In the MSW program you first complete a generalist curriculum that provides foundation knowledge and skills for social work practice with diverse populations across a range of settings. Then you choose a practice method concentration.

The clinical concentration focuses on social work practice interventions with individuals, families and groups. The macro concentration focuses on community organizing, policy advocacy and non-profit organization management. Along with your classes, you complete internships at agencies with missions to address social and economic problems.

Most students complete the 60-credit Master of Social Work through two full years of graduate coursework and field instruction.

The curriculum offers two areas of concentration. After the second semester of common generalist core courses, students concentrate in Clinical or MACRO (Management efficiency, Advocacy and empowerment, Community building, Resource development, and Outcome evaluation). Determination of the area of concentration is made prior to the end of the second semester.

The MACRO Concentration

The MACRO concentration prepares students for management, community development, program development and evaluation, and advocacy positions in social agencies, including state planning and regulatory agencies and service organizations at county, local, and community levels. Students take courses in organizational and management theory, fiscal management, human resources and supervision, management information systems, program planning and evaluation, grant writing and fund raising, advocacy, and community building.

The Clinical Concentration

This concentration is designed to prepare students to provide direct services that assist in the restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of the social functioning of individuals, families, and other groups. Students in this concentration are expected to acquire knowledge of human behavior, social systems, and intervention processes with which individuals, families, and small groups are aided to develop and realize their potential.  Students may concentrate their study in areas such as child & family services, mental health, health care & aging, or they may take courses in diverse areas.

Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59pm
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59pm
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
  • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
• Statement of Background and Goals
  • INSTRUCTIONS:
    Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
  • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
    In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
  • Social Justice Values
    Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
  • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
    Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
  • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
    Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
    In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to: transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.

Special Notes

Available information for International Applicants.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Tuition fee-2 years$54,000