MSW Program Notes

  • All incoming students must complete the prerequisite A Brief History of Oppression and Resistance. This self-paced online course takes approximately 15-30 hours, is accessed through Blackboard, and should be completed before the first day of classes.
  • The 60-credit MSW degree must be earned within four years of initial registration. Advanced Standing students must earn the MSW within two years of initial registration, provided the degree is awarded within five years from the baccalaureate graduation.
  • To comply with the University’s academic residency requirement, students must complete at least two consecutive semesters (i.e., fall-spring or spring-fall) and be registered for at least 9 credits during each of those semesters.
  • Students may register for a maximum of 16 credits (each fall or spring semester).
  • Students must register for a minimum of 6 credits (each fall or spring semester).
  • Foundation courses must be completed before students may enter advanced field practicum.
  • Most students take a methods course concurrently with field practicum. Foundation methods courses are SOWK 630 and 631 to accompany Field Pacticum and Seminar I (SOWK 635 and SOWK 637) and 632 to accompany Field Practicum and Seminar II (SOWK 636 and 638).  Advanced methods courses begin with SWCL or SWOA. The advanced methods courses must be appropriate for the primary concentration (Clinical or Leadership, Policy, & Social Change).
  • No course may be taken without having received credit for any courses identified as a pre-requisite for that particular course.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation and a “P” (Pass) for all field courses.
  • All students must allocate time to complete field practicum requirements.
FOUNDATION CURRICULUM [27 CREDITS]

The 27-credit Foundation Curriculum provides educational and skills development in the values, concepts, and processes that are the core of social work practice. Coursework in human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, social policy, structural oppression, and research helps students develop a problem-solving framework with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students also complete a two-semester field practicum, taken two days a week, in a social service placement where, with the help of a field instructor, they engage in carefully supervised and progressively more responsible social work practice. In the second semester, students may take one advanced courses for which the prerequisites are met.

The goal of the Foundation Curriculum is to provide students with a sound, broad base for future practice in any concentration. 

For a downloadable version, click here: Foundation Requirements

FOUNDATION CURRICULUM & CREDITS

SOWK 600 - Social Welfare and Social Policy - 3

SOWK 610 - Structural Oppression and its Implications for Social Work - 3

SOWK 630 - Social Work Practice with Individuals (taken with SOWK 635) - 3

SOWK 631 - Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations (taken with SOWK 635) - 3

SOWK 632 - Social Work Practice with Groups and Families (taken with SOWK 636) - 3

SOWK 635 & 637 – Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar I (3)

SOWK 636 & 638 – Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar II (3)

SOWK 645 - Human Behavior & the Social Environment - 3

SOWK 670 - Social Work Research - 3

 

Advanced Curriculum [ 33-36 Credits]

PROGRESSION TO ADVANCED CURRICULUM

A student must complete the Foundation Curriculum with a 3.0 grade point average (grade of “B”) to enroll in advanced field practicum. All students are encouraged to communicate with an academic advisor and develop an educational plan in order to meet the academic requirements and complete the program in the prescribed timeframe.

Students must select a one of the following concentrations: 1) clinical, 2) leadership, policy, and social change, or 3) dual concentration for their advanced year of study. Students must take an advanced policy course and four methods courses in the same concentration. 

Advanced Clinical and Clinical/Leadership, Policy, & Social Change Requirements - 60 Credit Hybrid Program

For a downloadable version click here: Clinical Curriculum Checklist

Advanced Clinical Concentration Requirements - 60 Credit Hybrid Program

  • Any Advanced Policy Course - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 700: Advanced Clinical Interventions - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 744: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning - 3 Credits
  • One Core Clinical Methods Course (SWCL 703, SWCL 711, SWCL 715, SWCL 722, SWCL 756, SWCL 773)- 3 Credits
  • One SWCL Methods Course (Any Course with SWCL prefix) - 3 credits
  • Two Electives (Any 700 Level Course or SOWK 699 Course) - 3 Credits Each
  • SWCL 794: Advanced Clinical Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWCL 795: Advanced Clinical Practicum II - 6 Credits

Advanced Clinical/Leadership, Policy, & Social Change Concentration Requirements - 60 Credit Hybrid Program

