Program Requirements for Completing the Master of Social Work Degree

Students are required to complete a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours; thirty (30) hours are taken in the foundation curriculum and thirty (30) hours are required in the concentration curriculum.

The foundation curriculum provides evidence-based knowledge, behaviors and skills for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. 

Students must follow a structured program of study that includes all of the following foundation courses (30 credit hours):

§  7001   Social Work Practice Skills (3)

§  7002   Individuals and Families (3)

§  7003   Group, Organization, Community (3)

§  7005   Psychopathology (3)

§  7021   HBSE I: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)

§  7022   HBSE II: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)

§  7025   Scientific Methods (3)

§  7030   Social Welfare Policy (3)

§  7051   Field Placement I (3)

§  7052   Field Placement II (3)

The concentration curriculum allows students to extend the basic knowledge gained in the foundation to a more focused advanced evidence-based practice with families and children.  Both the foundation and concentration portions of the program emphasize evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills.

Upon successful completion of all foundation courses students student move to the concentration curriculum, which includes all the following courses (30 credit hours).

§  7004  CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) & Behavioral Intervention (3)

§  7009  Child Welfare Best Practices (3)

§  7010  Violence and the Family (3)

§  7011  Mental Health and Disabilities (3)

§  PADM 7612  Program and Policy Evaluation (3)

§  7053   Field Placement III (3)

§  7054  Field Placement IV (3)

§ Three Electives (3 credits each for a total of 9 credits)

To accommodate a wide range of student needs, the MSW program of study offers options for full-time (4 semesters of study; 60 credit hours) and extended study (6 to 8 semesters of study; 60 credit hours).  Regardless of progression through the program, the educational components of each sequencing option are the same. The concentration curriculum is generally full-time (2 semesters), although students may choose to extend (3 to 5 semesters).  All MSW students follow the same learning expectations for field education, take the same comprehensive exam at the conclusion of the program, and meet the same requirements for graduation.