Program Paths

Two-Year Full-Time

This full-time program is a traditional graduate program that combines classroom learning and applied experiential fieldwork. Courses are formatted in a linear and stepwise structure, beginning exclusively in the fall semester and continuing for two years. MSW students in the full-time program take four courses per semester, which cover social welfare history, policy, multi-level practice, social theories, research, and specialized content, along with electives.

Advanced Standing

This one-year program is designed for those students with a baccalaureate degree in social work (BASW/BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution. Email for more information.

Applicants that are interested in applying for the Advanced Standing Program must have:

– Graduated from a CSWE-BSW program within the last five years

*Summer 2025 summer intensive students (SIP) cannot apply for the Fall 2025 AS cohort

– A cumulative GPA of 3.5

– Additional references from your Field Instructor (Form) and Field Liaison (Form) (these will be requested after you submit your MSW application)

In the advanced year, students are in classes Thursdays and Fridays, and in the field Monday through Wednesday, completing 768 hours total.

Three-Year Weekend / Part-Time

The three-year weekend program is designed for those students who are currently working full-time in county child protective services so as to expand their knowledge, skills, and employability while working towards earning an MSW. Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays in order that working students do not have to leave their current employment. The program is highly competitive and only offered once every three years. The Part-Time program admits a limited number of students each year. The first year is just course work; then across the second and third years, there is a combination of fieldwork and coursework. Both programs are only offered as part of the Title IV-E stipend program.

Program Format, Coursework, and Field Work

The first year of the MSW program is considered the foundation year and is designed to provide the knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice. The foundation year prepares students for entry-level social work practice in a variety of settings, working with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. Courses cover multi-level practice, social welfare history, policy, ethics, research, and social theories.

In the second year, students enter a chosen specialization and follow an advanced curriculum. The specializations are Behavioral Health, Children & Families, and Health & Aging. The advanced curriculum builds specialized knowledge across practice methods, policy, theories, and electives applicable to a variety of settings and populations. In addition, second year students complete a Culminating Experience, that is, an independent thesis or classroom-based research project. Graduates are prepared to enter advanced professional practice, fortified with specialized knowledge and skills, to engage in leadership, apply effective interventions, and to advance social work for social justice across a variety of populations and with communities.

In the first year, students are in the classroom for three days per week (Monday through Wednesday), and in the field for two days (Thursday, Friday), completing 512 hours in total. In the advanced year, students are in classes Thursdays and Fridays, and in the field Monday through Wednesday, completing 768 hours total. It should be noted that the process for obtaining a field placement begins typically in early summer (e.g., May); students who accept admission will be contacted about the field orientations and protocol for entering into their first placement. See Field Practicum for information about what to consider about field requirements.

The following is a sample schedule for the traditional and extended degree options. The courses and schedules are subject to change. Also, electives vary year to year and they are designed to augment the core curriculum so that students develop even more specialized knowledge and skills. Please note 206, 252, 296 refer to Behavioral Health; 207, 253, 297 refer to Children & Families; and, 208, 254, 298 refer to Health & Aging.

Full-Time Coursework: Year 1

Generalist

For Two-Year Full-Time Program

Weekend or Part-Time Coursework: Year 1