Program Overview

Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program educates social workers as competent and compassionate agents of change who, guided by professional knowledge, skills, and values, practice ethically and effectively with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates of the MSW program hold professional social work positions in public service and in private agencies and qualify for the State of Connecticut Master-Level Social Worker License (LMSW).

Program Objectives

The MSW program prepares 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 Structure

The MSW program (60 credits) 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.

Accreditation

The MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

MSW Degrees

The Department of Social Work offers the following MSW Programs:

• MSW and MA in Women's & Gender Studies, Dual Degree
• MSW Concentration in Clinical Practice
• MSW Concentration in Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy, and Leadership

Non-Matriculated and Post-Graduate Students

Non-matriculated Social Work students may take up to 9 credits in the following courses: SWK 510, 550, and 551. Social workers who hold an MSW degree may enroll in any Social Work course except practicum seminar and capstone classes (SWK 570, 571, 574, 575, 576) on a space-available basis with permission of the MSW program coordinator.

Advanced Standing Program

The MSW Advanced Standing Program (33 credits) is designed for applicants who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program within the past six years. Advanced Standing students have demonstrated competencies in generalist social work in their BSW education and advance to the specialized courses and practicum in MSW Clinical Practice or MSW Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy, and Leadership.

Program Structure

The MSW Advanced Standing program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (summer, fall, and spring semesters) or in two academic years of full-time study (two fall semesters and two spring semesters). Employed students are encouraged to select the two-year plan. Students complete their specialized practicum of 550 hours (about 18 hours per week) during the fall and spring semesters of their final academic year.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MSW Advanced Standing program complete the regular MSW application process, and in addition, they submit:

• Their senior-year field evaluation (the final evaluation for BSW graduates or the fall semester field evaluation for current BSW students)
• For applicants who completed their BSW degree outside the U.S., documentation from the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service