Southern's Master of Social Work (MSW) innovative program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1982 and will help you to qualify for professional social work positions and for taking the Connecticut LMSW examination. Flexible program plans are tailored for both traditional full-time students and adult learners, including evening, hybrid, and online options. Guided by professional knowledge, skills, and values, social workers practice ethically and effectively with a wide range of people and entities, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Our MSW program is dedicated to preparing social workers who identify with the profession and its core values and goals. These professionals practice with cultural humility, demonstrating cultural responsiveness and respect for the diverse populations they serve. They are committed to seeking innovative solutions to address the various needs of society, always pursuing lifelong learning and professional development. Furthermore, they actively engage with local and global communities to contribute to the creation of an inclusive and just society.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares social workers who:
- Identify as social workers with a commitment to the values and goals of the profession.
- Practice with cultural humility, cultural responsiveness, and respect for diverse populations.
- Seek innovative solutions to human and social needs.
- Pursue lifelong learning and professional development.
- Collaborate with local and global communities in building an inclusive and just society.
Program Features
- Fully online option
- Small classes, flexible scheduling: Classes are scheduled evenings, weekends, and one weekday per week, and weekends, and students typically come to campus no more than twice per week. Students may take up to 50% of credits per semester online.
- Highly regarded, expert faculty
- Practicums: Southern has hundreds of practicum opportunities throughout Connecticut, and the Practicum Education office will arrange your practicum with consideration for your geographical preferences and professional goals.
- Customizable program duration: May be completed in two or three years of full-time study, including 950 hours of supervised practicums. Employed students are strongly encouraged to choose the three-year program plan.
Program Tracks
- Standard MSW: 60 credits over two or three years (3 years for employed students)
- Advanced Standing: For qualified BSW graduates. 33 credits over one or two years (2 years for employed students)
- Dual Degree Option: MSW/MA in Women's & Gender Studies; 72 credits over three years (45 credits for Advanced Standing)
What is Social Work?
Social workers serve people of all ages, identities, cultures, and backgrounds in such areas as child welfare, criminal justice, education, health and mental health, legislative advocacy, migrant services, military social work, and many other areas. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the region and in the U.S.
The SCSU's Department of Social Work is among the first social work programs in Connecticut. Guided by a tradition of access and excellence, we provide programs that span the social work career.
Concentrations
Social Work, M.S.W. - Clinical Practice
Promote the health, development, recovery, and community integration of persons who are living with emotional distress, mental illness, substance use, and/or the absence or loss of positive relationships with their environments.
Social Work, M.S.W. - Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy, and Leadership
Promote the personal and social development of people in their communities based on the values of social justice, human rights, and full access to social participation.
MSW Advanced Standing Program (33 credits)
MSW applicants who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program within the past six years may apply to the MSW Advanced Standing program. Advanced Standing students have demonstrated competencies in generalist social work in their BSW education, and they advance to the specialized courses and practicum in MSW - Clinical Practice, or MSW - Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy and Leadership.
The MSW Advanced Standing program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (summer, fall, and spring semesters) or in two academic years of full-time study (two fall semesters and two spring semesters). Employed students are encouraged to select the two-year plan.
Students complete their specialized practicum of 550 hours (about 18 hours per week) during the fall and spring semesters of their final academic year.
Applicants to the MSW Advanced Standing program complete the regular MSW application process, and in addition, they submit:
- Their senior-year field evaluation (the final evaluation for BSW graduates or the fall semester field evaluation for current BSW students).
- For applicants who completed their BSW degree outside the U.S., documentation from the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service
Careers
MSW graduates are qualified for professional social work positions in public and private agencies at the local, state, and national levels and for applying for the State of Connecticut LMSW Licensure Examination shortly after graduation.
School / College
College of Health and Human Services
Department
Social Work