  • Any Advanced Policy Course - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 700: Advanced Clinical Interventions - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 744: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning - 3 Credits
  • One Core Clinical Methods Course (SWCL 703, SWCL 711, SWCL 715, SWCL 722, SWCL 756, SWCL 773)- 3 Credits
  • One SWCL Methods Course (Any Course with SWCL prefix) - 3 credits
  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • One SWOA Methods Course (Any Course with SWOA prefix) - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 794: Advanced Clinical Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWCL 795: Advanced Clinical Practicum II - 6 Credits
Advanced Leadership, Policy & Social Change (LPSC) and Leadership, Policy, & Social Change/Clinical Requirements- 60 Credit Hybrid Program

For a downloadable version, click here: Curriculum Checklist- Leadership, Policy, & Social Change

Advanced Leadership, Policy & Social Change (LPSC) and Leadership, Policy, & Social Change/Clinical Requirements- 60 Credit Hybrid Program (33 Required Advanced Credits)

  • SOWK 701 and 702 Public Policy for Social Justice Course (1.5 credits in fall and 1.5 credits in spring) - 3 Credits
  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • Choose Three From the Following: SWOA 703, SWOA 704, SWOA 707, SWOA 708, or SWOA 709 - 3 Credits
  • Two 3 Credit Electives (Any 700 level course or SOWK 699) - 3 Credits Each
  • SWOA 794: Advanced Macro Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWOA 795: Advanced Macro Practicum II - 6 Credits

Advanced Leadership, Policy, & Social Change/Clinical Concentration Requirements - 60 Credit Hybrid Program (33 Required Advanced Credits)

  • SOWK 701 and 702 Public Policy for Social Justice Course (1.5 credits in fall and 1.5 credits in spring) - 3 Credits
  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • Choose Three From the Following: SWOA 703, SWOA 704, SWOA 707, SWOA 708, or SWOA 709 - 3 Credits
  • Choose One: SWCL 700 or SWCL 744 - 3 Credits
  • One Clinical Methods Course (Any Course with an SWCL Prefix) - 3 Credits
  • SWOA 794: Advanced Macro Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWOA 795: Advanced Macro Practicum II - 6 Credits

Advanced Standing Requirements (36 Credits)

Advanced Standing Clinical and Clinical/Leadership, Policy, & Social Change Requirements (36 Credits)

Advanced Standing Clinical Concentration Requirements (36 Credits)

For a downloadable version: Advanced Standing Clinical Concentration Curriculum Checklist

  • SWCL 700: Advanced Clinical Interventions - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 744: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning - 3 Credits 
  • Any Advanced Policy Course - 3 Credits
  • One Core Clinical Methods Course (SWCL 703, SWCL 711, SWCL 715, SWCL 722, SWCL 756, SWCL 773)- 3 Credits
  • One SWCL Methods Course (Any Course with SWCL prefix) - 3 credits
  • Three Electives (Any 700 level course or SOWK 699) - 3 Credits Each
  • SWCL 794: Advanced Field Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWCL 795: Advanced Field Practicum II - 6 Credits

Advanced Standing Clinical/Leadership, Policy, & Social Change Concentration Requirements (36 Credits)

For a downloadable version: Advance Standing Curriculum Checklist- Leadership Policy & Social Change

  • SWCL 700: Advanced Clinical Interventions - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 744: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning - 3 Credits 
  • Any Advanced Policy Course - 3 Credits
  • One Core Clinical Methods Course (SWCL 703, SWCL 711, SWCL 715, SWCL 722, SWCL 756, SWCL 773)- 3 Credits
  • One SWCL Methods Course (Any Course with SWCL prefix) - 3 credits
  • One Elective (Any 700 level course or SOWK 699) - 3 Credits 
  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • One Macro Methods Course (Any course with an SWOA prefix) - 3 Credits
  • SWCL 794: Advanced Field Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWCL 795: Advanced Field Practicum II - 6 Credits
Advanced Standing Leadership, Policy, & Social Change and Leadership, Policy, & Social Change/Clinical Concentration Requirements (36 Credits)

Advanced Standing Leadership, Policy, & Social Change Concentration Requirements (36 Credits)

For a downloadable version, click here: Advance Standing Curriculum Checklist- Leadership Policy & Social Change

  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • Choose Three From the Following: SWOA 703, SWOA 704, SWOA 707, SWOA 708, or SWOA 709 - 3 Credits
  • SOWK 701 and 702 Public Policy for Social Justice Course (1.5 credits in fall and 1.5 credits in spring) - 3 Credits
  • Three Electives (Any 700 level course or SOWK 699) - 3 Credits Each
  • SWCL 794: Advanced Field Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWCL 795: Advanced Field Practicum II - 6 Credits

