Southern is the only campus in the Connecticut State University System to offer the Bachelor of Social Work degree, the Master of Social Work degree and the Doctor of Social Work degree, taking students as far as they would like to go in the field. Coursework includes collaborative research opportunities with a wealth of field practice opportunities in the city of New Haven and throughout Connecticut.
Department of Social Work Programs
The Master's of Family Therapy (MFT) program at Southern provides a unique learning environment where students practice skills that elicit systemic change within individuals, relationships, and the larger community. Our approach is hands-on. With a small 15/1 student/core faculty ratio, students are mentored in small supervision groups and go on to be clinicians, leaders and innovators within the field. Graduates work in agencies, schools, and private practice, or go on to complete doctoral studies.
The dual degree program in the Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies (MSW/MA) allows students to prepare for clinical social work practice while exploring and applying research and theory in women’s and gender studies. Academic coursework, field practice experiences, and mentoring relationships afford interdisciplinary opportunities for integrating methods of scholarly inquiry, critical problem solving, and leadership development.
The undergraduate bachelors in Social Work degree prepares students for entry-level professional social work positions and for advancement to graduate social work education. The social work faculty, with extensive experience in clinical and policy practice, is committed to providing a rigorous yet supportive learning environment with small classes and collaborative research opportunities. Students enjoy a wealth of field practice opportunities in the City of New Haven and throughout Connecticut.
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate that prepares master’s-level social workers for leadership in agency or academic settings. DSW students enhance their practice through evaluation and translational research. A self-designed externship of 180 hours expands students’ experience in one of the following areas of focus: Advanced clinical practice University teaching Leadership and management.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares clinical social workers in a specialized field of practice. The MSW curriculum is designed to encourage innovative responses to human and social needs. 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. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).