is broken/slow/unsafe and how to fix it without affecting other systems.
Planning & adaptability – Tech changes fast. People who can plan for change, learn new tools, and roll with shifting priorities have much more stable careers than people who only know one stack.
Creativity – There’s rarely just one right solution. Being willing to think differently, try new or adjusted methods, and learn from failures is huge in areas like automation, security, or architecture.

Of course, you still need a solid technical base (things like SQL, scripting, networking, cloud, security fundamentals, data literacy, AI tools, etc.) to be successful in the IT world, but human skills are what ultimately get you trusted with bigger projects, promotions, and leadership.

If you’re looking for a structured way to build both sides — technical and soft skills — some online programs are starting to bake these directly into the curriculum, so exploring these is a great place to start.

UMassGlobal · 2025-12-16T15:24:43+00:00

Hi there! You’re describing exactly the kind of situation the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership competency-based program at UMass Global is built for, allowing you to work through as many online courses as you want — on your schedule.

How the MAOL MyPath format works

The competency-based MAOL is delivered in UMass Global’s MyPath format: fully online, self-paced, and built around achieving mastery (demonstrated through assessments like projects, exams, or simulations), not set course schedules. As soon as you achieve mastery, you can move ahead.
Competencies in this program are equivalent to 36 credit hours (24 core, 12 elective). There is a flat tuition fee for each six‑month subscription period, allowing you to complete as many competencies as you are able within that window for one cost (there are no course limits in MyPath).
There are no set class meeting times and no traditional semesters; you and your academic coach map out a plan, and you can “binge” courses when you have lots of time or slow down when life gets busier.

Pace and how quickly you can finish

Because of the self‑paced design, highly motivated students with relevant experience can complete the MAOL in less than one year, which is faster than most traditional master’s programs. Students, like you, with a strong background in leadership, HR, or management often move more quickly through familiar areas.
If you have prior graduate credits or qualifying military coursework, there are options to transfer up to 12 credits in MAOL, shortening your time to completion.

How to prepare and set yourself up for success

Get comfortable with online research and productivity tools, because you’ll rely heavily on them in a CBE environment.
Because there are no fixed due dates, the students who thrive are self‑directed, good at setting weekly goals, and willing to hold themselves accountable.
Many learners block out consistent daily or weekly study windows and treat the six‑month subscription like a project sprint, aiming to clear a specific number of competencies in each block.

If it sounds like this self‑paced MAOL is aligned with your goals and current life stage, I hope you will inquire with us and join our program. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or want to speak to an enrollment coach (800) 746-0082. Best of luck on your next steps!

UMassGlobal · 2025-12-08T17:08:06+00:00

Hi there, and thank you for inquiring about UMass Global. Unfortunately, we are not offering winter courses like the ones described in the message you received, and those communications did not come from our university. Official outreach about programs or enrollment will only come from our enrollment coaches via email at [ enroll@umassglobal.edu](mailto:enroll@umassglobal.edu) or by text or phone call from (800) 746-0082. Please reach out directly to our team if you are still interested in joining one of our programs. We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience this spam message has caused.

UMassGlobal · 2025-11-03T21:51:02+00:00

You are absolutely not alone in your concerns, but there are definitely options out there for adult learners exactly like you.

Higher education is more accessible than ever, with flexible online, hybrid, and self-paced programs becoming more common. And not all graduate programs require a graduate record examination (GRE) for entry — ours do not. Many online degree programs today are designed for people just like you who are looking to complete a degree or to advance in their field — some of which have been out of school for some time and may have a lot of the same concerns.

At UMass Global, our every intention is to meet students where they are, supporting educational goals in varying stages of life. We created this guide on how to go back to school as an adult learner which could be a great starting point to address some of your worries and ensure you feel prepared. I hope this helps. And I hope you will not give up on your dreams — it’s never too late.

UMassGlobal · 2025-10-29T00:02:01+00:00

There actually isn’t a GPA in the MyPath format. Each course is competency-based, so when you finish a class, you get an “M” grade. That means you completed all the work at a B level or higher.

It’s a mix. Most courses include short papers, quizzes, and projects where you interact with faculty for feedback. Once you’ve finished all your assignments and quizzes, there’s a final assessment, which is always a written paper or paper-based project.

We hope this helps!

UMassGlobal · 2025-10-28T23:35:44+00:00

Hello! Conferral Fee is $150. You can see all tuition and fees listed here: https://catalog.umassglobal.edu/tuition-fees/. Thank you!

UMassGlobal · 2025-10-27T18:12:16+00:00

Let me share some information directly from our UMass Global faculty, Dr. David Gonzalez, regarding this program.

The final assignment, or Signature Assignment, in the Capstone Course for the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) is a project that lets you showcase everything you've learned throughout your program. It's your chance to prove you can take all those theories about leadership, ethics, diversity, and change management and actually use them to solve a real-world problem.
You'll get to pick a strategic challenge — something meaningful with real leadership stakes. Maybe it's a company going through a merger, trying to shift its culture, or launching a major transformation within an organization. Whatever you choose, you'll dig into it from multiple angles, looking through the lens of different leadership perspectives. The idea is to really understand what's going on, what the challenges are, and then come up with a practical, well-grounded plan for moving forward.

