Program Overview

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program at Pacific Lutheran University is designed to prepare students for a career in social work, with a focus on health and healthcare settings. The program is offered in two pathways: regular standing and advanced standing.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.S.W. program is based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic preparation, work and volunteer experiences, and potential contributions to the classroom experience, the social work profession, and social justice. The requirements for admission are:

• Regular Standing:
  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting organization
  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Advanced Standing:
  • Bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
  • GPA in social work courses of 3.0 or higher and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Application Materials

The following materials are required for application:

• Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
• A personal essay
• A resume or vita
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal interview (optional)
• Application fee

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the M.S.W. program are:

• Regular Standing: 60 semester hours
  • SOCW 505: Human Behavior & the Social Environment (4)
  • SOCW 510: Social Work Theory & Practice I (4)
  • SOCW 515: Social Work Theory & Practice II (4)
  • SOCW 525: Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Equity in SW Practice (4)
  • SOCW 532: Social Work Research Methods (4)
  • SOCW 555: Social Work in Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 560: Mental Health Assessment & Intervention (4)
  • SOCW 565: SUD Assessment & Intervention (4)
  • SOCW 570: Comparative Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 573: Policy Practice & Advocacy in Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 576: Practicum I (4)
  • SOCW 586: Advanced Practicum II (4)
  • SOCW 596: Advanced Practicum III (4)
  • SOCW 500+ electives (8)
• Advanced Standing: 36-40 semester hours
  • SOCW 525: Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Equity in SW Practice (4)
  • SOCW 535: Advanced Social Work Foundations (4)
  • SOCW 555: Social Work in Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 560: Mental Health Assessment & Intervention (4)
  • SOCW 565: SUD Assessment & Intervention (4)
  • SOCW 570: Comparative Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 573: Policy Practice & Advocacy in Health Care (4)
  • SOCW 586: Advanced Practicum II (4)
  • SOCW 596: Advanced Practicum III (4)
  • SOCW 500+ electives (4)

Course Descriptions

The following courses are offered in the M.S.W. program:

• SOCW 505: Human Behavior & the Social Environment
• SOCW 510: Social Work Theory & Practice I
• SOCW 515: Social Work Theory & Practice II
• SOCW 525: Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Equity in SW Practice
• SOCW 532: Social Work Research Methods
• SOCW 535: Advanced Social Work Foundations
• SOCW 555: Social Work in Health Care
• SOCW 560: Mental Health Assessment & Intervention
• SOCW 565: SUD Assessment & Intervention
• SOCW 570: Comparative Health Care
• SOCW 573: Policy Practice & Advocacy in Health Care
• SOCW 576: Foundation Practicum Experience I
• SOCW 586: Advanced Practicum Experience II
• SOCW 591: Independent Study
• SOCW 596: Advanced Practicum Experience III

Transfer Credits

Up to 18 credits may be transferred into the regular standing program, and up to 12 credits may be transferred into the advanced standing program. Transferred courses must fulfill PLU M.S.W. course requirements and learning outcomes.