Program Description

The Master of Social Work program prepares students to provide professional clinical social work services in the areas of mental health; medical social work; and children, families, and aging services. The curriculum includes online courses and hands-on clinical field practicums within community agencies. Students are prepared to be culturally informed clinical practitioners, to conduct multi-dimensional assessments, and to provide specialized, evidence-based practice interventions with individuals, families and groups. The program prepares clinical social workers to advocate for populations experiencing oppression and discrimination by critically examining systems, developing and changing policies, advocating for social justice, and increasing access to services in their specialization areas. The program promotes clinical social work excellence through emphasizing lifelong learning, professional development, service, networking, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

The program has three specialization options for students to take specialized courses and complete an advanced field practicum in the areas of: Mental Health; Medical Social Work; and Children, Families, and Aging Services.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of their program, the student should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2.  Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3.  Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
4.  Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
5.  Engage in Policy Practice
6.  Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7.  Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8.  Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9.  Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Potential Occupational Titles

Potential occupational titles for this program include, but are not limited to, Adoption Social Worker, Adult Protective Services Worker, Behavioral Health Therapist, Case Manager, Case Worker Supervisor, Child Protective Services Supervisor (CPS Social Worker), Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, Disaster Response Social Worker, Domestic Violence Advocate, Family Protection Specialist, Family Resource Coordinator, Family Service Worker, Forensic Social Worker, Foster Care Social Worker, Home Health & Hospice Social Worker, Gerontology Social Worker, Hospice Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, Mental Health Social Worker, Oncology Social Worker, Pediatric Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker  Psychosocial Coordinator, Residential Therapist, Residential Treatment Coordinator, School Social Worker, Social Work Case Manager, Social Worker, Substance Use Disorder Clinician, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Therapist, VA Social Worker, Victim Advocate, Youth Specialist

NOTE: Individuals considering the Master of Social Work program should be aware that state certification/ licensure requirements and eligibility to apply for certification/licensure vary from state to state. While certification/licensure is not a requirement for certain types of jobs, in some states, it may be required for any positions titled ‘Social Worker’ and to refer to yourself as a Social Worker in professional settings.

Program Content

A minimum of 60.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.