Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Colorado Mesa University is designed to promote human and community well-being, guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry. The program aims to actualize its purpose through its quest for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, the creation of conditions that facilitate the realization of human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of life for all persons, locally and globally.

Program Overview

The MSW program has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is currently in the process of seeking accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program prepares students for a wide range of social work practice areas, including:

• Addictions & Substance Use Treatment
• Child Welfare
• Clinical & Private Practice
• Forensic Social Work
• Geriatric Social Work
• Hospice & Palliative Care
• International Social Work
• Medical Social Work
• Military & Veterans Services
• Police & Crisis Intervention
• Psychiatric Social Work
• Public Health & Policy
• School Social Work
• Trauma & Violence Response

Program Requirements

The MSW program offers two options: Foundation and Advanced Standing.

• MSW Foundation Program: This is a two-year program that requires 74 credits with 1050 hours of practicum/internship training. It is open to all students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
• MSW Advanced Standing: This is a one-year program that requires 44 credits with 600 hours of internship training. It is open to all students who have completed a baccalaureate of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited university within the last five years.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MSW program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior: Demonstrate ethical decision-making, professional demeanor, and the ability to manage personal and professional value conflicts.
2. Engage in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice: Demonstrate anti-racist social work practice, cultural humility, and the ability to apply critical reflexivity, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice: Advocate for human rights, engage in practices that advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and address inequalities and inequities.
4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice: Apply research findings to inform and improve practice, policy, and programs, and identify strategies for using quantitative and qualitative methods of research.
5. Engage in Policy Practice: Assess how social welfare policies affect the delivery of and access to social services, and apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Apply knowledge of human behavior and person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies.
7. Assess with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Apply knowledge of human behavior and person-in-environment, and other culturally responsive multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks when assessing clients and constituencies.
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Engage with clients and constituencies to critically choose and implement culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions to achieve mutually agreed-on practice goals.
9. Evaluate with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities: Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes, and critically analyze outcomes to improve practice effectiveness.

Important Information

• The MSW program allows for licensure (e.g., LCSW) in all 50 states.
• MSW Program acceptance is required prior to enrollment.
• Please see the program website for specific admission requirements.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.