Master of Social Work

Program Overview

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Hawaii Pacific University's MSW program prepares students to become advanced generalists in social work with a focus on cultural competence. The program emphasizes field work, specialization options, and a commitment to social and economic justice. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in social work and have a high rate of employment in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) prepares graduates to become advanced generalists in social work with a focus on culturally competent practice. The program provides students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for advanced practice and leadership in the field.

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Objectives:

• Prepare graduates who will demonstrate competence in social work practice at an advanced level with client systems of all sizes.
• Prepare graduates who will be able to work effectively with diverse populations in multicultural settings.
• Prepare graduates who understand the social contexts of social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including the changing nature of those contexts, and who advocate for social and economic justice.
• Promote the values and ethics of professional social work in the program and in its graduates' practice.
• Develop in graduates an appropriate foundation for and valuing of lifelong learning, leadership, and generation of knowledge.

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Program Description:

The MSW program at HPU is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in social work theory and practice. The curriculum includes coursework in social work research, policy, practice, and field work. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of social work, such as child welfare, mental health, or gerontology. The MSW program at HPU is offered in a variety of formats, including full-time, part-time, and online. The full-time program can be completed in two years, while the part-time program can be completed in three years. The online program can be completed in four years.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The MSW program at HPU covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Social work theory and practice
• Social work research
• Social work policy
• Field work
• Specialization areas

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Course Schedule:

The MSW program at HPU typically follows a semester schedule. The following is a sample course schedule for the full-time program:

• Fall Semester:
• Social Work Research
• Social Work Policy
• Social Work Practice I
• Field Work I
• Spring Semester:
• Social Work Theory
• Social Work Practice II
• Field Work II
• Specialization Course
• Summer Semester:
• Field Work III
• Specialization Course

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Individual Modules:

In addition to the core coursework, students in the MSW program at HPU also have the opportunity to take elective courses in a variety of areas, including:

• Child welfare
• Mental health
• Gerontology
• Substance abuse
• Social justice

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The MSW program at HPU uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Simulations
• Field work

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Faculty:

The MSW program at HPU is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty have a wide range of expertise in social work, including theory, practice, research, and policy.

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Unique Approaches:

The MSW program at HPU has several unique approaches that set it apart from other programs. These approaches include:

• Emphasis on cultural competence: The MSW program at HPU emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in social work practice.
Students are taught how to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Field work component: The MSW program at HPU includes a significant field work component.
Students are placed in field placements where they can gain hands-on experience in social work practice.
• Specialization options: The MSW program at HPU offers students the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of social work.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the MSW program at HPU are prepared for a variety of career paths in social work, including:

• Social work practitioner
• Social work administrator
• Social work researcher
• Social work educator
• Social work policy analyst

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the MSW program at HPU have a wide range of opportunities for employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Health care
• Education
• Mental health
• Child welfare
• Gerontology
• Social services

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Outcomes:

Graduates of the MSW program at HPU have a high rate of employment in the field of social work. The program's graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths and have a strong track record of success in the field.