Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The University of Montana offers a 60-credit graduate study program leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The program admits approximately 25 MSW students annually and is designed to prepare practitioners for the challenges of social work in rural contexts.

Program Structure

The program is offered in two formats: a two-year full-time and a three-year part-time program. Core MSW courses are scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays to limit the time students need to be on campus. The intensive two-day course schedule is designed to promote an integrative learning experience, accommodate students commuting from other parts of the state, and facilitate the arrangement of the practicum experience.

Practicum Experience

Students complete 900 hours of practicum for the generalist and specialization years. The Practicum Coordinator assists students commuting in developing a practicum experience in their home community.

Generalist Year

The generalist year provides content and learning experiences related to:

• Social work values and ethics
• Diversity
• Populations-at-risk
• Social and economic justice
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Human behavior
• The social environment
• Social welfare policy and services
• Generalist social work practice
• Research
• Field education

Specialization Year

The specialization year emphasizes applying advanced integrated practice and deepens students' knowledge and skills in:

• Direct practice
• Social policy analysis
• Program evaluation
• Organizational leadership The specialization year is structured to respond to the individual professional goals of adult learners. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a graduation strategy that addresses student plans for a professional portfolio, practicum learning experiences, and elective courses.

Integrated Practice

The UM MSW program prepares practitioners for the challenges of social work in rural contexts, where social workers are often involved in creating and delivering innovative programs and services. Integrated practice comes to life in the work of our students and alums, who bring their diverse practice experiences to bear in the classroom for hands-on integration of theory and practice.

Student Background

The MSW program draws students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, ranging from nursing, education, and creative writing to history, sociology, political science, and social work. This diversity of educational experience in the arts and sciences adds to the richness of the learning environment and the preparation of integrated social work practitioners.