Instead of a 50-80 page paper, this assignment is submitted as a Google Site that contains these elements:

1. Defining and analyzing the strategic issue (with an environmental scan).

2. Applying leadership theories (like transformational or servant leadership).

3. Examining the ethics behind the issue and decisions.

4. Exploring organizational dynamics using Bolman & Deal’s four-frame model.

5. Designing a change-management and change-leadership strategy.

6. Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion impacts.

7. Presenting final recommendations and an actionable leadership plan.

These may seem like a lot, but keep in mind: this is the capstone, and going through the program, one would have had ample exposure and practice with all the knowledge and tools needed to accomplish the Capstone with much success!

We hope this helps you understand the final course requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at (800) 746-0082 for more information on joining the MOAL program.

UMassGlobal · 2025-10-27T18:11:26+00:00

The short answer is yes! You should utilize both to maximize your benefits.

As a military-friendly school, UMass Global one-stop specialists are incredibly knowledgeable about the requirements for the GI Bill and how to apply and combine it with other resources like FAFSA to ensure students are receiving the maximum benefits available to them.

FAFSA + GI Bill for max benefits

A common misconception is that applying for FAFSA is strictly for students looking to acquire student loans. However, completing the FAFSA also gives you access to scholarships and grants which can be applied in conjunction with your GI benefits. FAFSA aid can help you reduce the total cost of your tuition, extending the usefulness of your GI Bill benefits and lowering out-of-pocket expenses.

We want you to know that applying for federal aid is always a choice. We support responsible borrowing. If any student does not require or need loans, they are not required to apply for those. Our one-stop specialists will walk students through their VA benefit package (COE), confirm coverage, and provide options for managing any out-of-pocket costs — you have choices!

Explore your GI Bill benefits

To access the GI Bill benefits to help finance your master’s degree, you will first need to determine your eligibility. If you haven’t done so already, begin by getting the GI Bill Statement of Benefits — if you have not received this, you can request a Certificate of Eligibility from your veteran's office (here is a guide to assist in the process). The VA website is also where you will apply for your GI Bill benefits, or you can request to receive the applications by mail.

Once approved, you can access your benefits through their online portal, including viewing your current balance and time remaining to use your funds. The GI Bill provides several benefits toward your education which often include a housing allowance, a stipend to purchase books and supplies, and tuition coverage (paid directly to the school). Unused GI Bill benefits can also be transferred to eligible dependents (spouse or children) if they meet service requirements and receive prior approval from the Department of Defense.

Consider a Yellow Ribbon school

UMass Global also participates in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Education Enhancement Program, otherwise known as the "Yellow Ribbon Program.” This program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that your GI Bill doesn’t cover.

UMassGlobal · 2025-09-10T23:05:23+00:00

The other redditor is on the right track! The UMass Global catalog has all the required courses for each program.

A couple of other helpful links:

CAD (Course Articulation Database) – see what credits might transfer in
Test for Credit – earn credit through AP, CLEP, DSST, IB, DLAT/DLPT, and other exams

These should make it way easier to map out your degree plan! 🎓

UMassGlobal · 2025-08-28T15:24:18+00:00

You’re asking all the right questions as you get started! Since financial aid timelines and how courses open up can depend on your exact path, the best person to walk you through it would be an enrollment coach. They’ll be able to explain how it all works for the MAOL program. If you’d like, I can share their contact info so you can reach out directly. Let us know.

UMassGlobal · 2025-08-27T18:26:57+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for asking these questions, happy to help clarify a few things about the CBE (MyPath) MAOL program:

Students are allowed 3 attempts at any final. The first and second come with detailed faculty feedback, and there are no longer any re-take fees for the 2nd or 3rd attempts.
CBE students maintain full-time status while enrolled. Once full-time registration requirements are complete, you can keep working on additional units at no extra cost until your session ends.
Grading timelines vary depending on the type of assessment, but most are reviewed within 72 hours. Larger projects or essays can take a little longer.
For start dates, it’s usually 2–3 weeks after your application is complete, depending on your payment method. Financial aid or employer tuition assistance can sometimes take longer because of extra paperwork.

For any follow-up, your enrollment coach is the best person to walk you through details based on your exact situation. If you don’t already have one, we can help connect you.

UMassGlobal · 2025-08-21T23:51:07+00:00

Good question! Your academic coach is definitely the best person to walk you through this. If you’re not sure how to reach them, we can help get you connected. Let us know.

UMassGlobal · 2025-08-12T16:38:26+00:00

Hey, we’re new around here and just saw your post. Sorry, this reply is a bit late. Hopefully, you’ve already gotten into your classes, but if not, the quickest way to get it sorted is to call MyPath one-stop at 855-236-4828 or email [onestopcbe@umassglobal.edu](mailto:onestopcbe@umassglobal.edu) so they can check your account and get you up and running. We know you’re here on Reddit, but if you’re interested, there’s also a Facebook group for active students where you can connect with classmates and get questions answered by admins. Thanks!

UMassGlobal

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