Master of Social Work Degrees

The Master of Social Work degree program is a cohort model with small classroom sizes and professors who have expertise in the practice. Our program faculty have experience working in mental health, addictions, forensic social work, clinical practice, macro social work, research, and more.

About the Program

The purpose of the social work profession is 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 purpose of social work is actualized 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.

Emphasis/Degree Options

The Master of Social Work degree program offers two options:

• Foundation: a two-year program with 74 credits, requiring 1050 hours of supervised training across practicum and internship experiences.
• Advanced Standing: a one-year program with 44 credits, requiring 600 hours of supervised training in an internship experience.

Career Options

Professional social workers are found in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Mental health clinics
• Senior centers
• Elected office
• Private practices
• Prisons
• Military
• Corporations
• Public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need They often specialize in one or more of the following practice areas:
• Alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, substance abuse treatment centers
• Child welfare (abuse and neglect; adoption, foster care)
• Clinical - Private Practice (therapist, mental health, addictions, family, divorce)
• Community Organizing
• Forensic Social Work (jails, prisons, courts, public defenders, district attorney, alternative defense, specialty courts)
• Geriatric facilities (nursing homes, home health, Alzheimer's units)
• Hospice & Palliative Care (end of life care)
• International Social Work (United Nations, WHO - global social work; economic stress; liberation, community organizing)
• Military & Veterans services (United States & International)
• Medical Social Work (inpatient and outpatient hospitals, health clinics, specialty clinics)
• Police Department (co-responder, crisis intervention, therapist)
• Psychiatric Social Work (mental health centers, medical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals)
• School Social Work (public or private schools K-12)
• Trauma and Violence (combat, sexual violence, human trafficking, refugee, natural disaster)

Academic Requirements

Social Work: Foundation

• A two-year program with 74 credits
• Requires 1050 hours of supervised training across practicum and internship experiences
• Classes are held in person on CMU's Main Campus in Grand Junction, Colorado
• Master of Social Work classes for fall/spring are held Tuesday and Thursday (approximately 8-4), Faculty Supervision (times vary between 7am and 5pm), and Summer classes are held Monday through Thursday (approximately 9-12)

Social Work: Advanced Standing

• A one-year program with 44 credits
• Requires 600 hours of supervised training in an internship experience
• Advanced Standing Applicants must have earned a social work degree from a CSWE Accredited program within five years of admission
• Advanced Standing Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 400 hours of practicum experience during their BSW program
• Classes are held in person on CMU's Main Campus in Grand Junction, Colorado
• Master of Social Work classes for fall/spring are held Tuesday and Thursday (approximately 8-4), Faculty Supervision (times vary between 7am and 5pm), and Summer classes are held Monday through Thursday (approximately 9-12)

Projected Growth

The social work profession is expected to experience significant growth, with a projected increase of 13% in the number of social workers. Social workers are recognized as one of the core mental health professions, and they play a crucial role in promoting social welfare, helping people overcome their unique challenges, and advocating for social and economic justice.

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.