Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is designed to align with the university's land-grant public service mission, as well as the educational policy statement of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Goals

The goals of the MSW program are to:

• Prepare students with the professional knowledge, skills, values, and ethics for effective social work practice
• Prepare students to utilize critical thinking and capacity building skills at all levels of social work practice
• Prepare students to analyze and address dynamic issues and challenges facing diverse populations and to promote social justice and positive social change
• Prepare students to conduct and utilize research to respond effectively to dynamic social contexts, issues, and problems found in social work practice
• Assist and support faculty in the advancement of social work knowledge, teaching, and service
• Develop and participate in collaborative activities with social agencies, communities, organizations, and governments that will enhance student learning, enrich faculty research and teaching, and promote human and societal well-being

Program Objectives

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for professional social work practice, with a focus on:

• Critical thinking and capacity building
• Analysis and addressing of dynamic issues and challenges
• Promotion of social justice and positive social change
• Conducting and utilizing research in social work practice
• Collaboration with social agencies, communities, organizations, and governments