Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Southern Connecticut State University is an innovative program that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1982. This program is designed to prepare social workers as agents of change, qualifying them for professional social work positions and for taking the Connecticut LMSW examination.

Program Overview

The MSW program offers flexible program plans tailored for both traditional full-time students and adult learners, including evening, hybrid, and online options. Guided by professional knowledge, skills, and values, social workers practice ethically and effectively with a wide range of people and entities, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Program Goals

The MSW program is dedicated to preparing social workers who:

• Identify as social workers with a commitment to the values and goals of the profession.
• Practice with cultural humility, cultural responsiveness, and respect for diverse populations.
• Seek innovative solutions to human and social needs.
• Pursue lifelong learning and professional development.
• Collaborate with local and global communities in building an inclusive and just society.

Program Features

The program offers several key features, including:

• Fully online option
• Small classes, flexible scheduling: Classes are scheduled evenings, weekends, and one weekday per week, and students typically come to campus no more than twice per week. Students may take up to 50% of credits per semester online.
• Highly regarded, expert faculty
• Practicums: The university has hundreds of practicum opportunities throughout Connecticut, and the Practicum Education office will arrange the practicum with consideration for geographical preferences and professional goals.
• Customizable program duration: The program may be completed in two or three years of full-time study, including 950 hours of supervised practicums. Employed students are strongly encouraged to choose the three-year program plan.

Program Tracks

The MSW program offers several tracks, including:

• Standard MSW: 60 credits over two or three years (three years for employed students)
• Advanced Standing: For qualified BSW graduates, 33 credits over one or two years (two years for employed students)
• Dual Degree Option: MSW/MA in Women's & Gender Studies, 72 credits over three years (45 credits for Advanced Standing)

What is Social Work?

Social workers serve people of all ages, identities, cultures, and backgrounds in areas such as child welfare, criminal justice, education, health and mental health, legislative advocacy, migrant services, military social work, and many other areas. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the region and in the U.S.

Concentrations

The MSW program offers concentrations in:

Social Work, M.S.W. - Clinical Practice

This concentration promotes the health, development, recovery, and community integration of persons who are living with emotional distress, mental illness, substance use, and/or the absence or loss of positive relationships with their environments.

Social Work, M.S.W. - Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy, and Leadership

This concentration promotes the personal and social development of people in their communities based on the values of social justice, human rights, and full access to social participation.

MSW Advanced Standing Program

The MSW Advanced Standing program is designed for applicants who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program within the past six years. This program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or in two academic years of full-time study. Employed students are encouraged to select the two-year plan.

Careers

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 shortly after graduation.

Accreditation

The MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). MSW graduates qualify for professional social work positions and for taking the Connecticut LMSW licensure examination.