MSSW Program
The MSSW program includes 60 credit hours of coursework and 900 clock hours of supervised practicum internship. You’ll choose from two concentrations: Clinical Social Work or Administration and Policy Practice. Within each concentration, you will tailor your academic experience around your interests and career goals. Participation in a certificate program focused on a specialized area of practice is encouraged, offering the opportunity to deepen expertise, receive focused mentorship, and strengthen career readiness to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Curriculum
Foundation
The foundation curriculum prepares students for generalist social work practice and develops knowledge of and identification with the social work profession. Students learn about social work values, ethics and practices; populations at risk; human behavior and the social environment; dynamics of organizations and communities; social welfare policy and services and research methodologies. Regardless of the student’s choice of concentration, the program emphasizes commitment to diverse populations, social and economic justice and the advancement of the knowledge-base of the profession.
Concentrations
Clinical Social Work
This concentration gives you the knowledge and skills for ethical, evidence-based, strengths-based and culturally responsive clinical practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Course content includes clinical assessment and diagnosis, group treatment, and electives in clinical practice such as treatment of traumatized populations, attachment, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Administration and Policy Practice (APP)
This concentration gives you the knowledge and skills for ethical and culturally responsive practice in human service organizations such as federal, state and community-based agencies, for profit and nonprofit organizations and foundations.
Course content includes strategic partnerships, information systems, management, program evaluation, grant writing, advanced policy practice and organizational leadership.
Certificate Program
Our five certificate programs allow you to transform your program into a powerful career asset. These certificates, built into your MSSW journey, give you the chance to specialize, gain expertise, and set yourself apart in the job market.
Choose one of our in-demand certificate programs to match your passion and career goals:
While earning your MSSW degree, you’ll complete targeted coursework and a practicum designed around your chosen certificate area, equipping you with real-world skills and experience that employers value. You will have the opportunity to graduate with both an MSSW degree and a certificate in a specialized area of practice.
Flexible Program Options
We offer multiple pathways to earn your MSSW degree on a timeline that fits your life and career goals:
- Post-BSW Program: If you hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, you can complete the MSSW in just over a year through this fast-track option.
- Full-Time Program: For students without a BSW, the degree is completed in two years as a full-time student.
- Part-Time Program: Spread your coursework over three to three and a half years, allowing you to balance your personal and professional commitments.
| Program options | Semesters | Typical credit-hour load per semester | Start | Total credit hours |
| 1-year program for BSW degree holders: 42-hour program 48-hour program | 4 | 6-15 | Summer | 42-48 |
| 2-year program | 4 | 15 | Fall | 60 |
| 3-year program | 6 | 9-12 | Fall | 60 |
| 3-and-half-year program | 10 | 6-9 | Fall | 60 |
No matter your path, you’ll graduate with a rigorous MSSW degree that prepares you for advanced practice, and the flexibility to shape your studies around your goals.
Please note:
- For financial aid considerations, full-time status in the MSSW program is 12-credit hours or more.