The MSW Curriculum has been carefully developed based upon our mission, goals, and objectives with particular attention given to the requirements of our accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). We have taken into account the perceived needs of graduate students, as well as requirements for graduate education of our institution. Students will be required to proceed through the curriculum as it is sequenced below. Courses are offered once per year. The program is based upon a full-time graduate credit load and does not have a part-time option.
Students in the Traditional (TR) MSW program will be required to completed 60 credits spread over two calendar years, with 11 credits each in fall and spring semesters and 8 credits in the summer semesters. The TR program includes 40 credit-hours of classes and two 10-credit field education placement in a supervised practicum setting. The practicums will run each year from January to July. (See the Field Education section of the website for more information.)
Students in the Advanced Standing (AS) MSW program will take 32 credits spread over one calendar year, beginning with a 2-credit seminar in the summer, followed by 11 credits each in fall and spring semesters, and 8 credits in the final summer semester. The AS program includes 22 credit hours of classes and one 10-credit field education placement in a supervised practicum setting. The practicum will run from January to July. (See the Field Education section of the website for more information.)
All students will complete an MSW Capstone Project, rather than a thesis, as a comprehensive and integrative demonstration of their learning. This project will be carried out in conjunction with the Concentration Year field practicum and is to be completed and presented in the final semester of the program. (See description at the bottom of this page.)
Foundation year courses constitute 30 credits of study, which includes 10 credits of Field Education in a supervised practicum. Courses are taken fall, spring and summer terms. Click on course numbers for descriptions.
Students in both the Traditional and Advanced Standing Programs take 30 credits in their second year, which includes 10 credits of Field Education in a supervised practicum. Courses are taken in fall, spring, and summer terms. A 3-credit elective is also included in the 30 credits and may be taken when it best fits the student's schedule. Click on course numbers for description.
Instead of completing a thesis, MSW students plan and carryout an applied, evidence-based capstone project in their field education practicum site during their last two semesters. Each student will develop a research poster about their project which will be displayed at a forum near the end of their program. More information is provided in the following documents.