Advanced Standing Leadership, Policy, & Social Change/Clinical Concentration Requirements (36 Credits)

For a downloadable version, click here: Advance Standing Curriculum Checklist- Leadership Policy & Social Change

  • SWOA 701 Advocacy - 3 Credits
  • Choose Three From the Following: SWOA 703, SWOA 704, SWOA 707, SWOA 708, or SWOA 709 - 3 Credits
  • SOWK 701 and 702 Public Policy for Social Justice Course (1.5 credits in fall and 1.5 credits in spring) - 3 Credits
  • Choose One: SWCL 700 or SWCL 744 - 3 credits
  • One Clinical Methods Course (Any Course with an SWCL prefix) - 3 Credits
  • One Elective (Any 700 level course or SOWK 699) - 3 Credits
  • SWOA 794: Advanced Field Practicum I - 6 Credits
  • SWOA 795: Advanced Field Practicum II - 6 Credits

Curriculum Overviews

2024-2025 Curriculum Overviews

Please review the 2024-2025 Curriculum Overview based on your program. 

60-CREDIT HYBRID MSW PROGRAM

2024-2025 60-Credit Program Curriculum Overview

36-CREDIT ADVANCED STANDING Program

2024-2025 Advanced Standing Curriculum Overview

 

2023-2024 Curriculum Overviews and Plans of Study

These curriculum overviews and specialization checklists are the requirements for Traditional MSW Students and Advanced Standing students who entered in Fall 2023. PLEASE NOTE: The MSW Curriculum has undergone significant changes for students entering as Part-Time or Full-Time Foundation Students, as well as Part-Time Advanced Standing Students. The Plans of Study for each cohort are also included below.

TRADITIONAL MSW STUDENTS WHO ENTERED AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT

Refer to the 2023-2024 Foundation Curriculum Overview  for an overview of the entire program. You can also view a short video explaining our foundation program: Understanding the Fall 2023 Foundation Curriculum

TRADITIONAL MSW STUDENTS WHO ENTERED AS A PART-TIME STUDENT

Refer to the 2023-2024 Foundation Curriculum Overview for an overview of the entire program. You can also view a short video explaining our foundation program: Understanding the Fall 2023 Foundation Curriculum

ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS

Refer to the 2023-2024 Full-Time Advanced Standing Curriculum Overview for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for Advanced Standing students (those admitted with a BSW) who entered in Fall 2023 as Full-Time Students. The 2023-2024 Part-Time Advanced Standing Curriculum Overview will be added shortly.

For specific specialization requirements, use the following checklists:

 

2022-2023 Curriculum Overviews and Plans of Study

These curriculum overviews and specialization checklists are the requirements for Traditional MSW Students and Advanced Standing students who entered in Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Fall 2023. PLEASE NOTE: The MSW Curriculum has undergone significant changes for students entering as Part-Time. The Plans of Study for each cohort are also included below.

TRADITIONAL MSW STUDENTS WHO ENTERED AS A PART-TIME STUDENT

Refer to the 2022-2023 Curriculum Overview for Part-Time Students for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for those who entered as a Part-Time Foundation student in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.

TRADITIONAL MSW STUDENTS WHO ENTERED AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT

Refer to the 2022-2023 Curriculum Overview for Traditional MSW Students for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for those who entered in Fall 2022 as a Full-Time Foundation student. 

For specific specialization requirements, use the following checklists:

ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS

Refer to the 2022-2023 Advanced Standing Curriculum Overview for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for Advanced Standing students (those admitted with a BSW) who entered in Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Fall 2023. 

For specific specialization requirements, use the following checklists:

2021-2022 Curriculum Overviews
2020-2021 Curriculum Overviews

These curriculum overviews and specialization checklists are the requirements for Traditional MSW Students and Advanced Standing students who entered in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021

TRADITIONAL MSW STUDENTS

Refer to the 2020-2021 Curriculum Overview for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for those who entered in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 as Foundation students. 

ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS

Refer to the 2020-2021 Advanced Standing Curriculum Overview PDF for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for Advanced Standing students (those admitted with a BSW) who entered in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. 

2019-2020 Curriculum Overview

This curriculum overview and specialization checklists are the requirements for Traditional MSW Students and Advanced Standing students who entered in Spring 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020

Refer to the 2019-2020 Curriculum Overview for an overview of the entire program.  This is specifically for all students who entered in Spring 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020

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