MSW programs
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2014 ADMISSION: December 16, 2013
(Admission is in Fall only)
All application materials must be received by the School of Graduate Studies by close of business (4:30 p.m.)
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
The Master of Social Work program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education, provides students with specific knowledge and skill for advanced clinical
practice of social work. The graduate will be prepared for leadership roles in the social
work profession. Graduates will be qualified for employment by both public and private
agencies on local, state and national levels. The curriculum is designed to encourage
innovative responses to human and social need.
PLAN OF STUDY
The MSW curriculum is a sixty-credit program. The first year is structured to provide
the student with a generalist base of practice. The student is required to demonstrate
beginning skills and competence in the foundations of social work practice with individuals,
families, small groups, communities, and organizations.
The second year is structured around the student's area of specialization in one of
the following specializations: Elders and Families; Children and Families; Co-occurring
Disorders/Mental Health and Substance Abuse; or School Social Work. Two or three year
plans of study are available. If a student completes the program in two years, each
semester is a 15 credit semester. If a student chooses a three year plan, some semesters
will have a lower credit load.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants for the MSW Program need to complete all admissions materials required
by the School of Graduate Studies and the Social Work Department. All applications are due by December 16, 2013. Admissions materials are available online under the "MSW Application Materials and
Information" tab on the left-hand side of this page. Applicants may call the Social
Work Admissions Office at (203) 392-6624 with any questions. Applicants are responsible
for insuring that application files are complete.
It is understood that student continuance in the social work program is contingent
upon positive on-going faculty evaluation of academic performance in real and/or simulated
professional training situations, and on the appropriateness of responses, attitudes,
and behaviors consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics and with the standards of acceptable
social work practice.
ADVANCED STANDING POLICY
An applicant who is a graduate of an accredited B.S.W. Program within the last 6 years
is eligible for advanced standing. If approved for advanced standing, the following
courses upon evaluation may be waived: SWK 510, 550, 551, 532, 533, 534, 570, and
571. Advanced Standing students may choose a two or three year plan of study. The
minimum number of graduate credits required for an advanced standing student is 39.
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK - CLINICAL PRACTICE
The first year of the program prepares students for generalist social work practice.
Social work ethics, values, foundation knowledge, professional roles, skills and tasks
are emphasized. The second year will prepare students for advanced clinical practice.
Client growth, development, rehabilitation and coping will be addressed.
Core Requirements - Generalist, first year
Fall (15 credits)
SWK 510 - Social Welfare Policies and Delivery Systems
SWK 521 - Contemporary Issues in Substance Abuse (1.5 credits)
SWK 537 - Social Work Supervision (1.5 credits)
SWK 532 - Theory and Practice I - Individuals
SWK 550 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
SWK 570 - Generalist Social Work Field Practicum I
Spring (15 credits)
SWK 533 - Theory and Practice II - Groups
SWK 551 - Diversity, Oppression and Social Functioning
SWK 552 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (Psychopathology)
SWK 561 - Social Work Research Methods
SWK 571 - Generalist Social Work Field Practicum II
Field of Practice - Specialization, second year
Fall (15 credits)
SWK 548 or 549 Advanced Family Practice
SWK 572 - Practicum III and Thesis Proposal
One advanced policy course or elective
One advanced specialization course
Spring (15 credits)
SWK 573 - Practicum IV and Thesis
SWK 534 - Theory and Practice III - Organizations & Communities
One advanced policy course or elective
One advanced specialization course